Yes, two people can absolutely be on a car title. This is a common practice known as co-ownership, typically used by spouses, family members, or business partners. The most critical decision you'll make is how to structure this ownership, as it has significant legal and financial implications, primarily determined by the conjunction between your names. The two main options are "AND" or "OR."
If the title lists your names with "AND" (e.g., John Doe AND Jane Doe), this generally creates a form of joint ownership where both parties must sign the title to sell or transfer the vehicle. This offers protection but can be inconvenient if one owner is unavailable. If the title uses "OR" (e.g., John Doe OR Jane Doe), either owner has the legal authority to sell the car independently. This is more flexible but carries more risk.
The ownership type is crucial. The default for most married couples is Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship (JTWROS). This means if one owner passes away, their share automatically transfers to the surviving owner, avoiding probate. The alternative, Tenancy in Common (TIC), allows each owner to will their share to someone else, which is less common for family members.
The process involves filling out the application for title with both owners' full legal names and specifying the desired ownership type. The DMV will then issue a new title reflecting this. Before proceeding, consider the implications for loans, insurance, and liability. If there's an outstanding loan, the lender must agree to add a co-owner.
| Ownership Type | Signature Required to Sell | Survivorship Rights | Common Use Case |
|---|
| Joint Tenancy (JTWROS) | Both owners | Automatic transfer to survivor | Spouses, family members |
| Tenancy in Common (TIC) | Both owners | Share becomes part of owner's estate | Business partners, unmarried co-owners |
| "OR" on Title | Either owner | Depends on registration with state | High-trust situations for convenience |
