can two people own a car title

[LeIsabel]

Yes, two people can absolutely own a car title together. This is a common practice, typically for married couples, family members, or business partners. The process is straightforward when purchasing a new or used vehicle from a dealer, as you simply provide both names for the title application. The critical decision is how you hold the title, as this determines what happens if one owner passes away. The two primary methods are Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship (JTWROS) and Tenancy in Common.

With Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship, the most common choice for spouses, the surviving owner automatically inherits the deceased owner's share of the vehicle. This avoids the need for the car to go through probate court. In contrast, Tenancy in Common means each owner holds a distinct, transferable share (e.g., 50/50 or 70/30). If one owner dies, their share becomes part of their estate and is passed on to their heirs according to their will, not automatically to the other co-owner.

The method of ownership is usually indicated on the title itself with a designator like "AND/OR" or "AND" between the names. "AND/OR" typically implies JTWROS, giving either owner the right to sell the vehicle independently. "AND" often requires both signatures for a sale. It's crucial to clarify this with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), as laws vary. Co-ownership can simplify estate planning but requires clear communication, especially if the relationship is not marital.

Ownership Method	Key Feature	Probate Process	Common Use Case
Joint Tenancy (JTWROS)	Survivorship clause; Automatic transfer	Avoided	Married couples, long-term partners
Tenancy in Common	Definable shares; No automatic transfer	Required	Business partners, friends, family with separate heirs
"AND/OR" on Title	Either owner can sell/transfer	Varies by state	Indicates flexible control
"AND" on Title	Both owners must sign for sale	Varies by ownership method	Indicates shared control

[Rosa]

My wife and I did this when we bought our SUV. At the dealership, we just told them we wanted both our names on the title. They handled the paperwork. It was simple. The big thing they asked was how we wanted to be listed. We chose the "or" option, which means either one of us can sell the car or get a loan against it without needing the other's signature. It makes life easier for errands or if one of us is traveling. For a married couple, it’s definitely the way to go.

[DelVincent]

Beyond convenience, titling a car in two names is an estate planning tool. Opting for a joint tenancy with rights of survivorship ensures the vehicle transfers directly to the co-owner upon one owner's death, bypassing the delay and expense of probate court. This is a crucial consideration for a major asset. However, it also means both owners' credit can be impacted by the associated loan. It's a significant financial link that shouldn't be entered into lightly with a business partner or a friend.

[McKhloe]

From a purely practical standpoint, co-ownership can be a double-edged sword. While it's great for sharing the cost, it introduces complexity. If you need to sell the car, both parties must agree and sign the title. If one person has bad credit, it can affect the loan terms for both. If the relationship sours, untangling the ownership can become a major headache. It works best when there's a high level of trust and a clear, written agreement on responsibilities like payments, maintenance, and primary usage.