To add someone to a car title, you must transfer ownership by completing the title certificate's assignment section and submitting the necessary paperwork to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This process, often called "adding a co-owner," legally changes the names listed on the vehicle's title. The exact requirements and forms vary by state, but the core steps involve signing the current title, obtaining a new registration, and paying applicable fees and taxes.
The most common method is a "gift" transfer to a family member or adding a co-owner like a spouse. You'll typically need:
- The original, signed car title.
- A completed Application for Certificate of Title.
- An Odometer Disclosure Statement.
- A Bill of Sale or a Gift Affidavit (if applicable).
- Proof of auto insurance for the new owner(s).
- Payment for title transfer and registration fees.
You must correctly complete the "assignment of title" section on the back of your current title. This includes printing the new owner(s) names and the sale price or marking it as a gift. Both you (the current owner) and the person you are adding must sign in the designated areas. Mistakes or missing signatures will cause the DMV to reject your application.
A critical decision is how to hold the title. The two primary ways are:
- Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship: This is common for spouses. If one owner passes away, full ownership automatically transfers to the surviving owner without going through probate.
- Tenancy in Common: Each owner holds a divisible 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, not necessarily the other owner.
After preparing the documents, you must submit them in person or by mail to your state's DMV. Some states allow electronic filing through authorized third parties. You will surrender the old title, and the DMV will issue a new one reflecting both names. Be prepared to pay state sales tax (unless it's a gift between immediate family members) and title/registration fees.
| State | Typical Required Forms | Gift Transfer Between Immediate Family? | Estimated Fee Range | In-Person Visit Usually Required? |
|---|
| California | Title Application (REG 343), Odometer Disclosure | Yes, with a Statement of Facts (REG 256) | $15 - $50 | Yes |
| Texas | Form 130-U, Gift Affidavit if applicable | Yes, tax exempt | $28 - $33 | Yes |
| Florida | HSMV 82040, Odometer Disclosure | Yes | $75 - $85 | Yes |
| New York | MV-82, DTF-802 (if tax due) | Yes, with Certification (MV-349.1) | $50 - $75 | Varies by county |
| Illinois | Form VSD 190, Certification of Residency | Yes | $95 - $155 | Yes |
