How to remove someone from a car title
Removing someone from a car title requires you to file paperwork with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the exact process and forms vary by state. The person being removed must either sign the paperwork voluntarily, or you must have a court order showing you own the car outright. If both owners agree, the process typically takes two to four weeks once you submit the forms. If the other person refuses to sign and you have no court order, you cannot remove them without going to court first.
The most common reason to remove a co-owner is after a divorce, when one spouse keeps the vehicle. Another is when someone's name was added to the title as a co-signer for a loan but the loan is now paid off. A third is when an adult child's name was added to a parent's title for insurance purposes, and the parent wants to remove it. In all cases, the DMV will not process the removal unless both parties consent or a court has ruled that you own the vehicle alone.
Key Takeaways
- You need either a signed agreement from the other owner or a court judgment stating you own the vehicle before the DMV will process a removal.
- Each state has its own title removal forms and fees — contact your DMV directly to request the correct paperwork for your situation.
- If the other owner refuses to sign, you will need to file a lawsuit to establish sole ownership, which can take several months.
- The person being removed should receive notice of the change, and some states require proof that you notified them before processing the paperwork.
Gather the current title and identify your state's process
Start by locating the original title document — it will show both owners' names and signatures. Contact your state's DMV office directly (not through a third-party service) and ask for the specific form used to remove a co-owner from a title. Each state names this form differently: some call it a "Transfer of Ownership," others use "Reassignment of Title" or "process for Title." The DMV staff can tell you which form applies to your situation and whether your state requires notarization, witness signatures, or other steps.
While you have the DMV on the phone, ask about fees — most states charge $15 to $50 to process a title change, though some charge more. Ask also whether your state requires proof that you notified the other owner before submitting the paperwork. Some states do; others do not. Getting this detail right the first time prevents your process from being rejected and sent back. Write down the DMV's phone number, the form name, the fee amount, and the notification requirement so you have it in writing.
Obtain the co-owner's signature if they agree to the removal
If both of you agree that one person should own the car, the co-owner must sign the removal form in front of a notary public. The notary verifies their identity and witnesses their signature. You can find notaries at banks, credit unions, UPS stores, and some law offices — most charge $5 to $15 per signature. Bring the co-owner's government-issued ID and the blank removal form to the notary appointment.
Some states allow the co-owner to sign the form without a notary present if both signatures are witnessed by a third party, but notarization is the safest route because it creates an official record. Once the co-owner has signed, do not delay filing — if they change their mind later, they may claim they did not authorize the removal, and you will have to prove otherwise in court. Schedule the notary appointment as soon as both parties are ready to sign.
File the paperwork with your state DMV
Submit the signed removal form to your state DMV along with the current title, the notarized signature page, and the filing fee. You can usually mail the documents or submit them in person at a local DMV office. Include a cover letter stating your name, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and which owner is being removed. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
The DMV will process the paperwork and issue a new title showing only the remaining owner's name. This typically takes two to four weeks by mail, though some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. You will receive the new title in the mail at the address listed on the process. Do not drive the car as the sole owner until you have the new title in hand — your insurance and registration should match the title.
What to do if the co-owner refuses to sign
If the other owner will not sign the removal form and you have no court order, the DMV cannot remove them. Your only option is to file a lawsuit in civil court to establish that you own the vehicle outright. This requires proving either that the other person's name was added to the title by mistake, that they agreed to transfer ownership but now refuse, or that you have a legal right to the car under a divorce decree, inheritance, or debt judgment.
Consult a lawyer before filing — the cost of a lawsuit often exceeds the car's value, and the process takes several months. Some states allow you to file in small claims court if the car's value is below a certain threshold (usually $5,000 to $10,000), which is faster and cheaper than civil court. Once you have a court judgment, take it to the DMV along with the current title, and they will issue a new title in your name alone without the co-owner's signature.
Update your insurance and registration after the title changes
Once you receive the new title, contact your insurance company and provide them with a copy. Your policy should list you as the sole owner. If the removed person was the primary policyholder, you will need to update that as well. Some insurance companies will not insure a car unless the policyholder's name matches the title, so this step prevents a gap in coverage.
Next, renew your vehicle registration with the DMV using the new title. Most states require you to register within a certain number of days after a title change — typically 10 to 30 days. You can usually do this by mail or online. Your registration certificate should now show only your name as the owner. Keep both the new title and the new registration in your vehicle.
Notify the removed owner if your state requires it
Some states require you to send written notice to the co-owner before or after filing the removal paperwork. Check with your DMV about your state's notification rules. If notice is required, send a certified letter to the co-owner's last known address stating that you have filed to remove their name from the title. Keep the certified mail receipt as proof that you notified them — the DMV may ask for this when processing your process.
Even if your state does not require notification, sending a letter is a good practice. It prevents the co-owner from claiming later that they did not know their name was being removed, which could lead to disputes over the car's ownership or liability if an accident occurs. A certified letter creates a paper trail that protects you if questions arise later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove someone from the title if we are still making payments on the car?
No. If the car has a loan, the lender's name appears on the title, and you cannot change ownership without the lender's permission. You must pay off the loan first, then request the lender release their lien. Only after the lien is removed can you remove a co-owner's name.
What if the co-owner is deceased?
You will need a death certificate and usually a court order (from probate or small claims court) establishing that you own the car. Take these documents to the DMV along with the current title. The process varies by state, so contact your DMV for the specific steps.
Do I need a lawyer to remove someone from a title?
Not if both owners agree and can sign the paperwork. You only need a lawyer if the co-owner refuses to sign and you must file a lawsuit to prove ownership. A lawyer can advise you on whether a lawsuit is worth the cost in your situation.
How long does it take to remove someone from a car title?
If both owners agree and sign the paperwork, the DMV typically processes the removal in two to four weeks. If you must go to court because the co-owner refuses, the timeline is several months or longer depending on your court's schedule.
What happens if I sell the car before removing the co-owner's name?
The buyer will receive a title showing both names, and they may refuse to complete the purchase. If you do sell it, both owners must sign the title transfer form at the time of sale. The co-owner's signature is legally required, even if they no longer want ownership.