How long does it take to be removed as a cosigner?

Asked by: Dawn Volkman  |  Last update: December 16, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (75 votes)

You can often remove a cosigner at any point during the loan period. Your loan paperwork might dictate specific terms, though. For example, some lenders require 24 months of on-time payments from the primary borrower before they'll consider releasing the cosigner.

How do I legally remove a cosigner?

To get a co-signer release you will first need to contact your lender. After contacting them, you can request the release — if the lender offers it. This is just paperwork that removes the co-signer from the loan and places you, the primary borrower, as the sole borrower on the loan.

Will removing myself as a cosigner hurt my credit?

No, it doesn't hurt your credit, but having one can get credit history in your name because most times without a cosigner, you're not approved for an apartment or loan.

How can I get my name off a cosigned loan?

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. You can ask the person using the money to make extra payments to pay off the loan faster.

How to get off a car loan as a co-signer?

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.

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

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How long does a cosigner have to stay on a car loan?

You can often remove a cosigner at any point during the loan period. Your loan paperwork might dictate specific terms, though. For example, some lenders require 24 months of on-time payments from the primary borrower before they'll consider releasing the cosigner.

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.

When can I remove myself as a cosigner?

In general, to qualify for co-signer release, borrowers must prove they have the ability to pay off the loan on their own, in addition to having no late payments for a set period of time, says Kaplan. The lender will also review the borrower's full credit history and assess current income relative to the loan payments.

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 someone take their name off a cosigned car?

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 do I remove a co-signer from my 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 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 being a co-signer ruin your credit?

It can affect your credit scores.

Because a co-signed loan is recorded on your credit reports, any late or missed payments can have a negative impact on your credit scores. If the borrower defaults on the loan and ceases payment, the debt may be referred to a collection agency.

Whose credit score is used when buying a car with a co-signer?

Lenders may look at the credit score of both you and your co-signer. So, a co-signer with good credit — a score above 660 — may result in lower rates. The average auto loan rate for subprime borrowers on a new car is 12.28 percent.

How do you get your name off a personal loan?

The only way you can remove your name from such a loan is get the bank another person who is more substantial than you to cosign the loan on condition that your name is off. The bank should also agree to accept the new person.

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 I get a cosigner release?

Apply to release your cosigner
  1. Provide proof of graduation or completion of a certificate program.
  2. Be old enough to enter a legally binding contract where you live.
  3. Be a U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident at the time you submit the request.
  4. Provide proof of income.

How can I legally get out of a cosigned loan?

Request release from a co-signed loan

Co-signers can make a written request to the lender to be released from a loan. In certain cases, like some student loans, there may be a provision that allows a co-signer to take their name off a loan.

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

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.

How hard is it to remove a cosigner?

Some lenders have a release option for co-signers, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. A release can be obtained after a certain number of on-time payments and a credit check of the original borrower to determine whether they are now creditworthy.

How long does a cosigner have to stay on?

A co-signer typically stays on a lease for the entire duration of the lease term, which is usually one year for most residential leases. However, the specific duration can vary depending on the terms of the lease agreement and the policies of the landlord or property management company.

Does removing yourself as a cosigner affect your credit?

However, there is a downside to consider. 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.

Can a cosigner have a car repossessed?

The lender can seek a deficiency judgment against you even though you didn't own the car and the person you cosigned for was supposed to make the payments. But if a car you cosigned for is repossessed, you still have rights when it comes to the sale and collection of the deficiency.

How to remove cosigner from car title after car is paid off?

To remove a cosigner from a car loan and title, you typically need to refinance the loan solely in your name. This involves applying for a new loan based on your creditworthiness and income, which can be challenging if your financial situation has changed since the original loan was taken out.

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.