Reader’s Question:

Can I legally own a vehicle and get insurance for it?

Alice

Good question Alice.

It actually depends upon the law of the state at what age an individual may legally have ownership of a motor vehicle. State laws may differ from one state to the next regarding the age they will allow an individual to own a vehicle.

Generally a juvenile cannot make a contract and cannot be a sole owner of a vehicle. Normally a teenager cannot actually own property. Technically his/her parents own that property.

There can be exceptions to this and it still again depends on the state laws. For example Arizona has an emancipation statute for minors over 16 who can show they are sufficiently mature enough to take care of their own financial and other health-related affairs. If the order is granted to the minor, then he/she would then be able to enter into contracts for the purchase of property like cars.

Those states that will allow a minor to register a car will normally need a parent or guardian to sign on any legal documents or contracts since they are still a minor. It is stated by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) that if you are under the age of 18 and want to register a vehicle, your parent or legal guardian must complete a minor consent form. You will need to be accompanied by your parent or guardian when you appear in front of the Clerk of Courts title office staff to have a vehicle titled in your name.

Goodluck!

MariCAR