How do I get my name off a cosigned car loan?

Asked by: Angeline Weissnat  |  Last update: April 14, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (9 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.

Is there a way to remove yourself as a cosigner on a car?

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.

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.

How do I get my name off my ex's car loan?

To remove your name from the loan, your ex would generally need to refinance the vehicle in her name alone. This process requires her to qualify for the loan based on her own credit and income. If the lender approves, the new loan would replace the current one, releasing you from any financial responsibility.

Can a cosigner take their name off a car loan?

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.

How to Take a Co-Signer Off a Car Loan

17 related questions found

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.

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.

How can I be removed from a car loan I cosigned for my ex-boyfriend?

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 sue to get my name off a car loan?

You cannot sue to get your name off a loan you signed. But you can discuss options with the co-borrower and a mediator to reach a solution that works for both of you.

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.

What happens if you don't pay back a cosigned loan?

If the borrower does not repay the loan, you may be forced to repay the whole amount of the loan, plus interest and any late fees that have accrued. With most cosigned loans, the lender is not required to pursue the main borrower first, but can request payment from the cosigner any time there is a missed payment.

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.

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 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.

Can cosigner take full ownership of a 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 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 I remove myself as a cosigner on a car?

You can't remove yourself from a loan contract just because the other borrower isn't holding up their end. Your responsibility doesn't end until the contract is fulfilled and the loan is repaid.

How do I remove my name from a cosigned car loan?

Here are the four main ways to remove a cosigner:
  1. Release the Cosigner. Some banks and lending companies offer cosigner releases. ...
  2. Pay Off the Loan. If you have the money to pay off your loan in full, you might consider this option to remove your cosigner. ...
  3. Refinance Your Car. ...
  4. Sell the Car.

How do I get a car loan out of someone's name?

Sell the car

Removing the lien means paying off your entire loan balance. If you can sell the vehicle for what you owe on the loan (or hopefully more), the payoff amount goes to the lender, who removes the lien and you both can take your names off the title and relinquish ownership.

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 do I get my name off my ex-husband's car?

Removing a name from a car title post-divorce
  1. First, find out as much as you can about this process from your local DMV. ...
  2. Get a certified copy of your divorce decree. ...
  3. Obtain pertinent information about the car. ...
  4. Fill out the necessary paperwork provided by the DMV. ...
  5. Submit your paperwork to the DMV.

What is a cosigner release form?

Releasing your co-signer means they are no longer responsible for the repayment of your loans. Some private loans allow you to remove the co-signer from your student loan after you've made a certain number of on-time payments.

Can I take my name off a car loan?

Good news, though – you can remove your name from the loan and get your name off the title. This can be done by refinancing the car loan and making either one of you the sole owner of the vehicle. Refinancing is the only way to remove a co-borrower from an auto loan.

Can a name be removed from a title?

If it states “And/Or” you can remove either name without the other person's permission. If the tile states your name “And” the other individuals name, you will need to have their signature and permission to remove any name from the title. Simply have the other person sign the back of the title over to you.

What is a pink slip?

The term pink slip is a vernacular term that refers to a notice of dismissal given to an employee. A pink slip is an official notification that the worker's position has been eliminated or that the worker's services are no longer required.