How can I get my name off a car loan I cosigned on?

Asked by: Miss Kaya Prohaska  |  Last update: November 22, 2025
Score: 5/5 (54 votes)

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 I take my name off a car loan if I cosigned?

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!

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.

Can I remove myself as a cosigner on a car?

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.

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 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.

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.

Does a cosigner legally own 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 to get rid of a car loan legally?

Jump to:
  1. Sell the Car.
  2. Renegotiate the Terms of the Loan.
  3. Refinance the Loan.
  4. Pay off the Loan.
  5. Consider a Voluntary Repossession.
  6. Other Options.
  7. Getting Out of a Car Lease.

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.

What legal rights does a cosigner have?

Being a cosigner does not give you rights to the property. A cosigner has no title or ownership in the property secured for the loan. Additionally, a cosigner has no legal right to occupy a home as a primary or secondary residence, unlike the primary signer/borrower.

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.

Can you take your name off a joint loan?

You can take your name off a mortgage without refinancing your loan by selling the home, having the new owner take on a loan assumption, asking your current lender to modify the loan, or filing bankruptcy. You can also pay off the entire mortgage if you and your co-owner have the means.

How do I get my name off a car title?

The person whose name is being removed from the title should complete the sections on the back of the title certificate as though he or she were selling the car. The other person, whose name is remaining on the title, will be listed as the buyer.

Can a lawyer get you out of a car loan?

A lawyer likely can't help you, but the bank may be able to. Contact the bank you financed through, and tell them what happened, see if they can assist.

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.

How do you get out of a car loan you cannot afford?

How to get out of a car loan
  1. Renegotiate your loan terms. ...
  2. Refinance your car loan. ...
  3. Pay off your auto loan early. ...
  4. Sell your car. ...
  5. Consider voluntary repossession. ...
  6. Default on your car loan (not recommended) ...
  7. Consider filing for bankruptcy (not recommended)

Can a name be removed from a 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.

Will churches help with car payments?

Church grants are forms of financial aid provided by religious organizations to support individuals and families facing financial hardships. These grants can address various needs, including housing, utility bills, medical expenses, and car payments.

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 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.

How much rights does a cosigner have on a car?

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.

How do I get removed as an authorized user?

If you want to be removed from the account, you'll have to call the credit card provider and be prepared to negotiate. If the other account holder would qualify for the card on their own, the credit card company may approve your request. If not, your only option is to pay off any outstanding debt and close the account.

Can I refinance my car if I have a cosigner?

If you're struggling to keep up with your car payments, you may want to consider refinancing with a cosigner so you can adjust the terms. With a financially stable cosigner, you may qualify for a lower interest rate, which will lower your monthly payments.

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.