How to Get Cosigner Off Car Title 5 Expert Methods

Struggling to figure out how to get a cosigner off your car title? You’re not alone. This process can feel confusing because it involves both your lender and the DMV, and the right steps aren’t always clear.

To get a cosigner off a car title, you must first address the auto loan. If the loan is active, you can refinance it into your name alone, request a cosigner release from the lender, or sell the car to pay off the loan. If the loan is already paid off, you and the cosigner must complete a title transfer form at your local DMV to issue a new title solely in your name.

Based on an analysis of current lender policies and state regulations, this guide breaks down the expert-approved methods. You will discover the precise steps for your specific situation, whether the loan is active or paid off. This reveals exactly how to gain sole ownership of your vehicle and release your cosigner from all obligations.

Key Facts

• Two-Part Process: Removing a cosigner is always a two-step process: first, you must resolve the financial obligation with the lender, and second, you must complete the administrative paperwork with the DMV.
• Refinancing Requirement: To refinance a car loan into your own name, lenders typically look for a credit score of 670 or higher, demonstrating your ability to handle the debt independently.
• Lien Release is Crucial: After paying off the loan, the lender sends you a lien release letter. This document is essential proof for the DMV that the car is fully yours and the lienholder no longer has a claim.
• DMV Fees: The cost to transfer a title and have a new one issued in your name is generally minimal, with most state DMV fees ranging from $15 to $100 as of 2026.
• Positive Credit Impact: Successfully removing a cosigner from a loan can positively impact their credit score by lowering their overall debt-to-income ratio, according to credit bureaus like Experian.

How Do You Get a Cosigner Off a Car Title?

The process for removing a cosigner depends entirely on one key question: is there still an active loan on the car? A car title [a legal document proving ownership] and a car loan [a financial agreement to pay for the vehicle] are separate items that are linked as long as you owe money. The lender, or lienholder, maintains a claim on the vehicle until the loan is fully paid. Because of this, you cannot simply remove a name from the title if that person is also financially responsible for an active loan.

It is critical to understand the difference between a cosigner on a loan and a co-owner on a title. A loan cosigner is financially responsible for the debt but does not have legal ownership rights. A co-owner is listed on the title and has legal ownership. The first step is to check both your loan agreement and your vehicle title. Is the cosigner’s name on the loan, the title, or both? The answer determines your next steps.

The primary methods to get a cosigner off your car title include:

• Refinancing the auto loan into your name only.
• Requesting a cosigner release from your lender.
• Paying off the loan in full, either with cash or by selling the vehicle.
• Completing a title transfer at the DMV once the loan is paid.

What Are the Methods to Remove a Cosigner From an Active Car Loan?

To remove a cosigner from an active car loan, you have three primary options: refinance the loan, request a cosigner release, or sell the car to pay off the loan. Each path has different requirements and is suited for different financial situations. Refinancing the loan is the most common route, as it creates a new loan with new terms that are solely in your name. A cosigner release is less common but keeps the original loan intact while removing the cosigner’s liability. Selling the vehicle is the most straightforward way to eliminate the debt entirely.

Choosing the right method depends on your creditworthiness, your relationship with the lender, and the vehicle’s current market value compared to the loan balance. For many, improving their credit score is the first step toward qualifying for one of these options.

Feature/Aspect	1. Refinancing the Loan	2. Requesting a Cosigner Release	3. Selling the Car
Primary Requirement	Good credit & income to qualify alone	Specific clause in loan agreement	Sufficient vehicle value to cover loan
Impact on Loan	Creates a new loan with new terms	Keeps original loan, removes one party	Eliminates the loan completely
Common Obstacle	Poor credit or insufficient income	Lender does not offer this option	Loan is “upside down” (owe more than car is worth)
Best For	Borrowers with improved credit seeking better rates	Borrowers with specific loan terms allowing release	Borrowers who no longer want the vehicle

How Can You Remove a Cosigner by Refinancing the Auto Loan?

Refinancing the loan is the most common way to remove a cosigner, as it replaces the old joint loan with a new one that is solely in your name. This process involves applying for a new loan based on your own credit score and income. If approved, you use the funds from this new loan to pay off the original co-signed loan. This action satisfies the original lender, and they release the lien and the cosigner’s obligation. This is an excellent option if your credit has improved since you first bought the car, as you might also secure a lower interest rate.

To successfully refinance, you’ll typically need to demonstrate financial stability. Lenders will look at your credit score (often a FICO score of 670 or higher is required for competitive rates), your income, and your debt-to-income ratio.

