What You Need to Do to Change a Texas Car Title
Changing a car title in Texas means transferring ownership from one person or entity to another, and it requires paperwork filed with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process differs depending on whether you're buying a car, inheriting one, getting divorced, adding or removing a name, or handling a lien. Most title changes require the current title holder to sign the back of the title certificate, complete a form, and submit it to your county tax assessor-collector's office — not the DMV directly. Texas does not have a separate DMV office; the tax assessor-collector handles all title and registration work at the county level.
The timeline varies. A straightforward transfer typically takes two to four weeks once the tax assessor-collector receives your paperwork. If there are liens, name disputes, or missing documents, it can take longer. You'll need to bring the original title, a completed process form, proof of identity, and proof of residency. If the seller is not present, you'll need a power of attorney or notarized signature.
Key Takeaways
- Texas title changes are processed by your county tax assessor-collector's office, not a state DMV office, and you must visit in person or mail documents to your specific county.
- The current title holder must sign the back of the title certificate; if they cannot be present, their signature must be notarized.
- You will need the original title, a completed process form (Form 130-U for most transfers), proof of identity, and proof of residency at your Texas address.
- Title transfers for purchases, inheritances, divorces, and lien removals each require different supporting documents, so confirm which ones explore to your situation before visiting the tax assessor-collector.
Buying a Car and Transferring the Title
When you purchase a vehicle in Texas, the seller must sign the back of the title certificate in the designated signature line. You then take that signed title, along with your bill of sale, to your county tax assessor-collector's office. Bring your driver's license or state ID, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and the purchase price or agreed value for tax purposes.
Complete Form 130-U (process for Texas Title and/or Registration) at the tax assessor-collector's office or read it beforehand from the Texas DMV website. If the vehicle has a lien (the seller still owes money on it), the lienholder's name will appear on the title. You cannot take full ownership until that lien is released, which typically happens when the seller pays off the loan. The lender will send a lien release document to the tax assessor-collector, and you'll need to bring proof that this has occurred.
If you're buying from a private seller and they're not available to sign in person, they can sign the title in front of a notary public, and you can bring the notarized title to the tax assessor-collector. Some sellers mail the signed title to you; if so, make sure their signature is on the correct line on the back of the title.
Inheriting a Vehicle and Changing the Title
If you inherit a car, the title transfer process depends on whether the deceased person's estate goes through probate. If probate is required, the executor or administrator of the estate must sign the title. If the estate is small enough to avoid probate (under $75,000 in Texas), you may be able to use an Affidavit of Heirship or a Small Estate Affidavit instead.
Bring the original title, a certified copy of the death certificate, proof of your identity, and proof of your relationship to the deceased (a birth certificate or marriage certificate). If you're the executor, bring documentation showing your authority. The tax assessor-collector will guide you on which documents are needed based on your specific situation. Some counties may require additional paperwork if the deceased had outstanding liens or if multiple heirs are involved.
If the vehicle has a lien in the deceased person's name, contact the lienholder to find out how they handle transfers after death. Some lenders will release the lien to the heir; others may require the loan to be paid off first.
Removing or Adding a Name to an Existing Title
If you want to add a spouse's name to your title after marriage, or remove a name after divorce, you'll need to file for a title transfer. For marriage, bring the original title, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, Form 130-U, and both spouses' identification and proof of residency. Both of you should be present, or the absent spouse's signature must be notarized on the process.
For divorce, the situation is more complex. If the divorce decree awards the vehicle to one spouse, that spouse can file for a new title in their name alone. Bring the original title, a certified copy of the divorce decree, Form 130-U, and your identification and proof of residency. The other spouse does not need to be present, but their signature on the back of the title must be notarized, or you may need a court order authorizing the transfer.
If both spouses want to remain on the title after divorce, you can keep it as is, but this is unusual and may complicate future sales or refinancing. It's clearer to have one person's name removed during the divorce process.
Releasing or Adding a Lien to the Title
A lien appears on the title when someone borrows money to buy the car and uses the vehicle as collateral. The lienholder's name is printed on the front of the title. When you pay off the loan, the lender sends a lien release document to the tax assessor-collector, and a new title without the lien is issued to you. This usually happens automatically, but you can check by contacting your county tax assessor-collector.
