Signing over a California title (pink slip)
The Certificate of Title proves who owns the car. In a private sale, the seller and buyer both fill it in.
Filling in the title
- The seller signs on the seller's line (line 1).
- The buyer fills in their name and address and signs.
- Write the odometer reading if the vehicle needs one (see below).
- Use ink and avoid crossing out. Corrections can make the DMV reject the title.
If the title is lost, stolen or damaged
Use DMV form REG 227 (Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title). The buyer pays a replacement title fee. If a lender is listed, its release must be notarized when REG 227 is used. A vehicle two model years old or newer with a lender cannot use REG 227: the replacement title has to come through the lender.
Odometer reading
Federal rules require the mileage on every transfer of a model year 2011 or newer vehicle for its first 20 years. Model year 2010 and older vehicles are generally exempt. If the title has no space for the mileage, use DMV form REG 262, signed by both seller and buyer. REG 262 is printed on security paper and comes from a DMV office, not a home printer.
Sold more than once on the same title
If the car changed hands more than once without a new title, each seller completes a REG 262.