Here are the steps to refinance your car loan:

1. Check Your Credit: Before you apply, review your credit report and score from sources like Experian or Credit Karma. Ensure there are no errors and you meet the general requirements.
2. Gather Your Documents: You will need proof of income (pay stubs), vehicle information (VIN, mileage), and details about your current loan.
3. Apply with Multiple Lenders: Get quotes from several lenders, including your current bank, local credit unions, and online auto lenders, to find the best interest rate and terms. Applying with multiple lenders within a 14-day period typically counts as a single hard inquiry on your credit report.
4. Choose an Offer and Sign: Once you select the best offer, complete the paperwork for the new loan.
5. Pay Off the Old Loan: The new lender will pay off the old co-signed loan, either by sending you a check or paying the original lender directly.
6. Confirm the Release: The original lender will release the lien, and the cosigner is officially removed from the financial obligation. The new title will eventually be issued with only your name and the new lienholder.

How Do You Remove a Cosigner From the Title After the Loan is Paid Off?

To remove a cosigner from a car title after payoff, you must go to the DMV. Once the loan is paid off, the financial part of the process is over, and what remains is the administrative task of updating the legal ownership document. The lender will send you a lien release letter and often the original title, proving they no longer have a financial claim on the vehicle. With these documents in hand, you can apply for a “clear” title that lists you as the sole owner.

Pro Tip: Check for “AND” vs. “OR” on the Title
Look at how the names are listed on the original title. If your name and the cosigner’s name are joined by “AND,” you will most likely need their signature on the title transfer paperwork. If the names are joined by “OR,” you may be able to transfer the title without their signature, though this varies by state.

Follow these steps to complete the process at your local DMV:

1. Obtain the Lien Release and Title: After your final payment, the lender will mail you a lien release document and/or the car’s original title with the lienholder’s signature releasing their interest. This can take a few weeks.
2. Get the Correct DMV Form: Visit your state’s DMV website and download the “Application for Title” or “Title Transfer” form. The exact name of the form varies by state.
3. Complete the Application: Fill out the form completely. This is where you will indicate the new ownership details. Both you and the cosigner may need to sign this form, especially if “AND” was used on the original title.
4. Gather Your Documents: Prepare to submit the following at the DMV:
   • The completed title application form.
   • The original car title.
   • The lien release letter from your lender.
   • A valid driver’s license or photo ID.
5. Visit the DMV and Pay Fees: Take all your paperwork to a local DMV office. You will need to pay a title transfer fee, which typically ranges from $15 to $100 depending on your state.
6. Receive Your New Title: The DMV will process your application and mail you a new vehicle title that lists only your name as the legal owner. This process can take anywhere from a few business days to several weeks.

What Are Special Circumstances for Removing a Cosigner?

Standard removal methods work for most situations, but complex life events like death or divorce require specific documentation and procedures. In these cases, legal documents like a death certificate or a divorce decree become critical, but they do not automatically solve the problem.

Legal Disclaimer: The information here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with a legal professional for guidance on matters related to divorce, estates, or ownership disputes.

If the Cosigner is Deceased

To remove a deceased cosigner, you will need an official copy of their death certificate. Dealing with financial matters after the loss of a loved one can be challenging. First, contact the lender and inform them of the situation. They will guide you on their specific process, which typically involves:

• Providing a certified copy of the death certificate.
• Continuing to make all loan payments on time to avoid default.
• Refinancing the loan into your name only. The death of a cosigner does not erase the debt, and most lenders will require you to secure new financing.

Once you have refinanced the loan or paid it off, you can take the death certificate, the lien release, and the old title to the DMV to have a new title issued solely in your name.

If You Are Divorced

A divorce decree that awards you the vehicle does not automatically remove your ex-spouse from the car loan. While the court order legally assigns ownership to you, it does not alter the contract you both signed with the lender. Your ex-spouse remains financially liable until their name is removed from the loan.

To remove an ex-spouse’s name, you must follow one of the standard methods:

1. Refinance the Loan: This is the most common solution. You will need to apply for and qualify for a new loan in your name alone.
2. Sell the Vehicle: You can sell the car and use the proceeds to pay off the joint loan, freeing both parties from the debt.
3. Pay Off the Loan: If you have the funds, paying off the remainder of the loan is the quickest way to dissolve the financial tie.

After the loan is handled, you can use the divorce decree along with the title transfer paperwork at the DMV to have the title reissued in your name only.

FAQs About how to get cosigner off car title

Can I remove a cosigner from a car loan without refinancing?

Yes, but the options are limited. You can request a “cosigner release” if your loan agreement has a clause for it, which depends on your lender and a history of on-time payments. The other primary method is to pay off the loan in full, either with savings or by selling the car, which completely eliminates the debt and the cosigner’s obligation.

