DMV Now Accepts Digital Signatures For Car Purchases

CALIFORNIA — Californians can now have a paperless car buying experience using their computer or phone.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles is accepting digital signatures for vehicle purchases, the agency announced this month.

"The DMV has been validating a secure electronic process since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) updated its regulations to allow digital signatures for odometer disclosures in September 2019," officials said.

Before the move to go paperless, drivers had to submit paper with handwritten names and wet ink signatures. Online transactions also had to be finalized with an in-person signature at a dealership — but times are changing.

“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 in a statement. “Buyers can now complete their purchase from anywhere – no ink or paper required.”

The process is now fully electronic and aims to reduce time-consuming paperwork for dealership and their customers. The move also maintains consumer protections and fraud prevention measures, which are required by law.

The option is currently only available for new car purchases through certain dealerships, websites and apps but it could extend to all vehicle sales in the future.

"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."

DMV customers are still encouraged to use online services to complete transactions, including eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. Californians can also now renew their driver’s license online — even if the renewal notice says that an office visit is required. People can use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn about options to complete DMV tasks.

Californians can fill out the online application and upload their documents before visting a DMV location for a new REAL ID. People can bring their confirmation code and documents with them to a DMV office at their convenience, even the same day. Starting Oct. 1, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved document, like a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board U.S. flights and access secure federal facilities and military bases.

More information is available at REALID.dmv.ca.gov.

SEE MORE: California's REAL ID Deadline Approaches: What To Know