When buying a car, you will be given a temporary registration when you leave the dealership. If you only put your name on the contract when signing the papers, only your name will be on the title. However, are you able to add someone to the title after the fact? We have found the answer to that question for this article!
You can indeed add someone to the title of your vehicle, and it is pretty straightforward. Follow these steps to add someone to a vehicle title:
- Sign the back of the title as if you are selling it even though you are not.
- Print your name and the new person's name on the buyer section of the title.
- Have it notarized by a notary.
- Now go online and print a transfer of title form and fill it out.
- Submit the form online or at the DMV and pay the fee.
- Now, wait for your new title to come in the mail!
There are several reasons as to why you would want to add someone to your vehicle's title. Whatever that reason might be, as you can see, it's relatively easy to do so. First, however, this article will look at how the title works and how the process should go, so keep reading!
Can You Add Someone's Name To A Vehicle's Title?
The answer to this question is yes; you can add another person's name to a title. Sometimes, it is required that someone else's name be on the vehicle's title when they're not the registered owner.
For example, if you share your car with someone or have been gifted your vehicle from another person and want to add their name to the title, you can do so easily. You can also add a spouse, child, relative, or even friend to the vehicle title without any issues.
It's important to note that when someone else is added to the car's title, they are then regarded as having partial ownership of that vehicle until it is sold or given away.
Often this is helpful for many reasons. For example, if someone were to loan you their car temporarily but wanted their name on the title for insurance purposes, it's an easy fix. What about when someone gives you a vehicle as a gift? Add them on the vehicle title, and that's that!
Of course, there are some instances when you can't add a person's name to a vehicle's title. You cannot add a co-owner if they live in a different state or country, for example.
Also, you cannot add someone else to your car's registration if the vehicle is already titled with someone else and registered under their name. So if you already have your name on the title, that's something to keep in mind.
How To Add A Name To Vehicle Title
If you're wondering how to add someone to a car title, this is very easy. When filling out the vehicle registration papers, fill out the new owner information as if you were selling it even though you're not.
For example, let's say you want to add your sister's name to the title of a vehicle that is currently registered under your name and has been titled in your state. All you need to do is print out the bill of sale section of the car registration like normal, but then write down her information on the buyer section.
Now you need to notarize the document, and it can be submitted online or at your local DMV. Once this is done, you will receive a new title in the mail with both of your names on it! There are instances where adding someone's name to a vehicle's title cannot be done, but it should be pretty simple if you follow the steps above.
If you still need more information about this process or get stuck, reach out to your local DMV. They will be able to help you out with this scenario.
Who owns a car when two names are on the title?
If there are two names on a title, then technically, both parties own the vehicle. But, for example, if you go to sell the vehicle, both people will need to sign the title with a notary to hand over ownership.
When more than one person's name is on the vehicle title, it means different things depending on the situation. For example, if you're an unmarried couple who both live in the same household, you can fill out a power of attorney for each other, allowing you to drive the car legally.
If this is not the case and only one person is on the title, you can take care of this by filling out a bill of sale, which will allow you to transfer ownership of the car from one person to another.
In some situations, if there is any concern about legal issues, it may be best to have your attorney look over all paperwork before filing anything so that everything is done correctly.
Does a title have to be signed by both owners?
If there are two owners on the title, it must be signed by both. However, if you have a power of attorney or bill of sale in place, only one person needs to sign for the title.
So long as the legal paperwork has been filed, you can quickly transfer ownership of a car to more than one owner without any problems.
You can also have the title notarized with both people signing before selling the vehicle. You technically still own the vehicle until the new buyer signs the title.
For example, if your spouse is out of town and you will sell the car, then have the title signed and notarized prior. This way, if you come to terms with the new buyer, all they need to do is sign the title, and they technically own the car now.
Can someone else register my car at the DMV?
This depends on the state and its regulations. For example, some states will allow you to register a car on someone's behalf if they have all the proper documentation. However, some states require only the owner of the car to be able to register the vehicle.
So if you reside in a state that allows for this, then yes, someone else can register your car for you. But, of course, your name has to be on the title of the car.
However, it's essential to remember that some states will require more stringent documentation when registering a vehicle. If you are not physically present, you can have a power of attorney document notarized and provided. That way, the individual who is registering your vehicle for you does so with all proper documentation.
How do I register a vehicle without a title?
If you don't have the title for your car, then there's a chance it can be registered at your local DMV. Every state is different, but some will require more stringent documentation than others.
You will likely need to contact the previous owner and see if they have a title. If they don't, you will need to show ownership of the vehicle or bill of sale and request the state issue a new title.
So if you need to register a car without a title, be sure that someone at the DMV confirms that it's acceptable beforehand. The general rule of thumb is to have either a power of attorney or a bill of sale in place beforehand.
Can I sell a car without a title?
When you don't have the title for your vehicle, there are still ways to get cash. This is generally acceptable at most dealerships whether you have a power of attorney or bill of sale in place. However, some places may require more documentation than others.
You can also try selling your car to an individual, but they will likely want to look over the bill of sale in person. After they have purchased the vehicle from you, they will need to go back in and register it themselves.
In Closing
If you want to add someone to your vehicle's title, that shouldn't be a problem if you have the title in hand. You will need to do some leg work and fill out an application, but overall, it is pretty straightforward. If you don't have your title, contact your local DMV and see what you need to do to request a new one!
If you liked this article, then you should also check out:
How To Transfer A Car Title In California
Do Car Dealerships Deliver Cars? [Inc. Shipping Between States]
Have you added someone to your title in the past? Let us know how the process went below!