The process of adding another owner to an existing vehicle title is pretty straightforward in most states.
You essentially “sell” partial ownership of the car from yourself to yourself and the other person. This transfers legal rights over the vehicle to joint ownership between both parties.
Video: How To Add Someone To a Car TitleThis establishes joint ownership of the vehicle title between you and whoever was added. Below, we explain the add-name-to-title process in detail, including rules for signatures, injunctions, lienholders, insurance, fees, and more, based on an analysis of top guides.
Before starting the process to add a co-owner to your vehicle title, it helps to understand common motivations. There are a variety of reasons why joint ownership with someone else may be desirable:
Married couples, partners, family members, and roommates often share a vehicle. Adding names establishes joint ownership and control over the car’s use and expenses. Both parties have equal rights.
Some add spouses or children to simplify estate planning upon death. Joint titles allow vehicles to directly transfer to survivors and avoid probate.
Two names on the title lead to both being insured drivers. This grants liability and legal coverage when operating the vehicle. In certain cases, it can lower policy costs.
Occasionally joint owners with better credit scores are added to help qualify for auto loans or achieve preferable interest rates.
Parents sometimes include kids’ names on titles with the intent to eventually sign over full ownership as a gift. This can be risky as it grants permanent partial rights.
When adding someone to your car title, there are important considerations regarding joint ownership, conjunctions used, and lienholder approval if financed.
Understanding these elements will ensure a smooth title transfer process at the DMV. Signing the correct areas of title applications properly conveys intended ownership rules.
Double check your state DMV website as some may need extra paperwork like a vehicle bill of sale, safety inspection certificate, or registration renewal. Requirements are similar to initially titling a car.
Next, you must complete the title transfer application which adds the new owner’s name and signs over partial rights.
Check local conjunction rules when transferring ownership rights to understand requirements going forward if one owner becomes unfit to consent to future vehicle transactions.
Yes, it is possible to add someone to a vehicle title even if they are not listed as a borrower on the loan.
However, consent from the lienholder is still required in most states prior to updating ownership documents.
The lender technically retains rights to the car until the full loan balance is satisfied. They want to confirm any new individuals on the title can also cover the remaining debt if necessary.
Certain states classify lenders as “legal owners” while buyers are “registered owners” during the financing term. So permissions from the lienholder is commonly needed regardless.
Once paid off, the car can be freely joint titled with anyone without lender approval.
With paperwork complete, forms must be filed with your state’s DMV to obtain an updated title showing joint ownership. Standard materials to bring include:
Typical fees to add a name are $20 to $50 depending on your state. Certain situations like spouse additions may waive fees. Check state DMV for costs.
Once the DMV processes materials and verifies signatures, a new title will be mailed showing joint ownership between owners. Turnaround averages 15 business days.
Along with the title, naming a new owner on your existing registration or policy may also be required depending on state:
Failing to update liability insurance with the additional driver’s info can risk potential gaps in coverage after accidents or other issues. Contact your provider regarding coverage.
And that covers the overall process if you need to add someone’s name for shared ownership. Visit your state DMV website for specifics on conjunctions, forms, fees to finalize joint rights. Adding an additional owner can simplify future decisions if health conditions worsen or other ownership issues later arise.
Reach out with any other title transfer questions!