According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles a 16 year old can be an owner of a vehicle but if they register the vehicle they will need to have the minimum Virginia liability insurance on the vehicle while the vehicle has valid license plates.

It is up to an insurance company whether they will write a policy for the 16 year old. Generally an insurance carrier will require a minor to have a parent or guardian sign with them on their insurance documents since they are legal documents.

The DMV did not state that a parent would need to be on the title or registration of a 16 year old minor however you may want to contact them directly to make sure you do not need a parent or guardian to sign with you on this paperwork.

If you are buying a car from a dealership it is likely that the dealer will also require a parent or guardian to sign or co-sign with you because normally when you sign on contracts as a minor the paperwork may not be binding unless an adult of this nature signs with you.

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