What you need to do to change a Texas car title

Changing a car title in Texas means updating the ownership record with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You do this by submitting Form VTR 130-U (process for Texas Title) along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and identification to your county tax assessor-collector's office — not to a DMV office, because Texas does not have separate DMV locations. The process takes roughly two to three weeks once you submit everything, though timing varies by county.

The reason you change a title matters, because different situations require different documents. If you inherited a vehicle, bought one from a private seller, received one as a gift, or are adding or removing a name from an existing title, each path has its own paperwork. Knowing which documents you actually need before you walk in saves a trip back.

Key Takeaways

  • Submit Form VTR 130-U to your county tax assessor-collector's office, not a state DMV office, because Texas handles titles at the county level.
  • You will need the vehicle's current title (or a certified copy if it is lost), a bill of sale, your driver's license or ID, and proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The fee varies by county but typically ranges from $28 to $50 for a standard title transfer.
  • If the current title is lost or damaged, request a duplicate from the tax assessor-collector before explore for a new title in a different name.
  • Processing takes two to three weeks on average, though some counties are faster; call ahead to confirm your county's timeline.

Where to submit your title change paperwork

Your county tax assessor-collector's office is the only place that processes title changes in Texas. You cannot do this online, by mail to a state office, or through a third party — you must go to the office in the county where you live or where the vehicle is registered. Find your county assessor-collector by searching the Texas DMV website or calling your county clerk's office.

Some counties allow you to mail documents if you cannot visit in person, but they still require original signatures on the title and process form. Call your county office before mailing to confirm they accept mail-in submissions and what address to use. Mailing adds one to two weeks to the timeline because the office must receive, process, and mail the new title back to you.

Documents you need for a standard title transfer

The exact documents depend on why you are changing the title, but a standard transfer — such as buying a used car from a private seller — requires the current title, a bill of sale, your ID, and proof of residency. The current title must be signed by the previous owner in the assignment section on the back. If the previous owner's name appears on the title twice (for example, "John Smith and Jane Smith"), both must sign unless the title says "or" instead of "and".

A bill of sale is a straightforward document that shows the sale price, vehicle details, date of sale, and signatures of both buyer and seller. Texas does not have a required form for this — you can write one yourself or use a template from the Texas DMV website. The assessor-collector uses it to calculate the tax owed on the purchase price.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or insurance policy in your name with your current address. It must be dated within the last 60 days. Your driver's license counts as ID but not as proof of residency unless it shows your current address.

Title changes for inherited vehicles, gifts, and name additions

An inherited vehicle requires the current title, a certified copy of the death certificate, and a probate document (such as an affidavit of heirship or a court order) showing you are the legal heir. If the estate went through formal probate, bring the probate order. If it used a small estate affidavit, bring that instead. The tax assessor-collector will not charge a transfer fee for an inheritance, though you will still pay title and registration fees.

A vehicle received as a gift requires the current title signed by the giver, a bill of sale showing the sale price as $0, your ID, and proof of residency. Even though no money changed hands, Texas still requires a bill of sale to document the transfer. You will pay title and registration fees but no sales tax.

Adding a name to an existing title (for example, adding a spouse) requires the current title, a bill of sale showing $0, both people's IDs, and proof of residency for the person being added. Both the current owner and the person being added must sign the process. Removing a name follows the same process but is treated as a transfer, so the person being removed must sign the title in the assignment section.

Fees and how they are calculated

Texas title fees vary by county but typically fall between $28 and $50. Some counties charge a flat fee; others charge based on the vehicle's value or age. Registration fees are separate and depend on the vehicle's weight and type. Call your county tax assessor-collector to confirm the exact fee before you go in, because some offices require payment in cash or check only.

If you are transferring a title based on a purchase, you will also owe sales tax on the sale price shown in the bill of sale. The tax rate is 6.25 percent statewide, plus any local sales tax in your county (which can add 0.5 to 2 percent). The assessor-collector calculates this and collects it when you submit your paperwork. If the vehicle is used and you are buying from a private seller, you may be able to claim an exemption if you meet certain conditions — ask the assessor-collector whether you may have access to.

What to do if the current title is lost or damaged

If the current title is lost, damaged, or never received, request a duplicate title from the tax assessor-collector before you explore for a new title in a different name. Use Form VTR 130-U and write "Duplicate" in the title section. You will need your ID, proof of residency, and proof that you own the vehicle (such as a registration card, insurance policy, or loan documents). The fee for a duplicate is usually $5 to $10.

Once you have the duplicate, you can then submit a new process to change the title to your name. This adds one to two weeks to the overall timeline, so if you know the title is missing before you buy a vehicle, ask the seller to request a duplicate from their county assessor-collector first.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

After you submit your paperwork, the tax assessor-collector sends it to the Texas DMV for processing. This takes roughly two to three weeks, though some counties process faster and others slower. You can call your county office after one week to ask whether your process has been sent to the state yet. Once the DMV approves it, the new title is mailed to the address you provided on the process.

During this time, you can drive the vehicle using your bill of sale and the old title as proof of ownership, though you should carry both documents. Do not register the vehicle or get new license plates until you receive the new title, because registration is tied to the title record. If you need to register before the title arrives, bring your bill of sale and old title to the tax assessor-collector and ask for a temporary registration permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change a title if the previous owner is deceased and I do not have probate documents?

No, you need either a probate order or a small estate affidavit to prove you are the legal heir. If the estate did not go through probate, you will need to file a small estate affidavit with the county court first. Contact your county clerk's office for the forms and filing fee, which is usually under $100.

What if the previous owner's signature on the title is missing or illegible?

The tax assessor-collector will reject the process. Contact the previous owner and ask them to sign the title again, or request a duplicate title from their county assessor-collector and have them sign that instead. If you cannot reach the previous owner, you may need to consult a lawyer about your options.

Do I have to change the title if I buy a car from a private seller?

Yes, you must change the title to your name within 30 days of purchase. Driving with the old title in someone else's name can result in a fine. The 30-day window gives you time to gather documents and visit the assessor-collector, but do not wait until the last day because processing takes two to three weeks.

Can I change a title online or by mail?

You cannot change a title online. Some counties accept mail-in submissions, but you must call your county tax assessor-collector first to confirm they do and to get the correct mailing address. Original signatures are required on both the title and the process form.

What if I bought the car but the seller has not signed the title yet?

Do not take the vehicle. The seller must sign the title in the assignment section on the back before you leave. If they refuse or claim they will sign it later, the sale is not complete. Never drive a vehicle with an unsigned title, because you have no legal proof of ownership.