The ownership of a vehicle can be established by the name on the title.Most states will allow more than one person to claim ownership.Equal rights to the car or truck for you and your partner will be created if you add a name to a vehicle that already has your name listed.The process of adding a spouse to a car title is easy, but there are requirements and fees that vary from state to state.
Step 1: You need a copy of the title.
To add your spouse's name to your vehicle, you will need the title.If there is a liens against your vehicle, you may not have possession of your title.A debtor's legal right to sell his or her property is called a liens.If you haven't paid off your car completely, the lender may hold the title to it.Ask the lienholder about adding your spouse's name if you have a liens on your vehicle.The liensholder will have no problem with this.Adding a name to the title makes the added party liable.Most states require that the lienholder fill out a form if they grant permission to add your spouse.Depending on your state, these forms will vary.You can find the form for your state by calling the local Department of Motor Vehicles.If you lost the title to your car, you can apply for a new one.Look at your state's requirements and visit your local office to get a replacement.You should be able to find your state's requirements online.If your spouse is a family member, you can submit a statement of facts which will exempt the requirement for the latest smog test when you change ownership.California allows you to have paperless title.You need a California Certificate of Title or an Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title.
Step 2: If you want to sell the vehicle, sign the title back as if you are doing so.
The process of changing the names on the title is the same as if you were selling your car to yourself and your spouse.The title should be written on the line.You have to sign the title in front of a person.If this is required in your state, look online.During regular business hours, visit any local bank if you have to sign in front of a notarial.If you have an account, most banks don't charge a fee for notarization.A small fee may be charged if you don't have a bank account.You may have to list the vehicle's mileage on the title.Requirements vary from state to state.Some states require you to include an additional information on the title, while others don't.Forms and state-specific information can be found online.
Step 3: Pick the right conjunction.
There is a distinction between using "and" or "or" between the names of new owners."And" means that both parties must sign to conduct any business with the title in Kansas, Tennessee, and Connecticut.Either party can take responsibility.If you want both partners to approve anything done with the car title, use "and" if your state makes this distinction.
Step 4: You can print out your names as buyers.
The title has your name and your spouse's name on it.If you want the names to appear on the new title, write them down.You and your spouse should both sign the title after printing your names.Your state may require you and your spouse to sign a document.You can find your state's requirements online.While your spouse only needs to sign as the buyer, you should sign both as seller and buyer.
Step 5: Get a Transfer of Title form.
This can be downloaded from the website.You can find the correct form online.
Step 6: The form has to be completed.
Most states will simply ask for basic information about you and the person you are transferring the title to.You should include your name and address.Both your information and your spouse's information will be put in as the transferee when you fill out this form.
Step 7: Pay the fee if you submit the form.
Mail or take the form with your old title to the Department of Motor Vehicles.If you don't need an appointment, it will cut down on your wait time.You should be prepared to pay the transfer fee.When you transfer your title, most states charge a small fee.The fee is usually under $50 in most cases.
Step 8: Your vehicle registration should be updated.
Adding your spouse's name to your registration information can be done in some states.New York requires you to register the car separately for each person on the title.This can require additional paperwork.To find out what the requirements are in your state, check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles.You have to do this within five days of adding your spouse.You can submit a notice of transfer and release of liability online in some states.If there are any parking violations, traffic violations or civil litigation for the vehicle before the title is recorded, it will be attributed to the new owner.The liability for the vehicle would be added to the spouse.
Step 9: Inform your insurance company.
Inform your insurance company that a new name has been added to the title.A current and accurate copy of the title is required by your insurance company.If your spouse is already covered by your insurance policy, adding his or her name to the car title shouldn't affect your rates or policy.If your spouse is not covered by your policy, you will need to add him or her, or make sure that their own policy is covered.