In Virginia, you must be 18 years old to legally have a car titled in your name.
Legal Age for Vehicle Ownership in Virginia
For individuals to independently own and title a vehicle in Virginia, they must have reached the age of legal majority, which is 18 years old. This requirement stems from the legal principle that minors (individuals under 18) generally lack the capacity to enter into binding contracts, such as purchasing a vehicle or taking on the responsibilities associated with its title.
Why 18 is the Standard Age
The age of 18 is widely recognized across most states, including Virginia, as the minimum age for an individual to legally sign contracts. A vehicle title serves as a legal document of ownership. Therefore, to be listed as the sole owner on a vehicle's title, you must be of legal contractual age.
What If You're Under 18?
If you are under 18 and wish to have a car you use regularly, the vehicle's title typically must be placed in an adult's name. This adult is generally a parent, guardian, or another responsible adult. They will be the legal owner of the vehicle.
Here are the common arrangements for minors and vehicle ownership:
- Adult Title Holder: An adult (e.g., parent) will purchase the car and hold the title in their name.
- Minor as a Driver: While the adult holds the title, the minor can be listed as a driver on the vehicle's insurance policy. This allows the minor to legally drive the car, provided they hold a valid Virginia driver's license.
- Co-Ownership (with an Adult): In some cases, a minor might be listed as a co-owner alongside an adult on the title. However, the adult remains primarily responsible for the vehicle, as the minor cannot independently enter the title agreement.
Key Age Requirements for Vehicle Ownership
| Requirement | Age |
|---|---|
| To legally title a car in your name in VA | 18 |
| To obtain a provisional driver's license | 16 |
Understanding these age requirements is crucial for anyone looking to own or drive a vehicle in Virginia, especially for younger drivers.
For more information on vehicle titling and registration in Virginia, you can visit the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
