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Key takeaways
- Most lenders require the same core documents: a government-issued ID, current vehicle registration, proof of insurance, proof of mileage, proof of residence, and proof of income.
- Some lenders may ask for additional documents — such as a social security card, green card, work visa, mortgage statements, or phone bill — depending on their specific requirements.
- Having your documents ready before you apply can speed up the approval process.
- At Caribou, loan advisors collect and submit your documents to lenders on your behalf.
To refinance a car loan, you’ll typically need six types of documents: a government-issued ID, current vehicle registration, proof of auto insurance, proof of mileage, proof of residence, and proof of income. Some lenders may also request additional documents depending on their requirements.
At Caribou, our loan advisors collect and send your documents directly to the lender on your behalf, so you don’t have to navigate that process alone.
What documents are needed for refinancing a car loan?
As part of the refinancing process, your lender will need to verify both your identity and ownership of the car you are refinancing. To do so, you’ll need a government-issued ID and your car registration. Here are a few examples of what they might ask for:
- Driver’s license
- Current vehicle registration
- Current auto insurance
- Proof of mileage
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income
- Other lender-specific documents
- Your green card, work visa, or social security card
- Mortgage payments
- Phone bill
Government-issued ID
Your state-issued driver’s license is the most common form of identification lenders require. Most will ask for a photo of the front and back. Lenders use it to confirm you’re the person listed on the existing auto loan and registration.
Current vehicle registration
Your registration confirms the vehicle is legally registered to you and helps the lender identify any state-specific factors that may affect refinancing. Without it, some lenders won’t be able to approve your application.
Tip: Use Caribou’s savings-by-state tool to see what customers in your area typically save with auto refinancing.
Proof of auto insurance
Full-coverage car insurance is legally required for all financed vehicles. If your current coverage falls short, you’ll need to update your policy before you can refinance.
Proof of mileage
Because Caribou’s refinancing process is entirely online, the lender won’t inspect your vehicle in person. Instead, you can submit an odometer disclosure form or a clear photo of your odometer taken with your phone. Make sure the mileage is legible and the image is unedited.
Proof of residence
Lenders need to confirm where you live to verify they serve your area. Accepted documents typically include your driver’s license, recent pay stubs, utility bills, or credit card statements showing your current home address.
Proof of income
Recent pay stubs or tax returns show lenders that you’re able to make payments on a new loan. This information — alongside your credit history — helps lenders determine what rates and terms work best for your financial situation.
Other lender-specific documents
Each lender and their requirements throughout the refinancing process are different. For example, some lenders may request your vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm ownership, while others may not. Depending on which lender you’re working with, you may be asked for different information as a means for them to understand who you are, where you live, or your financial situation. Below is a list of several examples.
Your green card, work visa, or social security card
Our wide network of lenders allows us to serve many people. This may include people who are either U.S. citizens or on a visa. If you are a U.S. citizen, lenders will normally ask for your social security number (SSN) or a copy of your social security card when finalizing your auto loan. If you are a green card holder or in the U.S. on a work visa, because of federal rules, lenders may need you to supply copies of either document as additional proof of identity. If you have stamped documents from governmental offices like the Department of Homeland Security, you may also have to provide them.
Mortgage payments
As additional proof of residence, some lenders will want to see your most recent mortgage statements. This allows them to confirm that you’re currently making ongoing and on-time loan payments to the residence you’ve provided, lessening any risk of you defaulting on your new loan.
Phone bill
Some lenders may ask to see your most recent phone bills. This document provides another way for lenders to understand where you live and verify your contact phone number for your loan application.
Bottom line
Most borrowers will need the same handful of documents: an ID, vehicle registration, insurance, odometer proof, proof of residence, and proof of income. Having these ready before you start can make the process faster. Caribou’s loan officers handle collecting and submitting your documents to lenders directly — so if you’re unsure what to gather or how to verify something, they can walk you through it.
Ready to see if refinancing saves you money? Check your rate through Caribou.
FAQs: Auto refinance document FAQs
What documents do I need to refinance my car?
To refinance your car loan, you’ll need a government-issued ID, current vehicle registration, proof of insurance, proof of mileage, proof of residence, and proof of income. Some lenders may ask for additional documents based on their specific requirements.
What counts as proof of residence for auto refinancing?
Acceptable proof of residence documents typically include a driver’s license with your current address, recent pay stubs, utility bills, or credit card statements. Lenders need this to confirm your location and verify they can service your loan.
How do I prove my car’s mileage when refinancing online?
You can submit a clear photo of your odometer taken with your smartphone, or provide an odometer disclosure form. The mileage must be clearly visible and the image should not be edited or filtered.
Do I need proof of income to refinance my car?
Yes. Lenders use proof of income — such as recent pay stubs or tax returns for the self-employed — to confirm you can repay the loan. This information also helps them offer rates and terms suited to your financial situation.
Can I refinance a car if I’m on a visa or have a green card?
Yes. Caribou’s lender network serves both U.S. citizens and non-citizens. If you’re on a work visa or hold a green card, lenders may require copies of those documents as additional proof of identity under federal lending rules.
Other refinancing resources
Learn how to upload your documents to Caribou
Learn about buying new versus used cars
