Can a cosigner take their name off a car?

Asked by: Prof. Joanie Von  |  Last update: January 28, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (55 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 a cosigner on a car be removed?

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 can I get my name off a car loan as a cosigner?

A co-signer or co-borrower can request a release from a car loan, refinance the loan, pay off the loan or sell the vehicle to remove themselves from the loan agreement. It is important to communicate with the other borrower and come to an agreement on how to handle the loan before taking any action.

Can someone take their name off a cosigned car?

The short answer is yes! Removing a cosigner from a car loan is absolutely possible, but there are a few different routes you can take to achieve it. The finance team at Marietta Toyota has outlined the purpose of a cosigner along with common ways to release them from a car loan below, so read on!

What rights does a cosigner 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.

How to Take a Co-Signer Off a Car Loan

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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 you repossess a car you cosigned?

Keep in mind that a cosigner can't take possession of a car they've cosigned for. A cosigner doesn't have any legal rights to the vehicle, so they can't take a car from its rightful owner, the primary borrower.

Can you remove someone from a car loan without refinancing?

But if your circumstances change over time or your credit score improves and you would like to remove the co-signer from your loan, there are three primary options. You can refinance, get a co-signer release or pay off the loan.

Who owns the car with a cosigner?

Co-signing means you are responsible for covering payments if the main borrower cannot, but you do not have any legal rights to the car. Co-owning means both parties have equal ownership and financial responsibility for the car.

Can a cosigner be removed from a 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.

How do I remove someone's name from 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.

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 I remove my name as cosigner?

If you want to remove yourself as a cosigner before the loan has been fully paid off, you can try asking the lender to remove you as the cosigner. Some lenders may be willing to do so if the primary borrower can show that they can handle the loan on their own.

When can you take someone off as a cosigner?

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 the buyer take the car from the cosigner?

A co-signer also is someone who signs a loan or lease agreement alongside the primary borrower, but this person doesn't have any ownership rights to the vehicle, whereas a co-buyer is a joint owner of the vehicle.

How to get a co-signer release?

Apply to release your cosigner
  1. Provide proof of graduation or completion of a certificate program.
  2. Be old enough to enter a legally binding contract where you live.
  3. Be a U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident at the time you submit the request.
  4. Provide proof of income.

Can a co-signer take my car away?

Can a cosigner repossess a car? It's important to know that taking possession of the car if the primary borrower defaults, or “taking matters into your own hands,” is not a legitimate substitute for legal action.

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.

How do you get your 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 do I get my name off a cosigned car?

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.

How long does a cosigner stay on a car loan?

A co-signer doesn't need to stay on the loan for the life of it, either. After making the required principal and interest payments, you can apply to release them and manage repayment on your own.

How do I remove a cosigner without refinancing?

5 ways to remove someone from a mortgage without refinancing
  1. Mortgage loan assumption: Transfer the loan to your name. ...
  2. Mortgage loan modification: Change the terms of you loan. ...
  3. Selling the house: Fresh start for both parties. ...
  4. Paying off the mortgage: Eliminating the debt.

How do I remove a cosigner from a car title?

To remove a cosigner from a car loan and title, you typically need to refinance the loan solely in your name. This involves applying for a new loan based on your creditworthiness and income, which can be challenging if your financial situation has changed since the original loan was taken out.

Can a repo man pull you out of your car?

The answer to this question may vary depending on the specific laws and regulations of your jurisdiction. However, in general, repo agents are typically prohibited from repossessing a vehicle with occupants inside due to safety concerns and potential legal ramifications.

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.