DMV ALLOWS DIGITAL SIGNATURES FOR NEW CAR SALES

 

New paperless option allows Californians to buy a new car from anywhere

As of April 2, 2021, the California Department of Motor Vehicles now accepts digital signatures for vehicle purchases. This allows Californians to use a completely paperless car buying experience from their computer or smartphone.

The California DMV has been validating a secure electronic process in other applications such as odometer disclosures since September 2019. That is when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) updated its regulations to allowed that use. Previously, these disclosures were required to be handwritten names and wet ink signatures – even if the transactions were initiated online. The final signature had to be performed in-person, traditionally at a dealership.

“By taking advantage of available technology and the updated federal rules, we are able to provide this new option that can significantly change the way customers buy a car,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said. “Buyers can now complete their purchase from anywhere – no ink or paper required.”

With this new option, Californians now can utilize a fully electronic process that will reduce time-consuming paperwork for dealerships and their customers, while still maintaining consumer protections and fraud prevention measures required by law. At this time, the online signature option is only available for new cars through certain dealerships, websites and apps. The goal is to eventually extend the practice to all vehicle sales.

“The DMV is in the midst of a major digital transformation to reduce paper and provide more services online,” Gordon said. “Enabling fully digital vehicle sales and titling securely online is the latest way we’re improving DMV customer service.”