Overview

A cosigner release lets a borrower remove the cosigner’s legal obligation on a private student loan. Unlike federal loans (which rarely use cosigners), private lenders set their own rules. Understanding typical criteria, realistic timelines, and alternatives (like refinancing) helps borrowers plan a successful request.

Typical lender requirements

  • Payment history: Most lenders require 12–36 consecutive on-time payments. Lenders commonly ask that payments be made on the current contract and not on a forbearance or deferment plan.
  • Credit score: A qualifying score often falls in the mid-600s or higher, but exact thresholds vary by lender.
  • Debt-to-income (DTI) or debt servicing ability: Lenders usually review income, employment history, and DTI to confirm you can carry the loan alone.
  • Account status: The loan must be current (no recent late payments, collections, or default).
  • Documentation: Expect to supply pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, and permission to pull a credit report.

These are general rules — always check the specific lender policy. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau discusses cosigner responsibilities and options for borrowers and cosigners [CFPB].

Step-by-step: How to request a release

  1. Review your loan documents or the lender’s website to find the cosigner release policy and required forms.
  2. Confirm you meet the basic posted criteria (payments, credit, income).
  3. Collect documentation: identity, proof of employment/income, and recent pay history.
  4. Submit the release application to the lender — many accept online forms or secure messages through your account portal.
  5. Wait for underwriting: the lender will pull your credit report and verify income.
  6. If approved, sign any documents the lender requires; the cosigner will be legally removed. If denied, ask for a written denial explaining why.

Timing: what to expect

  • Review time: Once you apply, underwriting typically takes a few weeks but can take 30–90 days depending on backlog and documentation completeness.
  • Eligibility timeframe: Meeting the minimum on-time payment window (12–36 months) is often the longest part of the process.
  • Total time to release: From first eligibility to completed release, many borrowers see this happen within two to six months — longer if additional documentation or appeals are needed.

If your request is denied

  • Ask for specific reasons in writing; lenders must explain denial factors (credit, income, missed payments).
  • Improve the weak areas: keep making on-time payments, reduce other debt, or increase documented income.
  • Reapply once you address the denial reasons.

Alternatives to cosigner release

  • Refinance the loan in your name alone (or with a new cosigner) — many borrowers remove cosigners this way, but you may lose borrower protections or face a different rate. See our guide on refinancing for details.[Refinancing student loans with a cosigner]
  • Add an eligible substitute guarantor only if the lender permits it.
  • Keep paying on the original schedule until you meet the lender’s criteria.

Practical tips to increase approval odds

  • Maintain perfect on-time payments for the full required window.
  • Reduce revolving balances to lower your DTI and improve your credit utilization.
  • Improve your credit score before applying: correct errors on your credit report and avoid new large credit applications.
  • Use steady employment income and attach recent pay stubs and W-2s.

Common misconceptions

  • Myth: Time alone guarantees release. Reality: Time plus a sufficient credit profile and income verification are required; approval is at the lender’s discretion.
  • Myth: Federal loan rules apply. Reality: Cosigner releases apply to private loans and are lender-specific; federal loans typically don’t offer cosigner release in the same way.

Real-world example

A borrower I helped (“Anna”) qualified for release after 24 months of on-time payments, a credit score that rose above the lender’s threshold, and documentation of a steady salary. Her lender completed an underwriting review and finalized the release in about six weeks.

Where to learn more

Professional disclaimer

This article is educational and not personalized financial advice. Policies differ by private lender and state law; consult your lender, a licensed loan officer, or a financial advisor for decisions specific to your situation.