What you need to do to transfer a car title in Texas

To transfer a vehicle title in Texas, you submit Form VTR 130-U (process for Texas Title) to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, along with the current title, proof of ownership, and a completed odometer statement. The process takes about two weeks if you submit by mail, or you can complete it in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office, which is faster. You will pay a title transfer fee—the amount depends on your county, but typically ranges from $28 to $33. The new owner's name goes on the title once the DMV processes the process.

Texas requires the seller to sign the title in the designated area before handing it to you. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller must get a duplicate from their county tax assessor-collector first. You cannot legally drive the vehicle until the title is in your name, even if you have a bill of sale.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit Form VTR 130-U along with the signed title, proof of ownership, and an odometer statement to transfer a title in Texas.
  • The seller must sign the title before giving it to you; if they cannot locate it, they need to request a duplicate from their county tax assessor-collector.
  • You can submit the process by mail to the DMV or in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office, with in-person processing usually faster.
  • Title transfer fees vary by county but typically cost between $28 and $33, and the process takes roughly two weeks by mail.
  • You are not the legal owner until the DMV issues a new title in your name, so do not drive the vehicle before that happens.

Where to submit your title transfer process

You have two main routes: mail your documents to the Texas DMV, or go in person to your county tax assessor-collector's office. The tax assessor-collector's office is the faster option because staff can review your paperwork on the spot and catch missing documents before you leave. If you mail your process, it goes to the DMV's central office in Austin, and processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive it.

To find your county tax assessor-collector's office, visit the Texas DMV website and search by county. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. Bring the original title, your completed Form VTR 130-U, proof of ownership (such as a bill of sale or purchase agreement), and the odometer statement. Bring your driver's license or state ID as well.

Documents the seller must provide

The seller's most critical responsibility is signing the title in the correct location. On the back of the Texas title, there is a signature line labeled "Seller's Signature." The seller must sign here and provide the date. If there are two sellers (for example, a married couple), both must sign unless the title shows only one name.

The seller also needs to provide the odometer reading at the time of sale. On Form VTR 130-U, there is a section for odometer disclosure. The seller fills in the mileage and signs this section as well. If the vehicle is over 10 years old, Texas does not require an odometer statement, but you still need the signed title. If the title is missing or damaged, the seller must contact their county tax assessor-collector and request a duplicate title before the sale can be completed.

What proof of ownership looks like

Proof of ownership is typically a bill of sale or purchase agreement signed by both the buyer and seller. This document should show the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and both parties' names and signatures. A bill of sale does not have to be a formal legal document—it can be handwritten—but it must be signed by both you and the seller and include the VIN and sale date.

If you inherited the vehicle, you will need the title plus a copy of the will or court order showing you as the beneficiary. If the vehicle came from an estate, bring a letter from the executor or administrator along with the title. For vehicles purchased at auction, bring the auction receipt and the title. The tax assessor-collector will tell you if additional documents are needed based on how you obtained the vehicle.

Title transfer fees and processing time

The title transfer fee in Texas is set by each county and is not a statewide flat rate. Most counties charge between $28 and $33, but you should contact your county tax assessor-collector's office to confirm the exact amount before you go. Some counties may charge additional fees if you are also registering the vehicle or obtaining new license plates at the same time.

If you submit by mail, expect the new title to arrive in about two weeks. If you submit in person at the tax assessor-collector's office, you may receive a temporary title on the spot, which allows you to drive the vehicle legally while you wait for the permanent title to arrive by mail. The temporary title is usually valid for 30 days. Keep it in your vehicle until the permanent title arrives.

What happens if the title has a lien on it

A lien means a bank, credit union, or other lender has a legal claim on the vehicle because they financed the purchase. If the title shows a lienholder, the seller must pay off the loan before transferring the title to you. The lender will then release the lien, and the seller receives a lien-free title to sign over to you.

If the seller has not paid off the loan, the transfer cannot happen. Do not give the seller money until you have seen proof that the lien has been released and the title is clear. Some sellers and buyers work with the lender directly to have the payoff amount sent to the lender at closing, but this requires coordination. If you are buying from a dealer, they typically handle lien payoffs as part of the sale process.

Transferring a title when the seller is deceased

If the vehicle owner has passed away, the title transfer process depends on whether the estate went through probate. If there is a will and the vehicle was left to you, bring a certified copy of the will and a letter from the executor stating that you are the beneficiary. If the estate went through probate court, bring a certified copy of the probate order or letters testamentary showing you as the heir.

If there is no will and the estate did not go through probate, Texas allows a small estate affidavit in some cases. Contact your county tax assessor-collector to ask whether your situation qualifies. You will need to provide documentation of the deceased owner's death (a death certificate) and proof of your relationship to them. The process is slower than a standard title transfer because the tax assessor-collector must verify the legal authority to transfer the title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the vehicle before the new title arrives?

If you received a temporary title at the tax assessor-collector's office, yes—the temporary title is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally. If you submitted by mail and have not yet received the temporary or permanent title, you should not drive the vehicle. Proof that you own it is required by law.

What if I lost the bill of sale?

Contact the seller and ask them to sign a new bill of sale or a written statement confirming the sale. Include the VIN, sale date, and sale price. If you cannot reach the seller, the tax assessor-collector may allow you to proceed with just the signed title and your driver's license, but call ahead to confirm what your county accepts.

Do I need to register the vehicle at the same time as the title transfer?

Title transfer and vehicle registration are separate processes. You can transfer the title first and register later, though most people do both at the same time at the tax assessor-collector's office. Registration requires proof of insurance and payment of registration fees, which vary by vehicle weight and county.

What if the seller's name on the title does not match their ID?

The seller must bring documentation showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The tax assessor-collector will review this and may require the seller to update their name on the title before transferring it to you. This can delay the process, so ask the seller about any name discrepancies before you meet.

How long is a Texas title valid?

Once issued, a Texas title does not expire. However, you must renew your vehicle registration every two years. The title itself remains valid as long as you own the vehicle, even if your registration lapses.