Vehicle title support
Car title help, state by state.
Your title is the document that proves you own your vehicle. To donate a car, you sign that title over so ownership can transfer. Signing rules vary by state, so find yours below for exact, step-by-step help.
What is a car title, and why sign it?
A vehicle title (sometimes called a “pink slip”) is the legal record of who owns a car. When you donate, signing the title transfers ownership to the buyer of the vehicle so it can be sold and the proceeds sent to your chosen nonprofit. Done correctly, it also releases you from future liability for the car.
How signing a title generally works
- 01
Confirm the title is in your name
The person signing should be the registered owner listed on the title. If the car has co-owners joined by “and,” every owner signs.
- 02
Sign and date the seller line
Print the owner's name and sign on the seller's signature line. Use blue or black ink and sign exactly as your name appears on the title.
- 03
Enter the odometer reading
Most vehicles need a current mileage reading recorded at transfer. Write the exact number and don't leave it blank.
- 04
Clear any lien
If a lender is listed, the loan must be paid off and the lien released before the title can transfer. The release is shown on the title or a lender letter.
- 05
Leave the buyer section blank
You don't fill in the buyer. Donated vehicles are sold through an auction or vendor, with proceeds going to your nonprofit, and that section is handled for you.
A few states require notarization
In some states the seller’s signature on the title must be notarized. If yours is one of them, don’t sign until you’re in front of a notary with a valid photo ID. Your state’s page below tells you whether this applies and walks you through it.
Lost or no title?
You can request a duplicate title from your state’s motor vehicle office. If you’re unsure about your title, call us anyway at 707-804-8779 — in many cases we can still help you donate.
Find your state’s title instructions
Choose your state for step-by-step signing instructions and local title rules.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- ArizonaNotary
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- KentuckyNotary
- LouisianaNotary
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- MissouriNotary
- MontanaNotary
- NebraskaNotary
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North CarolinaNotary
- North Dakota
- OhioNotary
- OklahomaNotary
- Oregon
- PennsylvaniaNotary
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- WyomingNotary
Ready when your title is.
Free pickup, paperwork handled, and the largest share of proceeds to your cause. Start online or call 707-804-8779.