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

Asked by: Eryn Hoppe DDS  |  Last update: April 12, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (61 votes)

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.

How do I remove my name from my car title after divorce?

You will need to consult with a litigation attorney in your location. It will be necessary to go back to court to prove that you ex no longer has any interest in the SUV. You will need to get a Court Order instructing the Auto Title Bureau to remove her name from the Title to your car.

How to remove co-signer from car title after car is paid off?

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.

How do I remove the dealer name from the back of my car?

Removing the Decal

You'll need a heat source to soften the adhesive behind the decal. A sunny day may suffice; otherwise, just aim a hair dryer at the sticker. Next, slowly peel away the decal. If the adhesive is still too sticky, use a tool, such as a spatula, credit card, or even a string of floss.

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.

What to do if your EX is on your car title!

22 related questions found

Does it matter whose name is on the car?

Yes, the name on a car title can impact insurance coverage. Insurance companies usually require the policyholder to have an insurable interest in the vehicle, meaning they either own the car or have a significant financial interest in it.

How to avoid title jumping?

One of the most important steps to avoid title jumping is registering the vehicle in your name immediately after purchasing it. This ensures that the transfer is recorded and establishes you as the vehicle's legal owner.

Can you remove the name of the car?

In general, removing a name from the title is not difficult, but there are some technical details that you need to treat carefully. In short, you will treat the change on the title as a sale or transfer of the car. Some special circumstances will be treated a bit differently.

How do I surrender my car back to the dealership?

How does voluntary repossession work? Voluntarily surrendering a car involves informing your lender that you can no longer make payments and intend to return it. Empty your car of all personal items and arrange the time and place to drop off your car and hand over the keys.

What happens when a dealer buys back your car?

When the dealer buys back the car, they refund the consumer all the money spent on the vehicle minus a “usage fee” calculated based on how long the consumer drove the vehicle before returning it to the dealership.

How do I get my name off a cosigned car?

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 remove someone from a car loan without refinancing?

If you're wondering “how to remove a cosigner from a car loan,” it is possible to do so. Contact your lender to discuss options. They will only agree if your credit history has improved to the point where you're not a risk to them.

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 get my name off my ex's car?

Refinancing is the only way to remove a co-borrower from an auto loan. However, if you want to get your name off the car loan, your ex needs to qualify for refinancing and prove they can afford the payment on their own.

Can I sell my car if my ex is on the title?

If the title reads AND then your ex will need to sign a number of documents to sell the car- this is specifically to prevent one party from selling the car without the other party's active involvement.

Does it matter whose name is first on a car title?

The order of the names on the title do not matter.

Is a surrender better than a repo?

Benefits of Voluntary Surrender for Consumers

It can result in lower fees and costs associated with the return of the vehicle, as opposed to the fees incurred during repossession. It may allow for more control over the return process and timing, reducing stress and embarrassment.

What happens if you let a car go back to the dealership?

Returning a new car may also be more difficult than taking back a used car, since used cars lose value at a slower rate when you drive them off the lot. Between depreciation and registration, a new vehicle that's returned to a dealer will likely have to be sold as used — leading to a potential loss for the dealer.

How much will I owe if I surrender my car?

What Happens if I Voluntarily Surrender My Car? If you voluntarily surrender your car, you can avoid some of the extra costs associated with repossession, such as towing and storage fees. But you'll still be responsible for paying the deficiency balance if the car is sold for less than the amount you owe on the loan.

How do I remove my ex-husband from my car title?

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.

How do I take someone's name off 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 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.

How to tell if someone is title jumping?

Protecting yourself from title jumping

One quick way to check is to confirm that the seller's name matches the name on the title. If the document is an open title — where someone else is listed as the seller and the buyer's information is left blank — think twice about going through with the transaction.

What is curbstoning?

Curbstoning is the illegal, unlicensed “flipping” of used cars for profit. Technically, a used car can be flipped legally, however, it must be done by a licensed dealer. Curbstoners are not licensed dealers and are more than likely to flip an unsafe or fradulently displayed vehicle to an unsuspecting consumer.

Can someone put a car in your name without you knowing?

Yes, it's possible for someone to steal your identity and buy a car in your name.