Can a Teen 17 & Under Purchase a Car in Their Name in Georgia?
Quick Summary
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- In Georgia, individuals typically need to be 18 years old to legally sign contracts, including auto loan agreements and insurance policies.
- Most states, including Georgia, generally require you to be 18 years old to register and title a vehicle in your name.
- For teens under 18, the most practical approach is often to have a parent or legal guardian co-sign any necessary loan documents and register the vehicle in their name.
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CAN A TEENAGER BUY A CAR IN GEORGIA?
In short, the answer is no but let us explain. When it comes to buying, owning, and operating a vehicle in the U.S., there are many factors and legalities that come into play.
Legal Age for Contracts
In Georgia, the age of majority is 18 years old. This means that individuals generally must be 18 to enter into legally binding contracts, such as an auto loan agreement. Lenders are typically hesitant to issue a loan directly to a minor because such contracts can be voidable (meaning they might not be enforceable) by the minor until they reach the age of majority.
Titling and Registration
Most states, including Georgia, require a person to be at least 18 years old to title and register a vehicle solely in their name. If a minor purchases a car (for example, with cash), an adult’s name would typically need to be on the title and registration until the minor turns 18.
Car Insurance
In Georgia, liability insurance is mandatory for all drivers. An insurance policy is a legal contract, and therefore, minors typically cannot purchase their own auto insurance policies. However, teenagers are allowed to be added to a parent or guardian’s existing car insurance policy. This allows them to be legally covered while driving.
Alternatives for Teens Under 18
Given these restrictions, the most common and practical solutions for a teenager under 18 who wants to acquire a car include:
- Cash Purchase: If a teen has saved enough cash, they can technically “buy” a car. However, an adult’s name would still likely need to be on the title and registration, and the teen would need to be added to an adult’s insurance policy.
- Parent/Guardian Co-signing and Ownership: The best option for most teens is to work with a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian can:
- Co-sign on an auto loan, making them legally responsible for the debt.
- Title and register the vehicle in their name (or jointly with the teen if permitted by the county).
- Add the teen as a driver to their car insurance policy.
Once a teen turns 18 years old, they are considered an adult in Georgia and are then eligible to legally finance, insure, title, and register a car in their own name.
Helpful Resources for Georgia Residents
- Vehicle Taxes (Georgia Department of Revenue): dor.georgia.gov
- Renew Vehicle Registration (Georgia.gov): georgia.gov
- New to Georgia? (Georgia Department of Revenue): dor.georgia.gov
- Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) – Teen Drivers: dds.georgia.gov/teen-drivers
- Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) – Apply for a Georgia Provisional Driver’s License (Class D): georgia.gov
- Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) – Get a Learner’s Permit (Class CP): dds.georgia.gov
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should teenagers expect when buying a car?
Minors should expect that they will likely need the involvement of a parent or legal guardian for most aspects of buying a car, including obtaining financing, having the vehicle titled and registered, and securing insurance. Most states, including Georgia, require individuals to be 18 to enter into these legal contracts.
What age do you have to be to test drive a car in Georgia?
While Georgia DDS does not specify an age for test driving, dealerships generally require you to be at least 18 and have a valid driver’s license to test drive a vehicle on your own due to liability concerns.
If you are under 18 and have a permit or provisional license, you would typically need a licensed adult (who meets the dealership’s age requirements) to accompany you and authorize the test drive.
How old do you have to be to buy a car in Georgia?
While there’s no specific law stating you can’t own a car at any age, if you intend to finance, title, register, and insure the vehicle in your name, you generally need to be 18 years old in Georgia.
For purchases made with cash by a minor, an adult will likely need to be on the title and registration.
Can you buy a car with a learner's permit in Georgia?
You might be able to purchase a car with a learner’s permit if paying with cash. However, you will not be able to finance the vehicle as you cannot legally sign a loan contract.
Additionally, the vehicle cannot be registered or titled solely in your name until you are 18. You would need a parent or guardian to handle the legal ownership and insurance aspects.
Can you drive by yourself at 16 in Georgia?
Georgia has a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program known as the Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA), which has three stages:
Instructional Permit (Class CP): Available at age 15 after passing a written test. You must be accompanied by a licensed adult (21 or older) in the passenger seat at all times while driving.
Provisional License (Class D): Available at ages 16 and 17 after holding a learner’s permit for at least 1 year and 1 day, completing driver’s education (if 16), and passing a driving test.
- Restrictions include:
- No driving between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
- Passenger restrictions:
- For the first 6 months: Only immediate family members may ride in the vehicle.
- For the second 6 months: Only 1 passenger under 21 years of age who is not an immediate family member may ride in the vehicle.
- After 1 year: Up to 3 passengers under 21 years of age who are not immediate family members.
Full Class C License: Available at age 18 if you have held a Class D license for at least one year and one day with no major traffic violations.
To learn more, click here for details on Georgia Teen Drivers, Georgia Learner’s Permit, and Applying for Georgia Provisional Driver’s License.
