[TN] How do I remove my name from my grandson's vehicle title once the loan is paid off?


Here are the steps to remove your name from the title after the loan has been paid off.
1. Make the Final Payment
- Call your bank to confirm how soon they will issue the lien release to the DMV.
2. Check with the DMV
- Ensure that the lien release has been filed. This may require a follow-up call.
3. Transfer the Title
- Once the lien is removed, visit the DMV to obtain paperwork to transfer the vehicle.
- Use this link to learn about transferring the title at the Tennessee DMV:
Guide to Transferring Your Vehicle Title at the Tennessee DMV - The guide provides instructions if the DMV does not assist directly.
Full Conversation

I am a cosigner for my grandson's car loan.
The car loan will be paid off next week, and I would like to have my name removed from the title.
Is that customary, or do I need to wait until the new title is issued and sell the vehicle back to him?

I understand your situation.
Have you discussed with the lender about removing your name from the title once the loan is paid off?

Yes, they informed me that the Department of Motor Vehicles will re-issue the title, remove the lien, and the ownership will remain the same as my grandson’s name or myself.

Are you and your grandson on good terms and willing to transfer the title back to him after the loan is settled?

He lives in Tennessee, and I have moved to Georgia. Our relationship is a bit strained.

Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?
Rest assured, they'll be able to help with the title transfer.

Nothing else.

Hello! Legal Eagle here, and I am an attorney specializing in your area of law.
I am happy to help with your situation!
Your grandson agrees to this, correct?

Yes, I am pretty sure he will agree to this, but he is a bit irresponsible and has just moved in with his aunt in Tennessee.
I assume I will have to drive from Georgia to Tennessee to finalize the process.

Ok, thank you for including that!
Who is the lien holder?

Currently, the lienholder is ABC Bank in Tennessee.
I will be paying off the loan this weekend. The remaining balance is $______.

Got it! Were there any other facts you’d like to add?

Nothing else.

Here are the steps to remove your name from the title after the loan has been paid off.
1. Make the Final Payment
- Call your bank to confirm how soon they will issue the lien release to the DMV.
2. Check with the DMV
- Ensure that the lien release has been filed. This may require a follow-up call.
3. Transfer the Title
- Once the lien is removed, visit the DMV to obtain paperwork to transfer the vehicle.
- Use this link to learn about transferring the title at the Tennessee DMV:
Guide to Transferring Your Vehicle Title at the Tennessee DMV - The guide provides instructions if the DMV does not assist directly.

I hope this helps! Did you have any other concerns or questions about this process?

No, that’s all.