How to Add Someone to a Car Title in California
Adding a spouse, family member, or co-owner to your vehicle title in California requires a new title from California DMV. Here is exactly what you need, what it costs, and what AND vs OR on the title means for you.
AND vs OR on a California Car Title
AND (both must sign to sell)
OR (either can sign to sell)
AND/OR (flexible — either alone or both together)
California allows three co-ownership structures on vehicle titles. "AND" requires both owners' signatures for any sale or transfer. "OR" allows either owner to transact independently. Choose carefully — changing the ownership type later requires a new title.
How to Add a Co-Owner in California
If you have an active loan, contact your lienholder first. If the vehicle has an active loan, the lienholder (bank/finance company) must approve adding a co-owner. Contact your lender before starting the process — some lienholders require refinancing to add a co-borrower.
California allows three co-ownership structures on vehicle titles. "AND" requires both owners' signatures for any sale or transfer. "OR" allows either owner to transact independently. Choose carefully — changing the ownership type later requires a new title.
The existing owner signs the current title as if selling/transferring to themselves plus the new co-owner. REG 343 names both parties. Submit to DMV by mail or in person.
Bring: Current California title (signed by current sole owner); Application for Title (REG 343); ID for both existing and new co-owner; Odometer disclosure statement; Smog certificate (if applicable).
Submit all documents and pay the $21 fee. Your new title naming both co-owners will arrive by mail in 10–30 business days.
Tax Implications of Adding a Co-Owner in California
Adding a co-owner in California is treated as a partial transfer. If adding a spouse or domestic partner, use tax exemption applies (REG 256). Adding a non-exempt person may trigger use tax on the transferred ownership percentage.
California's three ownership types (AND/OR/AND-OR) have significant legal implications for selling. Spouses often use "AND/OR" for maximum flexibility. If you're adding a non-spouse and want either party to be able to sell independently, choose "OR." Consult with your co-owner about which structure fits your situation.
California Add Co-Owner to Title FAQ
How do I add my spouse to my car title in California?
In California, sign the current title as the seller/transferor naming yourself and your spouse as co-owners. Complete REG 343 (Application for Title) at California DMV. The fee is $21. California requires the existing owner to sign the current title as the "seller" and the new title will list both owners. Both parties do not need to appear together — the existing owner signs the title, the new owner completes REG 343.
What is the difference between AND and OR on a California car title?
AND means both co-owners must sign for any future sale or transfer — provides more protection. OR means either co-owner can transact independently. California allows three co-ownership structures on vehicle titles. "AND" requires both owners' signatures for any sale or transfer. "OR" allows either owner to transact independently. Choose carefully — changing the ownership type later requires a new title.
Do I need lienholder approval to add someone to my car title in California?
Yes. If the vehicle has an active loan, the lienholder (bank/finance company) must approve adding a co-owner. Contact your lender before starting the process — some lienholders require refinancing to add a co-borrower.
Will there be taxes when I add a co-owner to my car title in California?
Gift or sale to co-owner. Adding a co-owner in California is treated as a partial transfer. If adding a spouse or domestic partner, use tax exemption applies (REG 256). Adding a non-exempt person may trigger use tax on the transferred ownership percentage.
How long does it take to add a name to a car title in California?
California processes co-owner additions by mail in 10–30 business days. In-person appointments may be available but are subject to wait times.
What forms do I need to add someone to a car title in California?
Primary form: REG 343 (Application for Title). The existing owner signs the current title as if selling/transferring to themselves plus the new co-owner. REG 343 names both parties. Submit to DMV by mail or in person. Documents needed: Current California title (signed by current sole owner), Application for Title (REG 343), ID for both existing and new co-owner.