How do I remove a spouse from my car title?

Asked by: Patrick Jerde  |  Last update: March 6, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (5 votes)

Treat the name change as a sale. The person whose name is being removed from the title should complete the sections on the back of the title certificate as though he or she were selling the car. The other person, whose name is remaining on the title, will be listed as the buyer.

How do I get my spouse's name off my car title?

When the title states “and/or” or “or” in the name field, only one person needs to consent to remove a name. If it only contains the word “and,” both parties need to agree to remove any name from the title. Therefore, you'll need to get consent from the co owner.

Should both husband and wife be on the car title?

Generally speaking it is almost always better to have a car jointly titled. This way the vehicle is protected from execution on a debt owed by just one spouse in most states, because it is marital property.

How do I remove my ex husband from my title?

The only way to do this without your ex's involvement would be to go back to the court that granted your divorce and ask for a court order enabling the clerk to sign the paperwork to get him off the title. (And even then, you'll have to mail notice of the request for the order to your ex.)

How do I remove someone from a title?

Removing a Name From a Property Title
  1. Talk about property ownership interests. ...
  2. Get a copy of the deed. ...
  3. Complete the transfer of title form. ...
  4. Turn in the form and payment. ...
  5. Ask for a certified copy of your quitclaim or warranty deed.

What to do if your EX is on your car title!

15 related questions found

Can you remove someone from title without refinancing?

You can take your name off a mortgage without refinancing your loan by selling the home, having the new owner take on a loan assumption, asking your current lender to modify the loan, or filing bankruptcy. You can also pay off the entire mortgage if you and your co-owner have the means.

How to take cosigner off car title?

Removing a co-signer from a car loan requires the loan to be paid off. If there's a balance remaining, that amount must be refinanced. The primary borrower could possibly qualify alone, or a new co-signer may be needed.

How do I get my name off my ex husbands 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.

How do I remove my ex girlfriend from my car title?

Completing the Transfer
  1. Complete the form on the back of the title certificate. Fill in all the spaces as though you were selling the car. ...
  2. Be very careful. It is important to fill out the form completely and neatly. ...
  3. Take your forms to the DMV. In most cases, a transfer must be done in person at the DMV.

How much does it cost to remove a name from a deed?

The price to eliminate names from deeds is contingent on many factors like where you live, the legal fees, and the difficulty of the procedure. Generally, it could vary from one hundred to a few thousand dollars. If both parties agree on the removal and there are no legal complications, the cost might be lower.

Does my husband have to be on the title?

A couple can jointly own assets, but only if both names are on it. In a common law state, only putting one person's name on the mortgage and home deed means their spouse has no ownership interest in the property. They have no right to the property if their spouse wants to sell it or dies and leaves it to someone else.

Does it matter whose name is on the car?

Yes, the name on a car title can impact insurance coverage. Insurance companies usually require the policyholder to have an insurable interest in the vehicle, meaning they either own the car or have a significant financial interest in it.

Can a jointly owned car be seized?

1. If the car is jointly owned, then the creditor has the right to foreclose on their lien, which would include a forced sale of the car; 2. This is the case even if your car is jointly owned with your wife.

Does it matter if both spouses are on car title?

For married couples the rule of thumb is for each spouse to individually own the car they drive. The reason for this is to limit liability in the event of an accident. Liability is assessed on the owner of the vehicle and the person driving at the time of the accident.

Can I sell my car if my husband is on the title?

Selling the car without your spouse's knowledge or consent could potentially lead to legal trouble. Your best course of action might be to communicate with your spouse about your intentions and see if they are willing to sign the title for the sale.

Is it better to gift or sell a car to a family member in California?

Selling a vehicle for $1 instead of gifting it could result in your recipient paying sales tax based on the car's fair market value — it's better to stick with the official gifting process.

How do I remove my husband's name from my car title?

Removing an Owner from a Title

However, if there is an “AND” you will need both owner signatures to make any updates. Owners must sign 1a. and 1b (“OR”) will only need 1 registered owner signature. The registered owner will sign as both the “seller” and “new buyer”.

How do I get my ex wife off the title?

Say you've been awarded the house (or another piece of real estate) in a divorce, and want to know how to get your ex-spouse's name off of the title. The simple answer is a quitclaim deed.

How do I remove someone from my title?

If you wish to remove someone from a deed, you will need their consent. This can be done by recording a new deed, which will require their signature. If the person in question is deceased, you will need their death certificate and a notarized affidavit along with the new deed.

How do I remove an ex from my vehicle title?

To get your ex-wife's name off of your vehicle title and registration in California, you will need to do the following: Obtain a copy of your divorce decree. Complete a DMV Statement of Facts form. Pay the applicable fees.

How do I remove my husband's name?

Documents Required
  1. Duly filled application form.
  2. Original old passport along with the self-attested photocopies of the first and last two pages of passport.
  3. Self-attested copy of the Divorce Certificate.
  4. Age Proof.
  5. A copy of a death certificate of spouse (in case of the spouse's death)

Can my ex husband take my car?

Is the Vehicle Marital or Separate Property? In most states, only marital (or community) property is divided in divorce, and each spouse will keep their own separate property.

Does a co-signer have to be on the title of a car?

Depending on the state the lender the signer and co-signer should all be on the title from the beginning. Once the car is paid off the lender or lien holder will sign off any interest from the title, leaving the primary buyer and the co-signer on the clear title.

How do I get my name off a cosigned car?

Vehicle refinance

The process of refinancing essentially presents the primary borrower with an entirely new loan with a new lender. The new loan pays off the one to which you were attached as co-signer, freeing you from the obligation.

Can cosigner take full ownership of a car?

Unlike co-borrowers, who are on the title or have some claim to the property or funds, co-signers have no title or ownership of the property the funds are used for. For example, a co-signer for a vehicle has no legal right to the financed vehicle.