Can a primary borrower be removed from a car loan?

Asked by: Xzavier Ebert II  |  Last update: January 10, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (42 votes)

Ending a Cosigned Car Loan. As the cosigner, you can't remove the primary borrower from the loan. Unfortunately, since you have no legal rights to the vehicle, the primary borrower has to take the initiative to remove someone's name from the contract.

How do I remove a primary owner from my car loan?

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.

Does it matter who is the primary borrower on a car loan?

The potential risks of co-signing an auto loan

If the primary borrower doesn't make their monthly loan payment, you will be asked to make the payment. Any missed payments could also appear on your credit reports and impact your credit scores, making it harder for you to get credit in the future.

Can you remove a co-borrower from a car loan without refinancing?

In most instances, the only way to remove a cosigner from liability is with the creditor's approval or a refinance.

Can you take someone's name off a car loan?

The good news is that refinancing the car loan is the only way to remove a co-borrower's name from the loan and title. By refinancing, either you or your ex-spouse can become the sole owner of the vehicle, and your name can be removed from the loan and title.

How To Get Removed As A Co-Signer On An Auto Or Mortgage Loan

26 related questions found

How do I remove someone from a joint car loan?

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.

Can a cosigner remove the primary borrower?

As the cosigner, you can't remove the primary borrower from the loan. Unfortunately, since you have no legal rights to the vehicle, the primary borrower has to take the initiative to remove someone's name from the contract.

How to remove co-borrower from car title?

To release a cosigner from the car title, you'll essentially do a title transfer from both owners to only your name. This step requires a few documents, including the original title signed by the 'sellers,' odometer verification, a valid government-issued ID, and proof of insurance.

How to remove primary borrower from auto loan reddit?

You remove her from the loan by getting her permission and refinancing in your name only, if the lender will allow it, which they usually do not. But you can ask! Or get another loan somewhere, and pay off this loan.

Who owns the car if there is a co-borrower?

Equal rights: The co-borrower has equal rights to the car as the primary borrower. This means the co-owner must be involved in the sale or transfer of the car. Insurance: Even if the co-owner doesn't use the car, they will likely need to be on the insurance policy. This can mean higher costs for both involved.

Can a primary borrower take possession of the car?

In other words, if you wanted to get in the car and drive away with it, you'd have the right to do so, since (presumably) you're the owner of the car as well (this does not apply if you're only a co-signer on a loan). You could also take the co-signer to court for financial damages.

Can a borrower be on title but not the loan?

Yes, someone can be on the title and not the mortgage. The two terms “deed” and “title” are often used synonymously. A person whose name is on a house deed has the title to that particular house. The house deed is the physical document that is used to transfer title and thus proves who owns the house.

What is the difference between a primary borrower and a co-borrower?

A co-borrower is someone who joins you, the primary borrower, in the mortgage application process. Their credentials are used, in conjunction with yours, to qualify for a home loan. This means they share the financial responsibility of loan repayment and have partial ownership of the asset.

How do I remove one person 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.

Can a co-buyer take the car from the buyer?

Yes. Each of your have a right to keep the vehicle in your posession. However, if you try to get the vehicle from the other owner, you cannot breach the peace to take it, and example: you cannot break into a garage or somethng like that.

Can you change the owner of a financed car?

To complete the car loan transfer, the potential new owner will need to file a new loan application with the current lender. They'll need to go through the loan approval process (including a credit check) before they can be approved to assume your car loan.

Can you remove someone from an auto loan without refinancing?

Just like with adding someone to your car loan, removing them isn't possible once you sign the contract. Make sure that you choose someone responsible and trustworthy before adding a name to your car loan, as it can be difficult to remove them without refinancing before you pay the loan in full.

Can I take someone's name off my car loan?

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.

Can a cosigner sue the primary borrower on a car loan?

Cosigners can take the primary borrower to court if the primary borrower fails to repay the loan or otherwise fails to fulfill the terms of their agreement.

How to remove primary borrower from auto loan?

Removing Your Name From A Joint Auto Loan
  1. Pay off the loan. If you can pay off the remaining balance, then you end the loan and the obligation to the loan contract. ...
  2. Refinance. If one co-borrower wants to keep the car and one wants their name removed from the loan, they can try to qualify for refinancing. ...
  3. Sell the car.

How do I remove a lender from my car title?

Once your car loan is completely paid off, obtain a car title lien release from your lender so your state BMV or DMV can put the car title in your name. The lien removal process varies by state and typically involves completing paperwork and paying a fee for the new car title.

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 get out of a joint 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.

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

You're Responsible for the Debt

Because you're agreeing to be responsible for the loans you co-signed, you face all the consequences of missed payments or loan defaults. It's the same as if you'd defaulted on a loan you took out on your own.

How do you remove your name from a cosigned car loan?

How to Remove Yourself as a Co-Signer
  1. Ask if there is a co-signer release option.
  2. Look into refinancing the loan.
  3. Sell the car.