Other Family Issues

questions & answers

Question: My daughter's father bought a new car fo her 17th birthday but it is registered in my(mother) name Now she moved to boyfriends house and there are many problems. Do I have to sign title over to her?

Answer: For help with your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney.  

There is nothing that prevents a minor from holding a title to a vehicle.  However, all vehicles must be insured if they are operated on Arizona streets or highways. Contracts with a minor are voidable, and, thus, insurance companies will generally not enter into a contract with a minor to insure a vehicle.  This means that simply signing the vehicle over might not solve all of the problems.

Since the father purchased it, you may have to sign the title over to him.  However, there isn’t a law that says you have to sign the vehicle over to your daughter.

Additionally, if a minor runs away from home or fails to obey a lawful order they may be prosecuted as an incorrigible child (A.R.S. § 8-201(15)(c)).  Some punishments for being found incorrigible include being fined, being put on probation, or being ordered to do community service.

For information on signing over the title of the vehicle, visit: http://azdot.gov/mvd/VehicleServices/Title/overview