For an auto refinance, lenders typically ask for your current loan payoff statement, the vehicle's VIN and mileage, registration, proof of insurance, proof of income, a government-issued ID, and proof of residence. Requirements vary by lender, so confirm what yours needs.
Current loan and vehicle information
- Payoff statement. Request a payoff quote from your current lender. It shows the exact amount needed to close the loan and usually has a good-through date.
- Lender name and account number. The new lender needs these to send the payoff. (Share them only with the lender, not through our website form.)
- VIN. The 17-character Vehicle Identification Number is on your registration, insurance card, and the driver-side dashboard or door jamb.
- Current mileage. Take a photo of your odometer. Some lenders ask for one.
- Year, make, model, and trim. Trim affects value, so be specific.
- Texas registration. Make sure it's current.
Personal and income documents
- Government-issued photo ID. Driver's license or state ID.
- Proof of income. Recent pay stubs for W-2 employees. Self-employed borrowers may need tax returns, 1099s, or bank statements. Gig workers may need platform earnings statements.
- Proof of residence. A recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address.
- Proof of insurance. Your policy declarations page. The new lender will need to be added as loss payee once the loan closes.
- Co-borrower information. If you're adding someone, they'll need the same documents.
Not sure if refinancing makes sense yet? Talk to a real person first — no hard credit pull, no pressure.
Talk to Our TeamBefore you apply
- Check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com for errors.
- Estimate your vehicle's value to see whether you're upside down. See our upside-down loan guide if so.
- Read your current contract for any prepayment terms.
- Note any add-ons on your current loan (GAP, service contracts) that may have refundable portions.
- Avoid opening new credit in the months before you apply.
Refinance steps, start to finish
- Gather the items above.
- Prequalify with a soft pull. Check options with RefiJet, which uses a soft pull that doesn't affect your credit score (according to RefiJet), or compare through the SuperMoney refinance marketplace.
- Compare offers. Rate, term, total cost, and fees, not just the payment.
- Apply and upload documents directly with the lender you choose.
- Sign the new loan once you're approved and comfortable with the terms.
- Keep paying your old loan until your old lender confirms it's paid off.
- Confirm the title update. The new lender generally handles recording itself as lienholder with the Texas DMV.
- Update your insurance with the new lender as loss payee, and set up payments with the new lender.
Affiliate note: RefiJet and SuperMoney links are affiliate or referral links. Elite Auto Funding may be compensated if you click, apply, or are matched, at no extra cost to you. Rates, terms, and approval are set by the lender, not by us.
Questions to ask any refinance lender
Print this list and keep it next to you when you review offers. Clear answers make it much easier to compare apples to apples:
- Is this a prequalified estimate or a firm offer? Know what could still change after the full review.
- When does the hard inquiry happen? Make sure you understand the point at which your credit is formally pulled.
- What fees are involved? Ask about origination or processing fees and how Texas title fees are handled.
- What is the total cost over the life of the loan? Compare it with what you'd pay by keeping your current loan.
- Are there vehicle age, mileage, or balance limits? Find out before you spend time on a full application.
- Is there a prepayment penalty on the new loan? You'll want the flexibility to pay early or refinance again later.
- Are any add-on products included? Decline anything you don't understand or don't need.
- How and when will the payoff and title update happen? Know who does what, and when your first new payment is due.
A note on privacy
Please don't send Social Security numbers, account numbers, or credit report files through our website form. Share sensitive documents only directly with the lender through their secure process. If our team needs anything from you, we'll tell you how to share it securely.
Want a second set of eyes before you apply? Use the form below, or read the full auto loan refinance guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a payoff quote good for?
Payoff quotes usually include a good-through date because interest keeps accruing. The new lender typically requests an updated payoff when funding.
Do I need my title to refinance in Texas?
Usually not in hand. Your current lender holds the lien, and the new lender generally coordinates the lien release and new lienholder recording. Confirm the process with your new lender.
Do I need a vehicle inspection?
Some lenders ask for odometer photos or a VIN verification. Requirements vary by lender.
When is my first payment due on the new loan?
It depends on the lender and when the loan funds. Ask for the first due date in writing, and keep making payments on your old loan until the payoff is confirmed so nothing is reported late.
What if I'm self-employed?
Expect to provide tax returns, 1099s, or bank statements instead of pay stubs. Our self-employed auto loans page has more detail.
Tell us about your auto loan
Tell us a little about your current loan or situation. This is not a loan application, and it won't affect your credit.
Ready now? Check refinance options (soft pull) · (866) 540-4192
Please don't send Social Security numbers, account numbers, or credit report files through this form. If documents are needed, we'll tell you how to share them securely.