There is no minimum age limit to title and register a car in Texas, according to the Texas DMV. But before they can register a car, they’ll need to get a state minimum car insurance policy, which may not be possible without a parent.
“The only way that minors in Texas can purchase car insurance is if they have an adult co-signer or if they are an emancipated minor,” says Ben Michael, an attorney at Austin, Texas-based law firm, Michael & Associates.
“Purchasing car insurance means signing a legally binding contract. In Texas (like in most places), minors are not allowed to sign any legally-binding contracts because of their age,” Michael says.
While Texas law states that minors can own a vehicle, most minors won’t be able to purchase car insurance without a parent, which means purchasing a car and titling a car will be difficult, if not impossible.
CarInsurance.com Insights
- In Texas, a minor can put a vehicle title in their name, but they need proof of insurance, a valid driver’s license and must pay registration fees.
- Buying a vehicle or obtaining auto insurance as a minor usually requires an adult to sign or co-sign a policy or contract.
- Due to contract law in Texas, most minors won’t be able to purchase a car and put the title in their name on their own.
Can a minor own a car or put a vehicle title in their name in Texas?
Yes, in Texas, teenagers can put a vehicle title in their name. The Texas DMV says there is no minimum age for titling a vehicle, but the minor must have all the necessary documents to title and register a vehicle in their name.
Some of the things that you need to put a title and registration in your name include:
- Evidence of the original release of the lien or proof that the loan is paid in full.
- Title and/or registration application.
- Current driver’s license or a government-issued photo ID.
- Proof of current insurance and a current inspection.
You also must pay associated fees, which may be approximately $119 plus 6.25% sales tax. However, fees can vary depending on your county of residence, the vehicle type and the vehicle weight. Your local county tax office can provide more information on total fees and accepted payment methods.
Note that all title transfers must be completed within 30 days of a vehicle’s sale date. Otherwise, there may be penalty fees. Title and vehicle registrations take place at county tax offices. You can look on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle website for the locations of these offices.
What the law says about car titles for minors
The Texas DMV states that minors are allowed to hold a title in their name for their vehicle. However, there’s a catch. Most car dealerships and auto insurance companies will not sell a vehicle or issue a car insurance policy to a minor. As a result, a minor in Texas—anyone under the age of 18—can’t usually hold a car title.
Texas minors will likely need a parent or guardian to sign or co-sign the documents that are required to purchase a vehicle and get car insurance before they can title the vehicle. Without these documents, the minor won’t be able to put the title in their name.
Can a minor buy and insure a car in Texas?
Getting a title in your name may not be an issue as a minor in Texas, but purchasing or insuring a vehicle when you are under the age of 18 may be more difficult. However, teens who are 18 are considered adults who can buy, register and insure vehicles.
Dealers, private parties and car insurance companies typically prefer not to sell or insure a vehicle to a person who is still a minor because of potential legal ramifications. While a minor has the right to enter into a contract (both verbal and written), the minor may set aside the contract before they reach the age of 18 in most states.
This means that a minor can void a contract, which makes car dealers and insurance companies wary of doing business with someone younger than 18.
Because of Texas contract law, typically, the person or dealer selling to a 17-year-old will request that a parent or guardian sign the bill of sale and other contractual paperwork. Doing this binds the adult who signed the contract to the contract terms, even if you, the minor, are not. The same holds true for car insurance companies.
Insurance providers do not want to risk a minor voiding their insurance policy, so they usually request that you have a parent or guardian sign the policy with you.
Texas allows car insurance companies to impose age restrictions on individuals. Since proof of financial responsibility, or liability insurance, is a prerequisite to obtaining Texas registration, your ability to obtain the required car insurance policy may limit your ability to register a vehicle.
Texas’ minimum liability insurance requirements include:
- $30,000 per injured person
- $60,000 for everyone injured in an accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Also, once you move to Texas, you have 30 days to register your vehicle. You’ll need to drive your vehicle to a certified Vehicle Inspection station and obtain a passing Texas inspection before registering your car.
Our guide, car insurance for young drivers, can help you to learn the best ways for parents and teens to work together to insure their vehicles properly.
How car title ownership by a minor affects insurance
Car insurance is a legal requirement in Texas. Any person—regardless of their age — cannot title a vehicle without car insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements. Because of the state’s contractual laws, most minors who are younger than 18 will have a difficult time finding a company to insure them.
Here’s an example of this. Imagine you’re 16 years old and just got your driver’s license. You purchase a used car from a private seller, and the title is transferred into your name. But when you go to purchase a car insurance policy, the insurance company denies coverage because you’re under 18.
Even though the title is in your name, you’re not able to get car insurance, which is required in order to register your vehicle and legally drive it. In this case, you would likely need a parent to insure the vehicle on their car insurance policy or co-sign on an insurance policy with you to demonstrate their insurable interest in the car.
What parents should know before helping their teen own a car
Despite the car title laws in Texas, most minors are unable to purchase a car and get car insurance on their own. If you’re the parent of a teen that’s thinking about getting a car, it’s important to help your teen own and insure a car the right way.
First, help your teen find the right car for their needs. Research the car’s safety ratings, reliability and average cost of ownership. Consider the pros and cons of buying a car through a dealership vs. a private seller.
Even if your teen can legally purchase the vehicle and title the car in their name, it’s a good idea to accompany them in case you need to sign any documents. For example, if they plan to get an auto loan, you will likely have to co-sign the loan with them, as most lenders don’t give loans to drivers under 18.
When it comes time to purchase car insurance, make sure your teen understands what’s covered and what’s not. A minimum coverage policy is the cheapest policy you can get, but it provides the least amount of coverage. Because teens are more likely to get into accidents than drivers in any other age group, adding optional policies, like collision insurance, can be beneficial.
As mentioned, most car insurance companies don’t underwrite policies for minors. In order to insure your teen’s car, you will probably have to add their vehicle to your existing car insurance policy. Some insurance companies will sell a policy to a minor if a parent or guardian adds their name to the policy to provide insurable interest.
It’s also important to note that car insurance for teens is typically very expensive. It’s usually cheaper to add your teen’s vehicle to your auto insurance policy, but you can still expect your premium to go up. When your teen is 18 and they can purchase their own auto insurance policy, you can remove them and your rate should go down.
Final takeaway
Minors in Texas can legally own a car and put the title in their name. However, they will probably have trouble buying a car and getting car insurance on their own. As a result, many Texas minors will need a parent or guardian to co-sign certain documents that are required in order to title a car.
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to buy a car in Texas?
There’s no minimum age in Texas for purchasing a car. However, many car dealerships are unwilling to sell a vehicle to a minor, and insurance companies might refuse coverage, which is a legal requirement to title and drive a vehicle.
Can a 17 year old buy a car from a dealership?
A 17-year-old can legally purchase a car from a dealership in Texas, but many car dealerships are not willing to sell a car to a minor. Additionally, most dealerships will not give an auto loan to a driver who isn’t 18.
Can a 17 year old buy a car from a private seller?
A 17-year-old is allowed to buy a car from a private seller under Texas law. While a private seller might be more willing to sell a vehicle to a minor than a dealership, there’s no guarantee that an individual will sell their vehicle to a 17-year-old.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- NOLO. “Who lacks the capacity to contract?” Accessed July 2025.
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. “Buying or Selling a Vehicle.” Accessed July 2025.
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. “Registering Your Vehicle.” Accessed July 2025.
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. “County Offices.” Accessed July 2025.
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