Can teenage drivers drive their siblings in Georgia?
Yes, under the provisional (Class D) license, immediate family members are an exception to the passenger restrictions in the state of Georgia.
Therefore, a teen with a Class D license can transport siblings, even during the initial 6-month period when other non-family passengers are restricted.
Can teen drivers drive at night in Georgia?
Teen drivers with a provisional (Class D) license are not permitted to drive between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM, with no exceptions.
Can teen drivers have passengers in Georgia?
Yes, but with significant restrictions based on the type of license they hold:
Instructional Permit (Class CP): A permit holder can only drive when accompanied by a licensed adult (21 or older) who is seated in the front passenger seat. There are no other passenger restrictions at this stage, as the adult supervisor is always present.
Provisional License (Class D): This license has strict passenger restrictions:
- First six months: Only immediate family members (parents, step-parents, grandparents, siblings, step-siblings, children, and any other person who resides at the driver’s residence) may ride in the vehicle.
- Second six months: Only one passenger under 21 years of age who is not an immediate family member may ride in the vehicle.
- After one year: Up to three passengers under 21 years of age who are not immediate family members may ride in the vehicle.
To learn more, click here on Georgia Learner’s Permit and Class D Provisional License.
Can you drive in Georgia at 15?
At age 15 in Georgia, you are eligible to apply for an Instructional Permit (Class CP).
To obtain this, you must pass a vision test and a written knowledge exam on road rules and signs. With this permit, you can only drive when accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and seated in the front passenger seat.
What are Georgia laws on minor’s driving?
Georgia has a comprehensive Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program called the Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA), which applies to drivers aged 15-18. It involves a three-step process designed to gradually introduce driving privileges:
Instructional Permit (Class CP):
- Minimum Age: 15 years old.
- Requirements: Pass a knowledge and vision exam.
- Restrictions: Must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old who occupies the front passenger seat. To learn more on Georgia Learner’s Permit, click here: dds.georgia.gov.
Provisional License (Class D):
- Minimum Age: 16 years old.
- Requirements:
- Must have held an Instructional Permit (Class CP) for at least 1 year and 1 day.
- Must have had no major traffic violations that resulted in the suspension of the permit.
- Must complete Joshua’s Law requirements (for 16 and 17-year-olds):
- Complete an approved 30-hour driver education course (classroom or online) from a DDS-certified school.
- Complete a cumulative total of at least 40 hours of supervised driving experience, including at least 6 hours at night. This supervised driving must be verified by a parent or guardian.
- Pass a road skills test.
- Complete an Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP).
Restrictions:
- Curfew: Cannot drive between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM (no exceptions).
- Passenger Restrictions: (as detailed in the “Can teen drivers have passengers in Georgia?” FAQ above)
- First 6 months: Immediate family only.
- Second 6 months: Only 1 non-immediate family passenger under 21.
- After 1 year: Up to 3 non-immediate family passengers under 21.
Full Class C License:
- Minimum Age: 18 years old.
Requirements: Must have held a Class D license for at least 1 year and 1 day with no major traffic violations.
Is it against the law for a car dealership to ask you to make a car down payment?
No, it’s not illegal to put money down when buying a car.
Lately, apps like TikTok have been spreading false info about this. Some folks already don’t trust car dealers, but asking for a down payment is completely allowed.
Putting money down can actually help you. It lowers how much you need to borrow, which means smaller monthly bills and less stress on your budget.
Let’s say your car costs $29,000 and you pay $3,000 upfront. That means you only need to borrow $26,000 instead of the full price.
Buying a new vehicle means more than just the sticker price. You also have to pay for things like taxes, extra fees, and maybe a warranty. A down payment can help cover some of those, which keeps your monthly cost lower.
Some places even offer deals where you don’t need to pay anything at first. Just ask the dealership to see what options are available.
What exactly is a car down payment?
A down payment is the initial sum of money applied to the purchase being financed.
When it comes to making a large purchase, many buyers will “put down” some of that cost upfront to reduce the amount that is being financed. The larger the amount you pay upfront, the less you have to finance, which means a lower monthly payment.
Will an auto dealership give me a car with a 500 credit score and no down payment?
Unfortunately, a 500 credit score is considered poor credit, and lenders are more likely to see you as a risk.
You may also get a higher interest rate and have to provide a larger down payment to finance your purchase.
What are acceptable forms of down payment for a car?
The most common form of payment used for a down payment is cash.
Most of the time, dealerships accept personal checks, money orders, and credit credits. Additionally, you can trade in your current vehicle to lower the amount you are financing.
Is there difficulty in getting approval for an auto loan?
The difficulty – or ease – of getting approved for a car loan is dependent on your personal financial situation and your lender.
If you have poor credit and inconsistent income, you may find it more difficult to get pre-approved for a loan.
Can having a cosigner help me get a car loan?
A cosigner with good credit can help improve your auto loan.
