How to sign your California title when selling your vehicle

The registered owner of the vehicle should complete the easy following steps:
  1. Always, sign your name on the front of the title on line “1a” (Signature of registered owner)
  2. If your vehicle is less than 10 years old, sign your name in the odometer section at the bottom where it reads “Transferor/Seller Signature”
If there is more than one owner of the vehicle, both must sign the title.Click to enlarge 

How to get a duplicate title for my vehicle

If the vehicle was last titled in a state other than California, you must apply for a duplicate title in the previous state in which the vehicle was last titled.The registered owner of the vehicle should complete the following steps:
  1. Fill out form REG227 Application for Duplicate Title.
  2. You can choose to do one of the following options: Bring your duplicate title application your local California DMV office, or, Mail your application to the California division of motor vehicles at:
Department of Motor VehiclesRegistration OperationsPO Box 942869 MS E169Sacramento, California 94269-0001Please note that there may be up to a two to six week waiting period. The cost to obtain a new title is $19.00 paid to the California Department of Motor Vehicles