Can a co-signer take their name off a car?

Asked by: Micheal Wuckert DVM  |  Last update: February 4, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (12 votes)

A co-signer may want to be removed from an auto loan for several reasons. Co-signers cannot remove themselves from a loan or be removed by the primary borrower. A co-signer's obligation is eliminated when the loan is paid off or refinanced without their involvement.

Can you remove your name as a cosigner on a car?

Get a co-signer release

While not all lenders offer this, a co-signer release is simply paperwork that removes the co-signer from the loan. Keep in mind that leaving can negatively impact the rates the now-primary borrower will receive, especially if your credit score is better than theirs.

Can a cosigner remove himself from a car loan?

You can't have an agreement to take yourself off the loan, unfortunately. Only the lender can agree to that, and they're unlikely to do so.

What rights do cosigners have on a car?

While you won't have any legal rights to the vehicle unless granted permission, you must be prepared to cover payments, late fees and collection costs if the borrower defaults. Failing to keep up with car loan payments will negatively impact your credit score.

Can a co-owner be removed from a car loan?

It is important to note, however, that a co-borrower has equal ownership in the vehicle. Be sure that you and your co-borrower understand and agree to any terms before applying. If your co-borrower ever wants to remove themselves from the loan, you must refinance again to remove them from your policy.

How to Take a Co-Signer Off a Car Loan

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Can a co-signer take your car away?

Cosigners can't take possession of the vehicle they cosign for or remove the primary borrower from the loan since their name isn't on the vehicle's title.

How do I remove a co-signer from my car title?

You can remove the co-signer by refinancing your auto loan, receiving a co-signer release or paying off the loan. Before removing the co-signer, ensure your credit score is high enough to receive the same or comparable rate if you refinance.

How can I legally get out of a cosigned loan?

Request release from a co-signed loan

Co-signers can make a written request to the lender to be released from a loan. In certain cases, like some student loans, there may be a provision that allows a co-signer to take their name off a loan.

Can cosigner take full ownership of a car?

Unlike co-borrowers, who are on the title or have some claim to the property or funds, co-signers have no title or ownership of the property the funds are used for. For example, a co-signer for a vehicle has no legal right to the financed vehicle.

How do I take my name off a car loan?

To get your name off of someone's car loan you have the option to request a co-signer release. Selling or trading in the vehicle is another way to remove a co-signer from a car loan. If these aren't options, you can ask them to refinance the loan without you.

How long before you can remove a cosigner from a car loan?

You can often remove a cosigner at any point during the loan period. Your loan paperwork might dictate specific terms, though. For example, some lenders require 24 months of on-time payments from the primary borrower before they'll consider releasing the cosigner.

Can you sue to be removed as a cosigner?

If the borrower forged your signature, or if they committed fraud to enforce you to sign the loan contract, you can sue both the lender and the primary borrower to have your name removed. However, you'll need unquestionable proof that you did not willingly consent to cosign the loan.

Can a cosigner have a car repossessed?

The lender can seek a deficiency judgment against you even though you didn't own the car and the person you cosigned for was supposed to make the payments. But if a car you cosigned for is repossessed, you still have rights when it comes to the sale and collection of the deficiency.

How do you remove yourself as a co-signer on a car?

If you cosigned for a loan, one of the quickest routes out is to apply to the lender for a cosigner release. This lets the cosigner off the hook, so that only the primary borrower is the one listed on the loan going forward. It's not quite so simple, however.

Can a cosigner take themselves off?

You can remove yourself as a co-signer, but it's not always easy. When you ask for a co-signer release, it's common to get turned down. When you co-sign a loan, you're taking on full responsibility for that financial obligation, along with the primary borrower.

How do I protect myself as a cosigner?

5 ways to protect yourself as a co-signer
  1. Serve as a co-signer only for close friends or relatives. One of loan co-signing's biggest risks is potential damage to your credit score. ...
  2. Keep copies of all the loan documents. ...
  3. Create a contract. ...
  4. Track monthly payments. ...
  5. Ensure you can afford payments.

Does co-signer name go on title?

What is a Co-Signer? A co-signer applies for the home loan right along with you. However, they are not on the title of the home. The co-signers name is only on the loan, meaning that while they are financially responsible for paying back the mortgage, they do not have ownership of the property.

Will removing myself as a cosigner hurt my credit?

Being removed as a cosigner from a loan could potentially hurt your credit scores. How much your scores are impacted depends on the details of your credit profile.

Can a cosigner get your car taken away?

If no one is making payments (either you or cosigner) the car will be taken. It is your car that will be taken because you bought it, you have the keys, you use it. The cosigner is not losing his car, he just agreed to pay for your car if you did not.

How to get co-signer off car title?

Removing a co-signer from a car loan requires the loan to be paid off. If there's a balance remaining, that amount must be refinanced. The primary borrower could possibly qualify alone, or a new co-signer may be needed.

Can you remove someone from a car loan without refinancing?

If you're wondering “how to remove a cosigner from a car loan,” it is possible to do so. Contact your lender to discuss options. They will only agree if your credit history has improved to the point where you're not a risk to them.

How do I get my name off a cosigned loan?

Your best option to get your name off a large cosigned loan is to have the person who's using the money refinance the loan without your name on the new loan. Another option is to help the borrower improve their credit history. You can ask the person using the money to make extra payments to pay off the loan faster.

When can I take a co-signer off my car?

Refinancing the loan: If you want to remove a cosigner from your car loan, you may be able to refinance the loan in your name so it becomes your responsibility alone. For example, if you've recently gone through a divorce and your ex-spouse is a cosigner on your loan, you could refinance the loan in your name only.

How do I take someone's name off a car title?

When the title states “and/or” or “or” in the name field, only one person needs to consent to remove a name. If it only contains the word “and,” both parties need to agree to remove any name from the title. Therefore, you'll need to get consent from the co owner.

Can I take my name off a car loan?

Good news, though – you can remove your name from the loan and get your name off the title. This can be done by refinancing the car loan and making either one of you the sole owner of the vehicle. Refinancing is the only way to remove a co-borrower from an auto loan.