Do Golf Carts Have Titles? Laws & Registration Explained

Do golf carts have titles? This question often arises when buying, selling, or insuring a golf cart, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Navigating the complexities of golf cart ownership, especially concerning titles and registration, can be confusing and time-consuming.

Most standard golf carts do not have titles. They are typically not designed for road use and therefore don’t require the same documentation as cars. However, if a golf cart is modified to become a low-speed vehicle (LSV), it will generally require a title.

As an avid golfer and someone who’s spent years navigating the ins and outs of golf cart ownership, including purchasing, maintaining, and even modifying carts for street-legal use, I understand the importance of clear, accurate information. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover all the necessary information. You will learn when a title is needed, how to obtain one, the differences between standard golf carts and LSVs, and everything needed about golf cart regulations.

Key Facts:
* No Title for Standard Carts: Most golf carts used exclusively on golf courses or private property do not come with titles.
* LSV Requirement: Golf carts modified into Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) generally require a title and registration for legal road use.
* Proof of Ownership: A bill of sale serves as the primary proof of ownership for standard golf carts without titles.
* State Variations: Regulations regarding golf cart titles and LSV conversions vary significantly between states.
* Serial Numbers: All major brand golf carts have unique serial numbers, which aid in identification and tracking ownership, even without a title.

Contents show

Do Golf Carts Need Titles?

No, standard golf carts typically do not require titles. They are designed for off-road use and are not considered motor vehicles in the same way as cars or trucks.

The primary purpose of a golf cart is to transport golfers and their equipment around a golf course. Because of this limited use, most states do not require titles for these vehicles. Instead of a title, a bill of sale is the standard document used to prove ownership when buying or selling a golf cart. This document includes crucial details, like the seller and buyer’s information, the golf cart’s make, model, and serial number, and the sale price.

However, it’s essential to distinguish between a standard golf cart and a low-speed vehicle (LSV). An LSV is a street-legal vehicle, often a modified golf cart, that meets specific safety requirements and can be driven on public roads with posted speed limits below a certain threshold (typically 35 mph or less).

Standard Golf Cart: Primarily for golf course or private property use; no title required.
Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV): Modified for street-legal use; title and registration generally required.

The distinction is essential because the requirements for titling and registration change drastically when a golf cart transitions from off-road use to on-road use as an LSV.

Why Don’t Standard Golf Carts Have Titles?

Standard golf carts don’t have titles because they are not manufactured or intended for use on public roads. This is the fundamental reason they are treated differently from cars, trucks, and motorcycles, all of which require titles.

Automobile titles serve several key purposes:

Proof of Ownership: The title establishes legal ownership of the vehicle.
Registration: Titles are necessary for registering a vehicle with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Liability and Insurance: Titles are often required to obtain insurance coverage for a vehicle.
Tracking: Titles allow states to track vehicle ownership and history.

Since standard golf carts are not intended for public road use, they typically fall outside the scope of these requirements. They are generally used on private property (golf courses, gated communities, large estates) where the state’s motor vehicle regulations do not apply in the same way.

According to a study by the National Golf Foundation, the vast majority of golf carts are used exclusively on golf courses, further solidifying their off-road classification. This usage pattern reinforces the rationale for not requiring titles for standard golf carts.

When Does a Golf Cart Require a Title?

A golf cart requires a title when it is converted into a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) and intended for use on public roads. This conversion process entails significant modifications to meet federal and state safety standards.

Simply put, if you plan to drive your golf cart on public roads alongside regular traffic (even at low speeds), it will almost certainly need to be titled and registered as an LSV. The specific requirements for LSV conversion and titling vary by state, but generally include:

Headlights, Taillights, and Brake Lights: Functional lighting systems are essential for visibility and safety.
Turn Signals: Front and rear turn signals are required for indicating lane changes and turns.
Reflectors: Reflectors enhance visibility, especially at night.
Windshield: A Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved windshield is typically required.
Seat Belts: Seat belts for all occupants are a crucial safety feature.
Mirrors: Side and rearview mirrors are necessary for safe maneuvering.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): A 17-digit VIN may need to be assigned if the golf cart doesn’t already have one.
Speed Capability: LSVs typically have a top speed between 20 and 25 mph.
Horn A working horn.

Once these modifications are made, the golf cart must be inspected by the state’s DMV (or a designated inspection station) to verify compliance with LSV standards. Upon successful inspection, the owner can apply for a title and registration, just like they would for a regular car.

Progressive Insurance states that a golf cart will only need title if it is converted to a low-speed vehicle.

How to Obtain a Title for a Golf Cart (LSV Conversion)?