A cosigner is someone who assumes responsibility for your loan by signing their name to it alongside your own. A cosigner with a higher credit score can help you appear as less of a risk to your lender and lower your rates.
Can a car buyer with bad credit buy a vehicle?
If you have a bad credit or a low credit score, here are some simple steps to take when applying for a car loan:
- Check your credit: Before applying for a car loan, check your credit report for any errors or mistakes that may be affecting your score. Rectify any issues you see before applying for a car loan to ensure you’re not denied.
- Improve your credit score: If you have time before applying for financing, work to improve your credit score. You can do this by paying off any outstanding debts and making all your payments on time.
- Get pre-approved: Before shopping for a car, look into getting pre-approved for a car loan from a lender that specializes in bad credit loans.
- Consider a co-signer: If your credit score isn’t high enough to qualify for a loan, try finding a co-signer with good credit to help you get approved for your auto loan.
- Make a larger down payment: If you can afford it, consider making a larger down payment to help lower your monthly payments which can help you appear less risky to lenders.
- Be prepared to pay a higher interest rate: Poor credit can result in a higher interest rate, so be prepared to pay more in interest while you’re paying off the loan.
Will an auto dealership let me purchase a vehicle if I have no credit?
If you pay in cash, your credit won’t be a question, but we know that isn’t always an option for most buyers.
Lenders prefer buyers with a strong credit history, but some dealers offer no credit options at the cost of APR rates. Without credit, your options are more limited when it comes to financing. Shop around for dealers with the best options for your financial situation.
What is the lowest credit score I can have when buying a vehicle?
Most lenders will approve an auto loan for borrowers with a minimum credit score of 675.
For new auto loans, most borrowers have a score of approximately 730. Depending on your lender, a credit score of 600 may be sufficient, but the higher your credit score, the lower your rates and monthly payments will be. Talk with your lender and auto dealer directly to determine the best option for you.
Do teen drivers have more auto accidents than adults?
Unfortunately, statistics show that teens have more accidents than adults. The risk of motor vehicle accidents is higher for those aged 16 to 19 than among any other age group.
Is texting and driving more common in teenagers than adults?
Actually, no.
Adults are more likely to text and drive than teens, according to a survey by the AAA Foundation. This survey showed 45% of adults aged 25 to 39 admitted to texting and driving versus 31% of teens.
Are teenagers actually wearing their seatbelts when driving alone?
Unfortunately, data suggests that seatbelt use among teens can be lower than among adults. According to the CDC, in 2020, 56% of teens aged 16–19 who were killed in car accidents were not wearing seatbelts.
Is speeding more common in teen drivers than adults?
Yes, it is!
Research from organizations like the CDC and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) indicates that teen drivers are more likely to speed and follow at shorter distances compared to older drivers.
Is drinking and driving more common in teens than adults?
Teen drivers are actually less likely than older drivers to drink and drive, but their overall risk of an accident is higher when they do – even with a low blood-alcohol level.
A teen’s relative inexperience behind the wheel makes their risk of an accident higher when drinking and driving is involved.
Why are teenage drivers overrepresented in auto accidents?
Teen drivers’ lack of experience on the road and inability to react to hazards in a timely manner has led to an overrepresentation of teens in fatal accidents.
Reports show young drivers are more often involved in speed-related fatal crashes compared to other groups. In addition, their inexperience makes them more susceptible to being distracted when behind the wheel.
Is distracted driving more common for teen drivers than adults?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes!
According to the CDC, drivers aged 15- to 20-years-old are more likely to be distracted than those 21 and over.
How do I check the safety rating for a teenager's car?
Here are a few trusted independent organizations assisting with review and reporting of auto safety features in the United States:
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): National recognition organization that tests for automobile safety standards and ratings
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Checks for automobile recalls
- Consumer Reports: Independent organization gathering and analyzing consumer feedback
Where can I check for honest reviews on vehicles for teenagers?
Below are some of the most respected auto industry platforms for vehicle reviews, specifications, and awards:
- Kelley Blue Book: Highlights reviews and price range recommendations for every class of car. Also provides tools to help you research options.
- Cars.com Advanced Search: Search cars near you by body type, transmission type, engine power, and more to make sure you get the vehicle you need.
- Edmunds Car Finder: This tool helps you search for an extensive range of features like keyless ignition, navigation systems, and more, in addition to searching by price and fuel efficiency.
- Consumer Reports: Provides safety and reliability information from the national leader in product analysis and information.
- J.D. Power: Famous for its industry awards, they can help you learn more about the cars you’re considering.
- Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS): Find out how the cars you’re considering performed during rigorous crash tests.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Independent organization for reporting automobile recalls and safety ratings
- fueleconomy.gov: Research vehicles’ fuel efficiency ratings with this official government site.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as governmental services advice, financial advice and/or legal advice. We are not government professionals, financial advisors nor legal professionals , and the content provided does not constitute governmental, financial or legal advice from a licensed professional. The content of this article does not replace personalized advice from a licensed professional who is aware of your individual circumstances.
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