How To Remove a Co-Owner from a California Vehicle Title

If the circumstances in your life have changed recently, and you need to remove a co-owner from your vehicle’s certificate of title, don’t stress! The process is almost identical to a simple title transfer, and in this article, we’ll guide you through how to remove a co-owner from a California vehicle title.

There are several reasons for removing a co-owner from a title, including:

• Divorce
• Separation
• Choice
• Death

All the above are straightforward, with the exception of the death as a reason for removal. For the first three cases, follow along with this guide. If the passing of a loved one is the cause for removal, there are other factors to consider, which we will cover in a separate post.

To remove a co-owner, you must have the actual physical title on hand. The document must be in good condition, without any stains, rips, or corrections. If you’ve misplaced your title or if it’s been damaged, you must obtain a duplicate (replacement) title before you can take the next step. This is an easy process that can be done online with eTags in just a few minutes.

Order Your California Replacement Title Online

How To Remove a Co-Owner from a California Vehicle Title

Step 1. Check the Wording.

Before you begin the name removal process, you must first check how the names are joined on the front of the title. This is very important, and will determine how to proceed. The possibilities for how names are joined are AND, OR, and in some cases, just a / (slash mark).

• For a title that has AND between the two co-owner names, both parties must sign the title as Sellers. The person whose name is to remain on the title signs as the Buyer.
• For a title that has OR between the co-owner names, only one owner need sign. This person will sign both as Seller and as Buyer.

Special Considerations

1. If the title transfer is occurring between family members, the remaining owner may be exempt from paying use tax and from smog certification. See California DMV’s Statement of Facts (REG 256) for details.
2. If the transfer is not between family members, you will likely have to pay use tax as well as provide a current smog certificate. Check here for more information on smog inspections.
3. If you and your co-owner’s names are joined by an AND, and the other party refuses to sign, the transfer cannot take place. Your options are to try mediation, civil court order, or in extreme cases, hiring legal counsel.

Step 2. Sign Over the Title

Both the seller and buyer sections on the title must be completed.

• For AND conjunctions between the co-owners, both owners sign as Buyer, while the person whose name is staying on the title also signs as New Registered Owner.
• For OR conjunctions, only one owner can sign over the title. Meaning, the person who is keeping their name in the title can sign as both Seller and New Registered Owner.

Fill in all other relevant sections, including, address, license number, purchase date, and the odometer (mileage) reading if the vehicle is ten years old or newer.

Step 3. Gather Your Documents and Transfer Your Title

Make sure you have:

1. The signed-over title
2. The REG 256 (if applicable)
3. A smog certificate (if necessary)
4. A form of payment.

You have two options when transferring your title:

1. Walk into a local branch of the CA DMV and wait in line.
2. Visit us online at eTags.com and get the process done quickly and easily.

Transfer Your California Title Online with eTags

At eTags, we make it easy to remove a co-owner name and Transfer Your California Title to your name only. Visit us at your convenience and let our simple step-by-step prompts guide you through the process. And of course, if you need assistance at any time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our California vehicle title experts. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!