Can you sell a car that has a cosigner?

Asked by: Prof. Margarette Funk  |  Last update: April 29, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (5 votes)

If you want to sell the car by yourself, you may not be able to – you're likely to need your co-borrower to complete the sale. Both of your names are on the title, which can make selling the vehicle complicated. You're also likely to need your co-borrower's permission to transfer ownership legitimately.

Does a co-signer have rights to my car?

The cosigner is legally responsible for the debt if the primary borrower can't make payments. Any late or missed payments can negatively impact both parties' credit scores. Furthermore, the cosigner doesn't have any ownership of the vehicle.

How can I legally get out of 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.

Do both parties have to be present to sell a car?

Even though you both own the car, you may not both need to be present when you sell or trade the vehicle. When you need to sell the car but the co-borrower can't be there, you may be able to sign over the title without them, but you can't do it without their permission.

Can I take back a car I cosigned for?

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. 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.

Can car loan cosigner take possession of the car?

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Can I sell a cosigned car?

If the title to the car has two names on it, with the word AND in between the names, you must have BOTH signatures on the title in order to sell the car. If the title has the word OR between the names, then either party may sign the title and sell the car.

How bad does a repo hurt a cosigner?

“Repossession is bad for both the borrower and the cosigner because both credit scores will take a hit. Late payments, loan defaults, loans sent to collections and court judgments can all be noted on the primary borrower reports and the cosigner's reports,” says Howard Dvorkin, CPA and Chairman at Debt.com.

Can I sell a car that isn't in my name?

A title is the proof of ownership and it ties the car to the name of the seller. If you try to sell a car without a title in your name, you just don't have the authority to sell it. You may also face fines and some jail time. And, you may even still be legally responsible for the car.

Can a co-owner of a car take it?

He can not take it away from you. But, if you are both in the title & registration card, you are both co-owners too. If you are in the title alone, it is your car.

What happens if you sell a car and they don't transfer the title?

This is called title jumping or title skipping and while it can end up saving the seller money, it is illegal in every state. In some states, such as California, Florida, and Texas, it is considered a felony and can result in jail time.

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 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.

Are cosigners on the title?

Remember that a co-signer is not on the title of the property and cannot take ownership of it. Getting a home loan with a partner is the same as if applying solo. Each party will need to provide proof of income, assets and bank statements, proof of identity, and other documents.

What credit score is needed to buy a car?

Still, you typically need a good credit score of 661 or higher to qualify for an auto loan. About 69% of retail vehicle financing is for borrowers with credit scores of 661 or higher, according to Experian. Meanwhile, low-credit borrowers with scores of 600 or lower accounted for only 14% of auto loans.

How do I remove a cosigner from a 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.

Can a cosigner legally take the 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 remove one owner from my 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 sell my car if I have a co buyer?

As an equal partner on the financial agreement, a co-buyer shares the benefits of ownership and the financial accountability. This means that the co-buyer and the primary borrower have the same rights, such as the ability to sell the vehicle or trade it in (though both parties would have to agree to do so).

How to get rid of a car that's not in your name?

Look for junkyards that buy cars with no titles

Searching for which junkyards in your area buy cars with no titles. Almost all junk yards will advertise whether they buy cars for scrap or junking with or without titles.

Can my son sell my car for me?

Yes, you can. However, if you are selling a car on behalf of a relative or friend, we require that you also obtain a letter of authorization (i.e. Power of Attorney) from the registered owner of the vehicle. Payment and transaction details must match the owner's name on the vehicle's title.

Am I liable if my name is on a car title?

Most of the time no, the person is not going to be responsible, but there are times specifically if they're your employer, if you're running an errand at their specific request behest or if you are a family member living with them, then they might be responsible.

Do co-signers have any rights?

No. Cosigning a loan doesn't give you any title, ownership, or other rights to the property the loan is paying for. Your only role is to repay the loan if the main borrower falls behind on the payments or defaults.

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.

Can I take my name off a cosigned 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.