Your California title is a legal document, and any errors in completing it could make it invalid—meaning you’d need to obtain a duplicate. To avoid delays or complications when donating, please carefully read all instructions and tips before signing.

Do Not Void Your California Title 

• Use only black or blue pen
• Do not use highlighter or white-out. 
• No scribbles, write-overs, strikethroughs, or tears
• Do not sing in the Dealer Reassignment section, unless you’re an authorized dealer
• Do not sign or fill out the back of the title

If your California title looks different from the example shown below, take a moment to review it closely before moving forward. The placement of the signature and printed name fields may vary, but you are still required to print and sign your name in the correct designated sections.

The person(s) named on the front of the California title must follow these steps:

1. 1. Sign the front of the California title where it reads “1.a SIGNATURE of REGISTERED OWNER.”
   2. Sign  on the front below the odometer section of the title where it reads “TRANSFER SELLER SIGNATURE”
   3. Print name(s) on the front where it reads “PRINTED NAME OF SELLER OR AGENT SIGNING FOR A COMPANY”
   4. If there is a lien listed on the California title, it must be released on line 2 at the bottom of the title or accompanied by a separate notarized lien release letter.

Signature Tips

The name(s) used to sign the California title must exactly match the name(s) shown on the title. If you have changed your name since the title was issued, do not sign with your new name. Go ahead and sign with the name shown on the title. 

If there are two owners on the California title, one or both must sign, depending on how the names appear in the title. 

• Owner 1 OR Owner 2 – Only ONE owner must sign
• Owner 1 AND/OR Owner 2 – BOTH owners must sign (unless one is deceased)
• Owner 1 AND Owner 2 – BOTH owners must sign
• Owner 1 Owner 2 (No conjunction) – BOTH owners must sign

Don’t worry about the Buyer line; you should leave that blank.

Replacement or Duplicate California Title

If you need a replacement California title before your car donation pickup, please visit the California DMV website.

• California DMV Replacement Title 

Final steps to complete my California car donation.

What do I do with my license plates?

• You can keep your plates, turn your plates in to the Department of Motor Vehicles, or transfer the plates to a different vehicle. Please contact the California DMV if you want to transfer your plates.

Is there anything else I need to do?

Complete the Notice of Transfer Reliese of Liability Form within 5 days of the pickup. The form can be found on the DMV website, at the DMV, or with AAA.