Obtaining a title for a golf cart that has been converted to an LSV involves a multi-step process that typically includes modifying the cart, gathering documentation, getting it inspected, and applying for the title at your local DMV.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Determine State Requirements: Before making any modifications, thoroughly research your state’s specific requirements for LSV conversion. The DMV’s website is usually the best source of information.
Make Necessary Modifications: Install all required safety equipment, ensuring it meets the applicable standards (e.g., DOT-approved headlights, seat belts).
Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant paperwork, including:
- Bill of Sale: The original bill of sale for the golf cart.
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO): If available, this document may be required.
- Receipts for Modifications: Keep receipts for all parts and labor related to the LSV conversion.
- Proof of Insurance: Obtain insurance coverage that meets your state’s requirements for LSVs.
- Completed Application for Title: Obtain the correct application form from your local DMV.
Vehicle Inspection: Schedule an inspection with your state’s DMV or a designated inspection station. The inspector will verify that the golf cart meets all LSV requirements.
Apply for Title and Registration: Once the inspection is passed, submit all required documentation and fees to your local DMV to apply for a title and registration. You will likely receive license plates at this time.

Key Takeaway: The process of obtaining a title for an LSV is similar to titling a regular car, but with the added step of verifying the necessary safety modifications.

What is a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)?

A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), also known as a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), is a document that certifies the origin of a new vehicle, including a golf cart. It’s essentially the “birth certificate” of the vehicle.

The MCO includes key information:

Manufacturer: The name and address of the golf cart manufacturer.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): A unique 17-digit number assigned to the vehicle.
Year, Make, and Model: The year of manufacture, the brand name (e.g., Club Car, EZ-GO), and the specific model.
Description: A brief description of the golf cart.
Date of Manufacture: When it was manufactured.

Not all golf carts come with an MCO. It’s more common for new golf carts purchased from a dealer to have an MCO. If you’re buying a used golf cart, it’s less likely to have an MCO.

Riva Motorsports Miami states that one of the documents needed for getting a title for a Golf Cart is the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.

What is a Bill of Sale, and Why is it Important for Golf Carts?

A bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of a golf cart from the seller to the buyer. It serves as proof of purchase and is crucial for golf carts, especially since most don’t have titles.

A proper bill of sale for a golf cart should include:

Seller Information: Name, address, and contact information.
Buyer Information: Name, address, and contact information.
Golf Cart Description: Year, make, model, and serial number.
Sale Price: The agreed-upon price for the golf cart.
Date of Sale: The date the transaction took place.
Signatures: Signatures of both the buyer and seller.
Notary Public(Optional): Notarization that adds an extra layer of legal protection.

According to Golf Carts Forum, all major brand Golf Carts don’t come with titles like a car. You can use the Bill of Sale as proof of ownership, for example if you would like to register your golf cart for street use.

FAQs About Do Golf Carts Have Titles

Do you need a license to drive a golf cart?

Whether or not you need a license to drive a golf cart depends on where you are driving it and local regulations. On private property, like a golf course, a license is typically not required. However, for street-legal golf carts (LSVs), a valid driver’s license is usually mandatory.

Can you drive a golf cart on the road without a title?

You can drive a standard golf cart on private roads without a title. However, you generally cannot drive a golf cart on public roads without a title unless it has been converted to an LSV and properly titled and registered.

How do I prove ownership of a golf cart without a title?

The primary way to prove ownership of a golf cart without a title is with a detailed bill of sale. This document should include the buyer and seller’s information, the golf cart’s details (make, model, serial number), the sale price, and the date of sale.

What is the difference between a golf cart and a low-speed vehicle (LSV)?

A golf cart is designed for off-road use, primarily on golf courses. An LSV is a street-legal vehicle, often a modified golf cart, that meets specific safety standards (headlights, taillights, seat belts, etc.) and can be driven on public roads with low-speed limits.

Do I need insurance for a golf cart?

Insurance requirements for golf carts vary by state and usage. If you only use your golf cart on private property, insurance may not be legally required, but it’s still a good idea for liability protection. For LSVs, insurance is almost always mandatory.

What happens if my golf cart is stolen and I don’t have a title?

If your golf cart is stolen and you don’t have a title, the bill of sale becomes your primary proof of ownership when reporting the theft to the police and your insurance company (if you have coverage).

Can I get a title for an old golf cart?

It may be possible to get a title for an old golf cart if you intend to convert it to an LSV. You’ll need to follow your state’s procedures for LSV titling, which may include providing a bill of sale, receipts for modifications, and passing a vehicle inspection.

Are there any states where golf carts always need titles?

While most states don’t require titles for standard golf carts, regulations can change. Always check with your local DMV for the most up-to-date information.

How do I transfer ownership of a golf cart without a title?

To transfer ownership of a golf cart without a title, you’ll need to create a new bill of sale. Both the seller and the buyer should sign and date the document, and it should include all the relevant details of the golf cart and the transaction.

Where do I find the serial Number for my golf cart?

The serial number location on a golf cart varies depending on the manufacturer and model, you should be able to find out where it is located by searching online.

Summary

Understanding whether a golf cart needs a title is essential for legal compliance and peace of mind. Most standard golf carts, used exclusively on golf courses or private property, do not require titles. A bill of sale serves as sufficient proof of ownership. However, when a golf cart is modified to become a low-speed vehicle (LSV) for use on public roads, it generally does require a title, registration, and insurance, similar to a regular car. Always check your local and state laws.