How to Remove a Cosigner from a Vehicle Title in Illinois
Removing a cosigner from a vehicle title in Illinois requires both parties to sign the current title and apply for a new one with only the remaining owner listed. If a loan exists on the vehicle, the lien must be released before the Illinois DMVwill process the change. This guide covers every step, form, and fee involved.
Selling the Vehicle After the Cosigner is Removed?
Once you hold the title as the sole owner, generate a free Illinois-specific bill of sale for a private party transaction — complete in under 2 minutes.
Generate Free Bill of Sale →Cosigner Removal — Illinois at a Glance
| Title Transfer Fee | Varies — typically $15–$75 |
| Primary Form | State-specific title application form |
| Lien Must Be Cleared | Yes — required before transfer |
| In-Person Required | Yes |
| Both Signatures Required | Yes — both co-owners must sign |
Lien Release Requirement
If a vehicle loan is active in Illinois, the lender must release the lien before any cosigner removal can proceed. Contact your lender to initiate the lien release process after paying off the loan.
Signature Requirements in Illinois
Most states require both current co-owners to sign the title or transfer application before one cosigner can be removed. Verify with the Illinois DMV whether notarized signatures are accepted in lieu of in-person appearance.
Most states require at least one in-person visit to the DMV or title office to complete a cosigner removal. Contact the Illinois motor vehicle authority to confirm whether both parties must appear simultaneously.
Step-by-Step: Removing a Cosigner in Illinois
- 1Pay off any outstanding vehicle loan to obtain a lien release
- 2Contact your state DMV to identify the correct form for cosigner removal
- 3Both co-owners sign the current title and any required application forms
- 4Submit documents to the state title office and pay the applicable fee
- 5Receive new title in the sole owner's name
Required Documents
- •Original Certificate of Title signed by both co-owners
- •State-specific title transfer application
- •Lien release if applicable
- •Valid government-issued ID for both parties
- •Payment of the applicable title fee
What If the Cosigner Won't Sign?
If the cosigner refuses to cooperate, you still have options:
- •Refinance the vehicle loan in the remaining owner's name to simplify the title change
- •Seek a court order if the departing cosigner is uncooperative
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Attempting to remove a cosigner without clearing the lien first
- ✗Not updating auto insurance after the cosigner is removed from the title
- ✗Assuming removing a cosigner from the title also removes them from the loan
- ✗Signing in a name that does not exactly match the title
Illinois-Specific Note
Contact the Illinois DMV directly to confirm current forms, fees, and whether both co-owners must appear in person for a cosigner removal. Requirements vary by state and are updated periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cosigner Removal in Illinois
How do I remove a cosigner from a vehicle title in Illinois?
To remove a cosigner from a vehicle title in Illinois, both co-owners must sign the existing title in the seller/transferor section, and the remaining owner applies for a new title using State-specific title application form. The title transfer fee is Varies — typically $15–$75. If a loan exists, the lien must be released first.
Does my lender need to approve removing a cosigner from the title in Illinois?
Yes. In Illinois, any active vehicle lien must be released before a cosigner can be removed from the title. If a vehicle loan is active in Illinois, the lender must release the lien before any cosigner removal can proceed. Contact your lender to initiate the lien release process after paying off the loan.
Do both cosigners need to appear in person at the DMV in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois typically requires in-person processing at the DMV or title office. Most states require at least one in-person visit to the DMV or title office to complete a cosigner removal. Contact the Illinois motor vehicle authority to confirm whether both parties must appear simultaneously.
How much does it cost to remove a cosigner from a vehicle title in Illinois?
The title transfer fee in Illinois is Varies — typically $15–$75. This is the standard title transfer fee paid to the Illinois DMV. Additional costs may include lien payoff, notarization fees, and any applicable sales tax.
What if the cosigner refuses to sign in Illinois?
If a cosigner refuses to cooperate in Illinois, your options include refinancing the vehicle loan in your name only (which may allow a title update without the cosigner's involvement), seeking a court order through civil proceedings, or in divorce situations, obtaining a court order through the domestic relations court.
Does removing a cosigner from the title also remove them from the loan?
No. Removing a cosigner from the vehicle title and removing them from the vehicle loan are two completely separate transactions. To remove a cosigner from the loan, you must refinance the loan in the remaining owner's name only through your lender or a new lender. Title removal and loan removal must each be handled independently.
Related Resources
Sole Owner Now? Ready to Sell in Illinois?
Generate a free, Illinois-specific bill of sale for your private party transaction — complete and ready in under 2 minutes.
Create Your Bill of Sale →