Is a cosigner automatically on the car title?

No, not necessarily. A cosigner on a loan is financially responsible for the debt but is not usually listed on the title as an owner unless they were specifically added as a co-owner during purchase. The vehicle title lists the legal owner(s), while the loan agreement lists the financially responsible parties. Always check both documents to know for sure.

Does removing a cosigner hurt their credit score?

No, successfully removing a cosigner generally helps their credit. When removed, the auto loan debt is no longer associated with their credit profile. This lowers their debt-to-income ratio and frees up their credit capacity, which can have a positive impact. The primary borrower’s credit is not negatively affected by the removal itself.

What happens if the cosigner refuses to be removed from the title?

If a cosigner is also a co-owner on the title, their cooperation is usually required. If the title joins names with “and,” their signature is needed to transfer the title. If they refuse to sign after the loan is paid off, you may need to seek legal mediation or consult a lawyer, as it becomes an ownership dispute rather than a financial one.

How long does it take to remove a cosigner?

The timeline varies greatly depending on the method. A cosigner release could take a few weeks for the lender to process paperwork. Refinancing can take 1-3 weeks depending on how quickly you apply and are approved. Paying off the loan offers immediate release from the loan obligation, but getting the new title from the DMV can take anywhere from 10 business days to several weeks.

Can a cosigner take possession of the car?

Generally, no. A cosigner on the loan does not have legal ownership rights to the vehicle and cannot take possession. Their role is purely financial. However, if the person is also listed as a co-owner on the vehicle’s title, they have ownership rights and the situation becomes more complex, potentially requiring legal intervention to resolve disputes.

How do I remove a cosigner if I have bad credit?

This is challenging but not impossible. With bad credit, refinancing will be difficult. Your best options are to focus on a cosigner release if your loan offers it, or to sell the vehicle to pay off the loan. Another strategy is to make consistent, on-time payments for 12-24 months to improve your credit score enough to qualify for refinancing later.

What’s the difference between a cosigner and a co-borrower?

A co-borrower (or co-owner) has ownership rights, while a cosigner does not. Both are financially responsible for the loan, but a co-borrower is also listed on the vehicle’s title as an owner. This gives them legal rights to the vehicle itself, making their removal a more complex process that involves both the lender and the DMV.

How much does it cost to remove a cosigner from a title?

The costs are typically minimal if the loan is paid off. You will have to pay a title transfer fee at the DMV, which varies by state but is usually between $15 and $100. If you need to refinance to remove the cosigner, there may be loan application or origination fees with the new lender, but many auto refinances have no upfront costs.

Can I sell or trade-in a car with a cosigner?

Yes, but the process depends on who is on the title. If the cosigner is not on the title, you can sell or trade-in the car, and the loan will be paid off during the transaction, releasing the cosigner. If the cosigner is also on the title as a co-owner, their signature will be required to sell the vehicle or transfer the title.

Key Takeaways: Removing a Cosigner from a Car Title Summary

• Loan First, Title Second: You cannot remove a cosigner from the car title until their name is removed from the associated loan. The lienholder’s claim must be satisfied first through payoff, refinancing, or a cosigner release.
• Three Methods for Active Loans: If you still owe money, your options are to refinance the loan in your name only, request a “cosigner release” from your lender, or sell the vehicle and use the funds to pay off the loan completely.
• Post-Payoff is a DMV Process: Once the loan is paid off, the final step is administrative. You must take the lien release letter from your lender to the DMV and complete a title transfer to get a new title issued with only your name.
• Refinancing Requires Good Credit: To qualify for refinancing, you will generally need a good credit score (often 670+), a stable income, and a solid history of on-time payments on the original loan.
• Special Documents for Special Cases: Removing a cosigner due to death requires an official death certificate, while removal due to divorce often involves a divorce decree, but neither document automatically cancels the loan obligation without refinancing.
• Cosigner vs. Co-Owner: A cosigner is only financially liable for the loan. A co-owner (or co-borrower) is listed on the title, has legal ownership rights, and their signature is required to sell the vehicle. It is critical to know which role they have.

Final Thoughts on How to Get a Cosigner Off a Car Title

Taking full ownership of your vehicle is an important financial milestone. The key to successfully getting a cosigner off your car title is to remember the golden rule: handle the loan first, then the title. By determining whether you need to refinance, request a release, or simply head to the DMV with a lien release letter, you can create a clear plan of action. This process empowers you to manage your finances independently and provides your former cosigner with the peace of mind they deserve. Armed with the right information, you can navigate this process with confidence.

Last update on 2026-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API