can someone be added to a car title

[DeclanFitz]

Yes, you can add another person to a car title. This process, often called "adding a co-owner," is handled by your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It involves submitting an application for a new title that reflects the change in ownership. The exact procedure, required forms, and fees vary by state. It's a common step for spouses, family members, or business partners who are jointly purchasing a vehicle or want to share ownership.

The most critical decision is how you and the other person will hold the title. The two main types are Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship (JTWROS) and Tenancy in Common. With JTWROS, if one owner passes away, their share automatically transfers to the surviving owner without going through probate court. With Tenancy in Common, each owner can pass their share of the vehicle to a beneficiary of their choice through their will.

To start the process, you'll typically need the current title signed over by the existing owner(s), a completed application form from your state's DMV, and a valid form of identification for all new owners. You will also need to pay a title fee. If there is an outstanding loan on the car, the process is more complex. The lienholder (the bank that holds the loan) must agree to the change and will need to be involved, as their name is on the current title.

Consideration	Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship (JTWROS)	Tenancy in Common
Primary Benefit	Avoids probate; ownership automatically transfers to survivor.	Each owner can will their share to any heir.
Common Use Case	Married couples, family members.	Business partners, unmarried co-owners.
Control Over Share	Survivorship rights are fixed; cannot be willed separately.	Individual owners can sell or will their share independently.
Liability	Vehicle can be subject to claims against either owner's debts.	Similar liability exposure.
Process Complexity	Standard option on most DMV forms for multiple owners.	May require specifying on the title application.

Before proceeding, consider the implications. Adding someone makes them a legal owner, which means their signature will be required for any future sale or transfer. It also means the vehicle could be considered an asset if either owner faces legal or financial issues like a lawsuit or bankruptcy.

[RichardLynn]

My husband and I just did this when we bought our new SUV. We went to the DMV together with the purchase paperwork. The clerk asked us how we wanted to be listed on the title—"and" or "or." We chose "and," which means we both have to sign to sell it later. It was a simple form and cost us about $50. Took less than 30 minutes. Definitely do it at the time of purchase if you can; it's easier than changing it later.

[LeJohnny]

Think carefully before you do this. Adding a name to a title isn't just about sharing a car; it's a legal transfer of partial ownership. That person gains rights to the vehicle and it becomes part of their assets. If they have credit issues or get sued, your car could be caught up in that. It's a great tool for estate planning between spouses, but for others, a simple notarized permission letter to drive might be a safer bet than a full title change.