What You Need to Do to Transfer a Car Title in Texas
To transfer a car title in Texas, you file Form 130-U (process for Texas Title) with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, along with the current title, proof of ownership, and a bill of sale. The process takes about two weeks if you submit everything correctly by mail, or you can complete it in person at a local county tax assessor-collector's office in one visit. You'll pay a title transfer fee (currently $28 for most vehicles) plus any applicable taxes based on the vehicle's value.
The exact steps depend on whether you're buying from a private seller, trading in at a dealership, inheriting the vehicle, or receiving it as a gift. Each situation requires different documents, and missing even one can delay your transfer by weeks.
Key Takeaways
- File Form 130-U at your county tax assessor-collector's office or by mail to the Texas DMV, along with the current title and a bill of sale.
- The title transfer fee is $28, plus sales tax on the vehicle's value if you're buying it (tax rate varies by county).
- Processing takes about two weeks by mail or same-day if you go in person with all required documents.
- You must have the current title signed by the seller; if the title is lost or damaged, the seller must request a duplicate first.
- If you're buying from a private seller, get a bill of sale in writing even though Texas doesn't have an official form — this protects both of you.
Buying From a Private Seller
When you buy a car from an individual, you need the signed title, a bill of sale, and proof of the sale price. The seller must sign the back of the title in the "Signature of Previous Owner" section. You should also get the seller's printed name, address, and phone number on the title itself — this is required for the transfer.
Create a bill of sale that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and both your and the seller's names and addresses. Texas does not have an official bill of sale form, so you can write one yourself or use a template from the Texas DMV website. Both you and the seller should sign and date it, and each keep a copy. This document protects you if there's a dispute about the sale later.
Take the signed title, bill of sale, and a completed Form 130-U to your county tax assessor-collector's office. Bring your driver's license or state ID. You'll pay the $28 title fee plus sales tax on the purchase price (the tax rate depends on your county). If you mail everything instead, include a copy of your ID and send it to the Texas DMV address listed on Form 130-U; processing takes about two weeks.
Trading In at a Dealership
When you trade in a vehicle at a dealership, the dealer handles most of the title transfer paperwork for you. You sign the title over to the dealership, and they file Form 130-U on your behalf. You still need to bring the original title with you to the dealership, and you'll sign it in front of the dealer or their staff.
The dealership will also handle the title transfer for the new vehicle you're buying. Make sure the sales contract clearly states the trade-in value and that the dealer is responsible for transferring the title of your old vehicle. Ask the dealer how long the process takes — most complete it within a few days, but some may take longer if they're selling your trade-in to another dealer or auction.
You won't pay a separate title transfer fee for the trade-in; the dealer covers that cost. However, you will pay sales tax on the new vehicle based on the net amount (the new car price minus the trade-in value), and this varies by county.
Inheriting or Receiving a Vehicle as a Gift
If you inherit a car or receive one as a gift, the process is similar to a private sale, but you'll need different supporting documents instead of a bill of sale. For an inheritance, you need the title signed by the executor of the estate, a copy of the death certificate, and a copy of the will or court order showing you as the beneficiary. For a gift, you need the title signed by the owner, a gift letter stating that the vehicle was given to you at no cost, and the giver's driver's license or ID number.
With an inheritance, you typically won't owe sales tax on the vehicle. With a gift, Texas does not charge sales tax if the giver is a family member (spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild); if the giver is not a family member, you may owe sales tax. Bring all documents to your county tax assessor-collector's office along with Form 130-U and your ID.
If the Title Is Lost, Damaged, or Has Problems
If the current owner has lost the title or it's too damaged to sign, they must request a duplicate title from the Texas DMV before you can transfer it. They file Form 130-U marked as a duplicate title request, pay a $28 fee, and wait about two weeks for the replacement. You cannot complete your transfer until they have the new title in hand and sign it over to you.
If the title has a lien on it (meaning the vehicle is financed), the lender's name appears on the title. The lender must sign off on the transfer, or the current owner must pay off the loan first and get a lien release. Some lenders will sign the title directly; others require you to submit a lien release form. Ask the current owner to contact their lender and find out what's needed before you agree to buy the vehicle.
If the title shows the wrong owner's name, a misspelled name, or other errors, the owner must correct it through the Texas DMV before transferring it to you. This requires filing a correction form and may take additional time.
Where to File and How Long It Takes
You can file Form 130-U at any county tax assessor-collector's office in Texas during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by county. If you go in person with all required documents, you'll complete the transfer the same day and receive your new title by mail within two weeks.
You can also mail Form 130-U and all documents to the Texas DMV. The mailing address is on the form itself. Processing by mail takes about two weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. To track your process, you'll need your VIN and the date you mailed it.
If you're buying a vehicle and need to register it before the title arrives, you can request a temporary registration from the tax assessor-collector's office. This is valid for about 30 days and lets you drive the vehicle legally while you wait for the permanent title.
Documents Checklist by Situation
| Situation | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Private sale | Current title (signed by seller), bill of sale, Form 130-U, your ID |
| Dealership trade-in | Current title, sales contract, your ID (dealer files Form 130-U) |
| Inheritance | Current title (signed by executor), death certificate, will or court order, Form 130-U, your ID |
| Gift from family | Current title (signed by giver), gift letter, giver's ID number, Form 130-U, your ID |
| Gift from non-family | Current title (signed by giver), gift letter, giver's ID number, Form 130-U, your ID, proof of sales tax payment |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the car before the title transfer is complete?
No, not legally. You need either the new title in your name or a temporary registration from the tax assessor-collector's office. If you buy from a private seller, ask the seller to request a temporary registration before you take the car, or go to the tax assessor-collector's office when ready after signing the title and bill of sale.
What if the seller won't sign the title?
You cannot complete the transfer without the seller's signature on the back of the title. If the seller refuses, do not hand over money. If you've already paid and the seller won't sign, contact a lawyer — this is a civil dispute that may require court action to recover your money or force the transfer.
Do I have to pay sales tax if I buy from a private seller?
Yes. Texas charges sales tax on the purchase price of a vehicle, even in private sales. The tax rate depends on your county and ranges from about 8% to 8.25%. You pay this fee when you file Form 130-U at the tax assessor-collector's office.
How much does a title transfer cost?
The title transfer fee is $28. You also pay sales tax on the vehicle's value (if it's a purchase), which varies by county. If you're inheriting the vehicle, you typically won't owe sales tax. If it's a gift from a family member, there's no sales tax; from a non-family member, you may owe it.
What if I buy a car out of state and want to transfer the title to Texas?
You'll need the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, and Form 130-U. Some states' titles are not accepted by Texas; if that's the case, you'll need to get a bond or court order from the Texas DMV. Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office before you buy to confirm the out-of-state title will be accepted.