Can you register a car in a different name than on the title NY?
Asked by: Whitney Morar | Last update: September 19, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (38 votes)
Can you register a car that's not in your name in NY?
The title for a vehicle must be in the name of the owner(s), but it can be registered to another person or people.
Can I register a car if the title is in a different name?
In general, registering a car that's not in your name isn't allowed as most states require you to show proof of ownership as part of their registration process. However, some states may allow you to register a vehicle that you don't own if you have the owner's approval.
Can a car be registered and insured in different names in NY?
Your vehicle's insurance and registration must always show the exact same name. If the name on your insurance does not match the name on your registration, DMV may suspend your driver license and vehicle registration.
Can I register a car owned by someone else in NY?
Either the registrant or the owner can bring the registration and title application to a local DMV office. The person who applies must show the original proofs of identity and date of birth for both the registrant and the owner.
Can I Register a Car in a Different State Than My License?
Can a car be registered to someone who doesn't own it?
The car can only be registered by the owner. If you sign the title over to someone else, they will own the car and can register the car in their name. At that point, they will need to start insurance in their own name and can add you as a driver.
Does it matter whose name is on the car?
Yes, the name on a car title can impact insurance coverage. Insurance companies usually require the policyholder to have an insurable interest in the vehicle, meaning they either own the car or have a significant financial interest in it.
Can someone else insure my car if the title is under my name NY?
No. If you are on the title, you must insure the vehicle yourself. If your friend is driving for an extended period of time, make sure your insurer knows; and you may have to add them as a driver on your policy.
Can car insurance be in a different name than the title?
Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name? Insuring and registering your car under different names is allowed in most states. However, in those states that allow it, insurers still might not underwrite a policy to a name different than that of the registered vehicle owner.
Can I register a car in my name but insured by someone else?
This could be considered fraud and may result in denied claims or cancellation of the policy.So, to ensure compliance with both legal and insurance company requirements, it's best to have the insurance in the same name as the person who owns and registers the car.
Can someone put a car in your name without you knowing?
Yes, it's possible for someone to steal your identity and buy a car in your name.
Is it better to gift or sell a car to a family member in California?
Selling a vehicle for $1 instead of gifting it could result in your recipient paying sales tax based on the car's fair market value — it's better to stick with the official gifting process.
Does it matter whose name is on the car insurance card?
In most states, police will accept an auto insurance card that lists the car you're driving on it, and it doesn't matter if your name is specifically on the card (some states even accept electronic proof of auto insurance); however, Texas is different.
Can you buy a car in one name and register it in another?
Most U.S. states allow residents to register and insure their vehicles under different names. This is because the car's owner can be an approved driver on the policy rather than the primary policyholder.
Can a financed car be registered to someone else?
Yes! You do have the option to title and/or register your vehicle in someone else's name. In order to do this, the new owner must sign a Security Agreement form, acknowledging that the credit union has a lien against their property.
Can someone else renew my car registration?
If you need to renew a registration in-person for someone other than yourself, you must bring a letter authorizing you to perform the renewal transaction or their signed registration or their signed renewal notice.
Can you register a car not in your name?
Yes, HOWEVER, you will need required documents in order to register the vehicle if your name is not on the title. 1. Have the purchaser sign the back of the title where it says Buyer Signature/Purchaser Signature.
Can my husband drive my car if he is not on my insurance?
Usually, yes. Your car insurance coverage should be able to extend to anyone else driving your car. Even if someone isn't listed on the policy, they can operate your vehicle. If you explicitly name someone as an excluded driver in your policy, however, none of this applies to them.
Can I register a vehicle even if my name is not on the title in NJ?
There are very few exceptions that allow you to get registration for a vehicle that is not in your name. You may be able to get medical exemptions if you are someone's power of attorney and are registering their car for them.
Does your car insurance have to match your registration state?
In general, your car must be registered and insured in the same state, since both vehicle registration and auto insurance are based on your permanent residence. In fact, using an address for insurance that's different from the primary residence where you keep your vehicle is a form of insurance fraud.
Can my parents insure a car I own?
If you or your spouse owns a vehicle, you can decide to insure the vehicle on your own car insurance policy or on your parents' policy. All drivers that share the same permanent residence should be listed on each policy. If you're married and don't live with your parents, you'll need your own policy.
Can I add someone to my car insurance that doesn't live with me?
You typically will not be able to add a non-related driver who does not live in your home to your insurance policy. If you and a friend own a vehicle together but do not live at the same address, you may have trouble obtaining an auto insurance policy.
Can someone else register my car for me in NY?
The registrant must sign the required forms (see register and title a vehicle). A second party must have a Power of Attorney to sign a form for another person.
Can insurance and registration be in different names?
Most states don't require the name on an auto insurance policy to match the name on a vehicle's registration. Only New York requires matching names on an insurance policy and vehicle registration. Contact your state's DMV for more details on vehicle registration, title, and car insurance laws.
Does it matter who registers a car?
The vehicle owner, as shown on the vehicle title, can register a vehicle. In the case of a leased car, a dealership can own the car's title and then register it in the name of the person paying the lease. Often a state requires proof of ownership — or a contract with the owner — to register a vehicle.