If i am the registered owner, according to DMV does that mean I hold the title?

Free Insurance Comparison

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Asked May 30, 2018

1 Answer


There is a difference between having your name on the registration and the title, unfortunately. Just because your name is officially on the registration, as the owner, that does not mean that you are the title" owner.

The registration portion is required by the state. That means you are showing proof that you are paying any fees required and other such things. Usually, the title process does go hand-in-hand with the registration, but it can be overlooked. A lot of people assume that because they have registered with the state, legally, that they are now the official owner with the title. That is not true.

Did your soon get the car from someone? Is your son taking over the responsibilities of the car from someone in the family? Regardless of what is happening, your son will need to register with the DMV and get the title paperwork filled out.

The one thing I would do is talk to the insurance company. Does your son currently have his own insurance policy? Does he have something separate from you and the other members of the family? Talk to them. Find out whose name is on the registration. That is the name that needs to be in the title.

Once you do that, then go to the DMV and fill out the paperwork. Every DMV operates differently, according to state rules. Your DMV in California should have information on getting the title put in his name.

The only reason why your son would not have to have the title in his name is that he is co-owner of one of your other policies. I am guessing that is not the case with you. Make sure you bring all the necessary paperwork for the title. Failure to do so will result in a delay. Your son cannot do any more driving until the title and registration are both in his name.""

Answered June 1, 2018 by teddyx

Free Insurance Comparison

Compare quotes from the top insurance companies and save!

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption