Can a cosigner take their name off the loan?

Asked by: Dalton Terry  |  Last update: October 27, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (16 votes)

Fortunately, you can have your name removed, but you will have to take the appropriate steps depending on the cosigned loan type. Basically, you have two options: You can enable the main borrower to assume total control of the debt or you can get rid of the debt entirely.

Can a cosigner remove themselves from a loan?

Some lenders have a release option for co-signers, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. A release can be obtained after a certain number of on-time payments and a credit check of the original borrower to determine whether they are now creditworthy.

How can you get your name off a cosigned loan?

lenders do not remove co signers from loans. The debt has to be retired. This can be done by paying it off directly or refinancing the loan.

How can I remove myself as a cosigner on a car loan?

lenders do not remove co signers from loans. The debt has to be retired. This can be done by paying it off directly or refinancing the loan.

How do you get out of a cosigned student loan?

The only way to get off of a loan that you co- signed on is the have the other cosigner redo the loan in his own name. No bank will release you. That is their insurance should the borrower default on the loan. Sorry.

How to Remove a Cosigner From a Car Loan (Get Rid of a Cosigner)

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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.

How long is a co-signer responsible for a student loan?

The responsibility can last as long as the loan term

In addition, if your student doesn't graduate, earn as much as anticipated after graduating or obtain their expected job, the debt doesn't go away.

When can a co-signer be removed?

If you make enough payments on-time, some lenders will allow you to remove the cosigner name from your loan. Sell the Car and Pay Off Your Loan: If you're not eligible for any of the above options, you can sell your vehicle and pay off the remainder of the loan.

What happens if you cosign a loan and the other person doesn't pay?

The lender may take legal action against you, pursue you through debt collection agencies, or sell the debt to a “debt buyer” to try to collect the money that is owed on the loan if the borrower does not pay or defaults on his or her repayment obligations.

Can you take a cosigner off a car loan without refinancing?

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?

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.

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

Key takeaways. 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 you kick out a cosigner?

Removing a co-borrower or cosigner from a mortgage is possible but difficult, and your lender may insist that you pay off the mortgage in full or refinance the house by taking out a new loan solely in your name.

How do I get my name off a loan as a cosigner?

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.

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.

Can you switch cosigners on a car loan?

Switching or removing a co-signer on a car loan is not as simple or as straightforward as it sounds. Often, you will need to secure an auto refinance loan, pay it off altogether or go through the process of completing a co-signer release — if the lender even offers this option.

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.

Why is it never a good idea to cosign a loan?

Acting as a co-signer can have serious financial consequences. First, co-signers assume legal responsibility for a debt. So, if the primary borrower is unable to pay as agreed, the co-signer may have to pay the full amount of what's owed. Second, a co-signed loan will appear on the co-signer's credit reports.

What legal action can a cosigner take?

But most states allow cosigners to take primary borrowers to court in the following situations: Cross claims: If you default on or fail to repay the loan, the lender could sue the cosigner for the money owed. The cosigner may then be able to sue you for the money that the lender is trying to recover.

How long does a co-signer stay on a loan?

Co-signers are responsible for the life of the loan, or until you're able to release them. You can apply to release a co-signer after making 24 months of consecutive on-time, full payments for private student loans—only 12 months required for refinance loans.

How do I get out of a loan?

  1. Make bi-weekly payments. Instead of making monthly payments toward your loan, submit half-payments every two weeks. ...
  2. Round up your monthly payments. ...
  3. Make one extra payment each year. ...
  4. Refinance. ...
  5. Boost your income and put all extra money toward the loan.

Can you reverse a cosign?

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.

How do I remove myself as a cosigner on a student loan?

If your payment history is solid, you can start the application process. You should be able to find a release application on the website of your lender or loan servicer. Offer proof of graduation or completion of a certificate program. A co-signer release normally can't be done if the borrower remains in school.

How do you get a cosigner release?

If the lender determines that you are eligible and able to make the payments on the loan without the assistance of another party, they will then process the final release of your cosigner.

Does being a cosigner show up on your credit report?

Agreeing to cosign a loan for someone is a generous thing to do, and risky. Such a noble deed will show up on your credit report, but the impact won't always be positive. On the one hand, your credit score might improve if the primary borrower executes timely payments.