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HomeCommercial CodeDiv. 7Ch. 1§ 7104 Negotiable Documents Of Title

§ 7104 Negotiable Documents Of Title

Commercial Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 7104 Negotiable Documents Of Title

This law says a paper that proves ownership of goods can be passed to someone else only if it says the goods go to whoever holds the paper or to a specific person’s order, unless the paper clearly says it can’t be passed on.

Key Takeaways

  • •A document is transferable only if it says the goods go to the holder (bearer) or to a named person's order.
  • •If the document says the goods are for a specific person but does not meet the bearer/order rule, it cannot be transferred.
  • •A big, clear "non‑negotiable" notice on the document makes it non‑transferable no matter what else it says.

Example

A shipping company gives a bill that says "Deliver the toys to Jane Smith" and does not have a big "non‑negotiable" notice.

Because the paper says the goods go to a named person, Jane can give the paper to another buyer and that buyer can claim the toys. If the paper had a big "non‑negotiable" label, no one could transfer it.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 7104 Negotiable Documents Of Title

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (c), a document of title is negotiable if by its terms the goods are to be delivered to bearer or to the order of a named person. (b) A document of title other than one described in subdivision (a) is nonnegotiable. A bill of lading that states that the goods are consigned to a named person is not made negotiable by a provision that the goods are to be delivered only against an order in a record signed by the same or another named person. (c) A document of title is nonnegotiable if, at the time it is issued, the document has a conspicuous legend, however expressed, that it is nonnegotiable. (Repealed and added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 254, Sec. 49. Effective January 1, 2007.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

document of titlenegotiablenonnegotiablebearerorder of a named personconspicuous legendbill of lading

Related Statutes

  • § 7102 Document Of Title Definitions
  • § 7601 Lost Document Replacement Orders
  • § 3109 Bearer And Order Payments
  • § 10101 Uniform Commercial Code Leases
  • § 10102 Hybrid Lease Application

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Commercial Code. Section 7104.
View Official Source