How To Register a Vehicle Under Two Names in Manitoba
Registering a vehicle under two names in Manitoba is a common practice that establishes joint ownership of the vehicle. This arrangement enables both individuals to be recognized as legal owners on the Vehicle Registration Card, thereby conferring specific rights and responsibilities on each party involved in the ownership structure.
Legal Framework and Governing Legislation
Vehicle registration in Manitoba is governed by the Highway Traffic Act and the Drivers and Vehicles Act, which establish the legal requirements for motor vehicle registration and licensing in the province.
Joint Ownership Registration Requirements
Both individuals must be named on the proof of ownership document to be included on the Vehicle Registration Card.
Joint registration requires that all parties listed on the ownership documentation provide consent for inclusion on the Vehicle Registration Certificate. Vehicle registration and insurance must be purchased together through an Autopac agent, as a vehicle must be both registered and insured in Manitoba. This ensures that each registered owner has acknowledged their legal responsibility and ownership interest in the vehicle.
Required Documentation for Joint Registration
To register a vehicle under two names through an Autopac agent, the following documentation must be provided:
- Bill of Sale showing both names as purchasers, stating date purchased, vehicle's model year, make, model, and serial number (VIN), purchase price, purchaser's names and signatures, seller's names and signatures
- Signed Transfer of Ownership Document (TOD) from the previous owner, completed by both the seller and purchasers
- Valid Certificate of Inspection (COI) issued by a Manitoba vehicle inspection station, dated not more than two years before the date of application for registration
- Proof of identity for all parties involved in the registration
- Manitoba residence verification confirming that applicants are Manitoba residents
- Proof of financial responsibility through payment of the insurance premium prescribed under The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Act
The Vehicle Registration Card will display the names of both registered owners, the vehicle description, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), registration class, and other relevant vehicle information upon successful completion of the joint registration process.
Authorization Form Requirements
The Customer Authorization form must meet specific requirements established by Manitoba Public Insurance:
- Complete owner information, including full names and driver's licence numbers for all parties
- Original signatures from the vehicle owner authorizing the third party to act on their behalf
- Specific authorization scope clearly stating what transactions the authorized person may complete
- Valid identification from both the vehicle owner and the authorized representative
- Detailed written authorization if renewing or purchasing vehicle registration and insurance policies on behalf of the owner
The authorized representative must present the completed authorization form along with required identification and ownership documents to the Autopac agent. All authorization forms must contain original signatures and cannot be photocopied for reuse.
Joint Ownership Rights and Responsibilities
Joint vehicle registration establishes equal ownership rights for both parties named on the Vehicle Registration Card. This arrangement creates specific legal implications regarding vehicle use, transfer, and disposal under Manitoba law.
Rights of Joint Owners
Joint owners of a registered vehicle in Manitoba possess the following rights:
- Equal ownership interest in the registered vehicle as recognized by the Province of Manitoba
- Authority to operate the vehicle with proper licensing and insurance coverage through MPI's Autopac program
- Access to vehicle information and services through authorized Autopac agents
- Right to register mandatory insurance coverage as a named owner on the policy
- Simplified estate transfer as joint ownership allows the surviving owner to assume full ownership upon the death of the other owner without probate requirements
Transfer and Sale Requirements
When a vehicle is registered under two names, both owners must provide written consent and signatures for ownership transfers or sales. This requirement protects the interests of all registered parties and prevents unauthorized disposal of jointly-owned vehicles.
For registration transfers involving multiple owners, the Transfer of Ownership Document (TOD) must be signed by all registered owners. The TOD is part of the vehicle registration card and must be properly completed by both the seller and purchaser. When ownership is being changed from joint to single ownership, proper authorization from all current owners must be obtained through appropriate documentation processed at an Autopac agent.
Insurance Requirements for Joint Registration
Manitoba's mandatory insurance requirements under The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Act apply to all registered owners of jointly owned vehicles. The insurance policy must reflect the names of both registered owners to satisfy provincial registration requirements.
Insurance Policy Requirements
Joint vehicle registration in Manitoba requires compliance with specific insurance provisions:
- Both owners' names must appear on the insurance certificate issued through MPI's Autopac program
- Valid Basic Autopac coverage meeting minimum provincial requirements for all Manitoba residents
- Payment of prescribed insurance premium as required under The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Act as proof of financial responsibility
- Combined registration card and insurance certificate may be issued by MPI, showing both owners