According to the Department of State for Michigan there is no age requirement for titling a vehicle in Michigan. So if you are a minor, under the age of 18, you can own a car in your name.

It is unlawful though to knowingly sell a motor vehicle to an unemancipated minor without written permission from a parent or guardian. The seller must have a consent form completed by the parent or guardian of the minor at the time of the sell. By law, the seller is required to keep this consent form for 3 years. So if you are buying a car as a minor parental consent must be given for a dealer or private party to sell you a vehicle.

The form needed to be filled out is titled Parental Consent to Sell a Vehicle to a Minor. It states right on this form that Michigan law requires an owner to obtain parental permission before selling a motor vehicle to an unemancipated person under the age of 18. The seller may comply by having one parent or the legal guardian complete this form. The seller retains this form for three years.

The form also comes with a warning stating that this form does not change the contractual liabilities with respect to the sale of a motor vehicle to a minor.

If you have other questions about titling a car in your name as a teenager and if there are any other special forms that you will need when buying, registering and titling the vehicle contact the MI Secretary of State on their website or at 888 SOSMICH (888-767-6424).

If you do put a car in your name and are under 18 keep in mind as well that to get insurance on the vehicle you will need to have a parent or guardian sign on your insurance policy with you since it is a legal contract. For a Michigan car insurance quote you can click here for your young drivers car insurance needs.