How To Sign Your California Title

The person (or persons)* listed on the front of the title must follow these steps, unless otherwise noted:

Print your name (or names)* on the back of the title where it says “Seller’s Printed Name”.
Sign your name (or names)* on the back of the title where it says “Seller’s Signature”.

To help with your donation, we have showcased the various California vehicle titles below as well as annotated on each title where to print and sign your name. To enlarge an image, simply click on the image. Questions? Give one of our friendly Title Clerks a call at (866) 233-8586.

This is a Sample of CA-Certificate-Of-Ownership-Vessel-REG-17.31-6-10-Front | Goodwill Car Donations

This is a Sample of CA-Certificate-Of-Ownership-Vessel-REG-17.31-6-10-Reverse | Goodwill Car Donations

This is a Sample of CA-Certificate-Of-Ownership-Vessel-REG-17.31-9-89-Front | Goodwill Car Donations

This is a Sample of CA-Certificate-Of-Ownership-Vessel-REG-17.31-9-89-Reverse | Goodwill Car Donations

This is a Sample of CA-Certificate-Of-Ownership-Vessel-REG-17.31-10-03-Front | Goodwill Car Donations

This is a Sample of CA-Certificate-Of-Ownership-Vessel-REG-17.31-10-03-Reverse | Goodwill Car Donations

This is a Sample of CA-Certificate-of-Title-REG.-17.30-12-94-Front | Goodwill Car Donations

This is a Sample of CA-Certificate-of-Title-REG.-17.30-12-94-Reverse | Goodwill Car Donations

This is a Sample of CA-Certificate-of-Title-REG.-17.30FF6-10-Reverse | Goodwill Car Donations

This is a Sample of CA-Certificate-of-Title-REG.-17.30FF10-03-Front | Goodwill Car Donations

This is a Sample of CA-Certificate-of-Title-REG.-17.30FF10-03-Reverse | Goodwill Car Donations

Note: Actual title designs may vary slightly from the images shown above.

Official California Government Links & Contact Info

Contact the State of California – Department of Motor Vehicles: 1-800-777-0133

Contact the State of California – Department of Motor Vehicles, Title Division: 1-800-777-0133

California Vehicle Titles: How To For Multiple Owners

If there is more than one owner listed on the title, one or both must sign it depending on how the names appear. See the below chart for details.

Remember, the name used to sign the title must match the name shown on the title exactly. Therefore, always remember to print/sign your name exactly as it is shown on the title.

John Doe OR Jane Doe	If “OR” is present between the names, only one of the owners must sign the title.
John Doe AND/OR Jane Doe	If “AND/OR” is present between the names, both owners must sign the title.
John Doe AND Jane Doe	If “AND” is present between the names, both owners must sign the title.
John Doe Jane Doe	If there is nothing present between the names, both owners must sign the title.

Please take note to adhere to the below instructions so as not to void your title.

Do not use markers or pencils. Only blue or black pen are allowed.
Do not cross out or strikethrough any text or writing.
Do not use white-out or similar substances.
Do not rip, tear, or tape the title.
Do not doodle on the title.

Still have questions? Feel free to give us a call at (866) 233-8586.

Last Updated: November 2nd, 2022