If you're financing a vehicle you already own, the lender will provide documents to add their lien to the title. Take those documents, the original title, Form 130-U, and your identification to the tax assessor-collector. The lender's name will then appear on all future title certificates until the loan is paid off.
If a lien release is delayed, contact the lender directly. Some lenders mail the release to you instead of the tax assessor-collector; if so, you'll need to bring it in person along with the original title and Form 130-U.
Documents You'll Need at the Tax Assessor-Collector's Office
| Situation | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Buying a car | Original title (signed by seller), bill of sale, Form 130-U, ID, proof of residency |
| Inheriting a car | Original title, certified death certificate, proof of relationship, ID, proof of residency |
| Adding spouse's name (marriage) | Original title, certified marriage certificate, Form 130-U, both IDs, both proofs of residency |
| Removing spouse's name (divorce) | Original title, certified divorce decree, Form 130-U, ID, proof of residency, notarized signature from other spouse |
| Releasing a lien | Original title, lien release from lender, Form 130-U, ID, proof of residency |
| Adding a lien | Original title, lender's lien documents, Form 130-U, ID, proof of residency |
How to Find Your County Tax Assessor-Collector and Submit Documents
Every Texas county has a tax assessor-collector's office that handles vehicle titles and registration. You can find yours by searching "[your county name] tax assessor-collector" online or by visiting the county government website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer extended hours or Saturday appointments.
You can visit in person, mail your documents, or in some counties, use an online portal to check status. If you mail documents, include a cover letter listing what you're sending, your contact information, and the vehicle identification number (VIN). Send everything to the address listed on the county website. Keep copies of everything you send.
Some counties allow you to start the process online by filling out Form 130-U and uploading documents, then finishing in person. Check your county's website to see what options are available. Processing times are usually faster for in-person submissions than for mailed documents.
What Happens If the Title Is Lost or Damaged
If the original title is lost, stolen, or too damaged to sign, you can request a duplicate from the tax assessor-collector. Bring Form 130-U, your ID, proof of residency, and a statement explaining what happened to the original. There is a fee for a duplicate title, which varies by county but is typically under $20. The duplicate will be marked as such but has the same legal standing as the original.
If you're buying a car and the seller has lost the title, they can request a duplicate before signing it over to you. This adds time to the process, so ask the seller to handle it before you meet to complete the sale. If the seller refuses or cannot obtain a duplicate, you may need to work with the tax assessor-collector to file for a title in your name based on the bill of sale and other proof of ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the title if the seller won't sign it?
Not easily. The current title holder's signature is required. If the seller refuses, you have limited options: you can contact the tax assessor-collector to report the issue and ask about filing a complaint, or you can pursue legal action to compel the transfer. If you suspect fraud or theft, contact local law enforcement. For a private sale gone wrong, small claims court may be an option.
How much does it cost to change a title in Texas?
Title transfer fees vary by county but typically range from $25 to $50. Some counties charge additional fees for rush processing or for duplicate titles. Check your specific county's website for exact pricing. You may also owe sales tax on the vehicle if it's a purchase, calculated on the agreed value.
What if I buy a car from out of state and need to transfer the title to Texas?
You'll need the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, and proof that you've paid any sales tax owed to Texas (or proof that the out-of-state sale was tax-exempt). Bring these to your county tax assessor-collector along with Form 130-U, your ID, and proof of residency. Some out-of-state titles may need to be notarized before Texas will accept them; ask the tax assessor-collector before you submit.
Do I need to change the title if I'm just adding a co-signer to a loan?
No. A co-signer on a loan is not the same as a co-owner on the title. If you want the co-signer's name on the title as well, you'll need to file a separate title transfer. If they're only co-signing the loan, the title remains in your name alone.
How long does a title transfer take if I mail the documents?
Mailed applications typically take four to six weeks, compared to two to four weeks for in-person submissions. Processing time depends on how busy the tax assessor-collector's office is and whether your documents are complete. If anything is missing, the office will contact you, which adds more time. Calling ahead to confirm your documents are correct can speed up the process.