Color of title refers to a document or other instrument that appears to be a legitimate claim of title to a piece of land, but due to a title defect, cannot transfer or convey ownership. In other words, a person has "color of title" to a piece of property when, for one reason or another, the document evidencing title (a deed, for example) is invalid. Color of title is also known as “apparent title” since the document gives off an appearance of a valid title, but in reality, it is defective and invalid.
[Last updated in July of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]