What you need to do to transfer a title in Texas

A title transfer in Texas means you're moving ownership of a vehicle from one person's name to another's. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles this through the county tax assessor-collector's office where the vehicle is registered. You'll need to submit specific documents, pay a fee, and complete the process within a set timeframe — usually within 30 days of purchase or ownership change.

The exact steps depend on whether you're buying from a dealer, a private seller, or inheriting the vehicle. Each route uses the same basic documents but follows a slightly different order and timeline.

Key Takeaways

  • You must transfer a title at your county tax assessor-collector's office, not at a DMV office, and you have 30 days from the date of purchase to complete it.
  • The seller must sign the title in the designated transfer section, and you'll need the original title document plus a bill of sale for private purchases.
  • The fee for a title transfer in Texas is $28.25, plus any applicable county fees, and you'll pay it when you submit your documents.
  • If you're buying from a dealer, they often handle the title transfer for you, but you should confirm this before leaving the lot.
  • If the title is lost, you'll need to request a duplicate from the county assessor-collector before you can transfer ownership.

Documents you'll need for a private purchase

When you buy a vehicle from a private seller, bring the original title signed by the seller in the transfer section (the back of the title document). The seller must sign in front of you or have their signature notarized. You'll also need a bill of sale — a straightforward written record of the sale that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and both signatures. Texas does not have a required bill of sale form, so you can write one yourself or use a template, but having it in writing protects both you and the seller.

Bring your driver's license or state ID and proof of insurance for the vehicle. Texas requires you to have liability insurance before you register the vehicle, and the assessor-collector's office will ask to see proof. If you're financing the vehicle, bring the loan documents or lender information as well — the lender's name and address will go on the title as a lienholder.

If the seller cannot sign the title in person, they can sign it and have their signature notarized by a notary public. The notarized signature is legally equivalent to signing in front of you. Some sellers may ask you to handle the notarization; others will do it themselves. Either way, the title must arrive at the assessor-collector's office with a valid signature.

What happens when you buy from a dealer

Dealers in Texas are required by law to handle the title transfer on your behalf. When you buy a vehicle from a dealership, the dealer will submit the title transfer paperwork to the county assessor-collector's office within a specific timeframe — usually within 10 business days of the sale. You should receive a temporary registration document (often called a temp tag or temporary registration) that allows you to drive the vehicle legally while the title transfer is being processed.

Before you leave the dealership, confirm in writing that they will handle the title transfer and ask when you can expect to receive your new title. Get the name of the person handling it and a phone number. If you don't receive your new title within 30 days, contact the dealership to follow up — delays sometimes happen, and you want to know about them early.

You are still responsible for having insurance before you drive off the lot. The dealer cannot complete the title transfer without proof of insurance, so bring your insurance information with you to the dealership.

Transferring a title when inheriting a vehicle

If you inherit a vehicle, the title transfer process is different because there is no seller to sign the title. Instead, you'll need the original title plus a certified copy of the death certificate and documentation showing you are the legal heir — usually a will, a probate court order, or an affidavit of heirship. The specific documents depend on whether the estate went through probate and whether the vehicle was left to you by name in a will.

Bring these documents to the county assessor-collector's office along with your driver's license and proof of insurance. The assessor-collector's office can tell you which documents they need based on your situation — call ahead or visit in person to confirm before you gather everything. The fee for an inherited title transfer is the same as a regular transfer: $28.25 plus any county fees.

The timeline and where to go

You have 30 days from the date you become the owner to transfer the title. This important date is firm — if you miss it, you may face penalties or be unable to register the vehicle. The clock starts on the date of purchase (for a private sale) or the date the dealer sold it to you (for a dealership purchase).

Go to your county tax assessor-collector's office, not a DMV office. Texas does not have traditional DMV offices; the county assessor-collector handles vehicle registration and title transfers. Find your county's office by searching "[your county name] tax assessor-collector" online or by calling your county courthouse. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments — check their website or call ahead.

Bring all original documents, not copies. The assessor-collector's office will make copies for their records, but they need to see and verify the originals. Bring your driver's license, the original title signed by the seller, proof of insurance, and a bill of sale (for private purchases). If you're paying by check, bring a valid check; most offices accept checks, cash, and cards, but confirm beforehand.

What the title transfer costs

The state fee for a title transfer in Texas is $28.25. Some counties add their own fee on top of this — the amount varies by county and ranges from $0 to around $15. Call your county assessor-collector's office to ask what the total fee will be, or check their website. The fee is non-refundable, even if the transfer is denied.

If you need a duplicate title because the original is lost or damaged, that costs an additional $11 and takes about one to two weeks. If you need the duplicate urgently, some counties offer expedited processing for an extra fee — ask when you call.

If the title is lost or damaged

If the seller cannot provide the original title because it's lost or damaged, you'll need to request a duplicate title from the county assessor-collector's office where the vehicle is currently registered. The seller should do this, but if they won't or can't, you can request it yourself by providing the VIN and proof that you have a right to the vehicle (usually a bill of sale or purchase agreement).

Once you have the duplicate title, the transfer process is the same as normal. The duplicate title is a valid, original document and works exactly like the original for transfer purposes. Getting a duplicate typically takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead if you're working with a tight timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title online in Texas?

No. Texas requires you to submit title transfer documents in person or by mail to your county tax assessor-collector's office. You cannot complete a title transfer entirely online, though some counties may allow you to schedule an appointment or pay fees online before you visit.

What if I buy a vehicle and the seller won't sign the title?

Do not complete the purchase. Without the seller's signature on the title, you cannot legally transfer ownership. If you've already paid, contact a lawyer — this is a civil matter and you may need legal help to recover your money or force the seller to sign.

How long does it take to get my new title after I transfer it?

The county assessor-collector's office will give you a receipt when you submit your documents. Your new title usually arrives by mail within two to four weeks. If you need it faster, ask about expedited processing when you submit your transfer.

Do I need a notary to transfer a title in Texas?

Only if the seller cannot sign the title in front of you. If the seller signs in person at the assessor-collector's office or in front of you before you go, no notary is needed. If the seller signs elsewhere, their signature must be notarized.

What if I'm buying a vehicle with a lien on it?

The lender's name will appear on the title as a lienholder. When you buy the vehicle, the seller's lender must release the lien before the title can be transferred to you. This usually happens at closing — the seller pays off the loan and the lender signs a lien release document. Bring the lien release to the assessor-collector's office along with your other documents. Without it, the transfer cannot be completed.