How to Cosign an Auto Loan if the Cosigner Lives out of State

Having a lack of credit or a poor credit history often results in a financial institution requiring the signature of someone else with good credit before approving you for an auto loan. The person who signs your loan is known as a cosigner and guarantees the financial institution that he will pick up your payments if you default. Most cosigners sign the loan while in the presence of a financial institution employee. An out-of-state cosigner must visit a notary public to cosign your loan.

Instructions

1

Ask the financial institution if they will accept an out-of-state cosigner. Major financial institutions likely will, but small local ones may not.

2

Mail the loan documents to the cosigner. The financial institution may prefer to mail the documents; however, it might be acceptable to have the papers faxed. If you plan on traveling to the cosigners state, ask if you can take the documents with you.

3

Tell the cosigner to visit a notary public with the loan documents. The cosigner can find a notary public at a notary office. Some banks also offer notary services. Instruct the cosigner to bring photo ID with him. Inform him that notary services charge a fee, typically under $5.

4

Ask the cosigner to mail or fax the documents back to the financial institution after signing them in front of the notary public.