How to Remove a Cosigner from a Vehicle Title in Texas
Removing a cosigner from a vehicle title in Texas 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 Texas DMVwill process the change. This guide covers every step, form, and fee involved.
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Generate Free Bill of Sale →Cosigner Removal — Texas at a Glance
| Title Transfer Fee | $33 |
| Primary Form | VTR-130U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration) |
| Lien Must Be Cleared | Yes — required before transfer |
| In-Person Required | Not required (mail-in accepted) |
| Both Signatures Required | Yes — both co-owners must sign |
Lien Release Requirement
If a lien exists on the Texas vehicle title, the lienholder must release the lien before cosigner removal can proceed. Texas requires the lien release to be submitted with the title application. The lender typically issues a separate lien release letter or releases the lien electronically through TxDMV's system.
Signature Requirements in Texas
Both original title holders must sign the back of the existing Texas title in the seller/transferor section. The remaining owner simultaneously signs as the buyer in the same application. The transaction is effectively a transfer from both co-owners to one owner.
Texas does not require both parties to appear in person simultaneously. Both cosigners must sign the existing title in the reassignment section, transferring ownership to the remaining owner alone. The remaining owner can then submit the completed title and VTR-130U by mail or in person at the county tax assessor-collector's office.
Step-by-Step: Removing a Cosigner in Texas
- 1Pay off any outstanding vehicle loan and obtain a lien release from the lender
- 2Both title holders sign the back of the existing Texas title in the seller/transferor reassignment section
- 3Remaining owner completes Form VTR-130U (Application for Texas Title)
- 4Gather the original title, completed VTR-130U, lien release (if applicable), and proof of Texas auto insurance
- 5Submit all documents to the county tax assessor-collector's office in person, or mail to TxDMV
- 6Pay the $33 title transfer fee plus any applicable motor vehicle sales tax
- 7Receive new title in the sole owner's name
Required Documents
- •Original Texas Certificate of Title with both owner signatures on the reassignment section
- •Completed VTR-130U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration)
- •Lien release documentation if a loan existed
- •Proof of Texas auto insurance (minimum liability)
- •Valid government-issued ID for the remaining owner
- •Payment of $33 title fee
What If the Cosigner Won't Sign?
If the cosigner refuses to cooperate, you still have options:
- •Refinance the vehicle loan in your name only — this is the cleanest solution when a loan is present
- •In Texas, gift transfers (between certain family members) have a $10 flat tax rate that may apply if restructuring ownership
- •A court order in divorce or civil proceedings can compel title transfer without cosigner cooperation in Texas
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Not getting both signatures on the existing title before presenting it at the tax office — unsigned titles are rejected
- ✗Forgetting to have the title notarized if TxDMV requires it for your specific transaction type
- ✗Not clearing the lien before attempting the cosigner removal — TxDMV will not issue a clean title with an active lien
- ✗Failing to update auto insurance to the single-owner's name immediately after the transfer
- ✗Confusing cosigner removal with refinancing — removing a cosigner from the title does not automatically remove them from the loan
Texas-Specific Note
Texas distinguishes between a "cosigner" on the vehicle title and a "cosigner" on the vehicle loan. Removing someone from the title does not remove them from the loan obligation — that requires refinancing. Conversely, paying off the loan does not automatically remove someone from the title. Both changes must be made separately through TxDMV (title) and the lender (loan) to fully separate one party's involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cosigner Removal in Texas
How do I remove a cosigner from a vehicle title in Texas?
To remove a cosigner from a vehicle title in Texas, both co-owners must sign the existing title in the seller/transferor section, and the remaining owner applies for a new title using VTR-130U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration). The title transfer fee is $33. If a loan exists, the lien must be released first.
Does my lender need to approve removing a cosigner from the title in Texas?
Yes. In Texas, any active vehicle lien must be released before a cosigner can be removed from the title. If a lien exists on the Texas vehicle title, the lienholder must release the lien before cosigner removal can proceed. Texas requires the lien release to be submitted with the title application. The lender typically issues a separate lien release letter or releases the lien electronically through TxDMV's system.
Do both cosigners need to appear in person at the DMV in Texas?
Texas does not require both parties to appear in person simultaneously. Texas does not require both parties to appear in person simultaneously. Both cosigners must sign the existing title in the reassignment section, transferring ownership to the remaining owner alone. The remaining owner can then submit the completed title and VTR-130U by mail or in person at the county tax assessor-collector's office.
How much does it cost to remove a cosigner from a vehicle title in Texas?
The title transfer fee in Texas is $33. This is the standard title transfer fee paid to the Texas DMV. Additional costs may include lien payoff, notarization fees, and any applicable sales tax.
What if the cosigner refuses to sign in Texas?
If a cosigner refuses to cooperate in Texas, 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.
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