California Title Support

How To Sign A California Title

For any questions about how to sign a title for your specific donated vehicle, please contact the purchasing vendor which is usually the auto auction yard. Please note, the purchaser of your donated vehicle is not the charity. It will either be the vendor or Charitable Adult Rides & Services.

1. In the upper portion of the title, the registered owner's (seller's) name must be printed. Under the words that say "I certify under penalty of perjury" there are two signature lines that the owner (seller) or co-owners must sign and date.

2. In the section below owner (seller) signature, the odometer reading must be recorded. There are two boxes that can be checked if the odometer reading is inaccurate or exceeds the mechanical limits.

3. Below the odometer information, under the words that say "I certify under penalty of perjury" another signature is required certifying the above information to be correct.

4. If there is a lienholder, it will always be listed on the front of the title at the very bottom under "Important Read Carefully." If there is a lienholder on the sale or transfer, denote their information and signature below the seller information.

Helpful Tips

In the state of California, the odometer information can be omitted only if the vehicle is over 20 years old. Otherwise this section is mandatory.

Haven't donated yet? We can help you find a fantastic California nonprofit to donate to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When do I cancel my insurance?

A. Only cancel your vehicle's insurance AFTER your vehicle has been picked up and you have notified the state that you’ve donated your vehicle. If your state requires notification, please be aware that you should never cancel your insurance prior to reporting to the state you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. This is a general rule for States/Motor Vehicle Departments that require Notification be submitted or license plates returned.

Q: Who is considerd the purchaser of my vehicle donation? Is it the nonprofit or charity?

A. The purchaser of your donated vehicle is NOT the nonprofit or charity. It will either be the vendor or Charitable Adult Rides & Services, the vehicle donation program provider and partner of your nonprofit of choice.

Q. What is State Notification?

A. State notification releases the vehicle donor from liability over the vehicle, including registration fees and from having to keep the vehicle insured, after the vehicle is picked up. State notification is a way for the state to create a record that the owner is no longer in possession of the vehicle. The steps needed to release your liability of a donated vehicle vary by state.

Q. Who is supposed to take care of the state notification process?

A. If state notification is required, only the donor and/or owner of the vehicle can complete this process. Please do not rely on the pick-up driver or vendor to report to the State/Motor Vehicle Department that you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. If you need support, please contact the vehicle donation support team at donorsupport@careasy.org or call 855-500-7433. We would be happy to assist you.

If you have additional questions, please visit our vehicle donation FAQS.

If you would like assistance with your vehicle donation, please contact us here.

For more information on vehicle release or general DMV questions, contact your local Motor Vehicle Division.