No, a minor cannot hold a car title in their name alone in Nebraska. State law requires an individual to be at least 19 years old—the age of majority in Nebraska—to enter into a legally binding contract like the one for a vehicle title. For a minor to get a car, an adult co-owner, typically a parent or legal guardian, must be listed on the title.
The primary reason is contractual law. A vehicle title is a legal document representing ownership, and minors are not considered legally capable of assuming the responsibilities it entails. To facilitate the purchase, the title must be issued with an adult as a co-owner. The most common method is using "AND" on the title (e.g., "Parent AND Minor Child"). This means both parties own the vehicle jointly, and the adult shares legal and financial responsibility.
When the minor reaches the age of 19, the process to remove the co-owner is straightforward. The adult co-owner simply signs the title over to the now-adult individual, who then applies for a new title in their name alone. This transfer is usually exempt from sales tax since it's considered a gift between family members.
Here is a summary of the key requirements:
| Requirement | Description | Key Document(s) |
|---|
| Age of Majority | Must be 19 years old to hold title solo. | Nebraska State Statute |
| Co-Ownership | An adult (19+) must be listed as a co-owner on the title. | Form 6 - Application for Certificate of Title |
| Title Format | Use "AND" (not "OR") to signify joint ownership. | The issued Certificate of Title |
| Post-Turn-19 Transfer | Adult co-signer signs title over; new owner applies for title alone. | Signed-off title, Form 6, gift affidavit |
The process involves completing the Application for Certificate of Title (Form 6) at your local Nebraska County Treasurer's office, presenting proof of insurance, and paying the applicable title and registration fees. It's highly recommended to visit the DMV with the adult co-owner to ensure all paperwork is completed correctly from the start.
