According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), CA laws state that any minor who does not possess a valid driver's license cannot order, purchase, lease, accept, or otherwise obtain any vehicle subject to registration (CA Vehicle Code 15500).
In CA you can get a provisional / learner's permit at 15 1/2 however you cannot take the road test and advance to a driver's license until the age of 16. So we believe that age 16 would be the minimum age at which you could buy and register a car in California. If you are a minor that would like to buy a car you should check with the CA DMV to find out for certain if you would need a parent or guardian's to sign on contracts for the car and registration and title until you become an adult at age 18.
Most insurance companies will require a minor to have a parent or guardian sign on the insurance policy (contract) with them since as a minor normally law does not allow you to be liable for contracts. An adult signing on with you would then typically put the liability on them if you faltered in your responsibilities. If you are a minor that lives with your parents and you do buy and register a car you may still see if your parent's insurance company will cover you and your vehicle since in general it is cheaper to remain on your parent's policy then to start your own as a young driver.
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As with buying a car, a driver's license would be required of you as a minor in order to purchase insurance for your car. So if you cannot get a license until age 16 in California then that would be the minimum age to get insurance as well, though as we stated even at that age you will likely need a parent to sign the paperwork with you.
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