The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles told us that a 17 year old can be an owner of a vehicle.

Keep in mind though that when the minor registers the vehicle she 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 a 17 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 minor but you may want to contact them directly to make sure your step-daughter will not need a parent or guardian to sign with her on any of the car's paperwork or documents regarding the purchase and registration of the car.

If she is planning on 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 her since typically when one signs on contracts as a minor the paperwork may not be binding unless an adult (meaning a parent or guardian) signs with the minor.

So the VA DMV said that your 17 year old step-daughter can own and register a car in her name however she will also need insurance to cover the vehicle and many insurers will require a parent or guardian to sign on the Virginia insurance policy with her, since she is under 18 and thus a minor. You said she was already insured though so this may not be an issue for her; it will just depend upon the guidelines of the insurance company she uses.

She can shop around for VA auto insurance by clicking here.