What You Need to Do to Transfer a Camper Title

To transfer a camper title in Texas, you fill out a form called the process for Texas Title (Form 130-U), gather documents proving ownership and the sale, and submit everything to your county tax assessor's office along with a fee. The tax assessor's office handles title transfers for recreational vehicles in Texas, not the DMV. The whole process usually takes two to four weeks once the office receives your paperwork.

The person selling the camper signs the back of the current title or completes a separate assignment form, and you bring that signed title along with proof that you bought it. You will also need to show proof of your identity and your Texas residency. The fee varies by county but is typically between $25 and $50.

Key Takeaways

  • Submit your paperwork to your county tax assessor's office, not the DMV — Texas handles RV titles through the tax assessor system.
  • You need the signed title from the seller, a completed process for Texas Title (Form 130-U), proof of sale, and proof of identity and residency.
  • The seller must sign the back of the title or complete a separate assignment; a bill of sale alone is not enough to transfer ownership.
  • Fees vary by county but typically range from $25 to $50, and processing takes two to four weeks.
  • If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from their county tax assessor before the sale closes.

Gather the Documents the Seller Must Provide

The seller needs to sign the back of the current title in the section marked "Assignment of Title by Owner." If the title is damaged or the signature section is full, the seller can instead complete a separate Assignment of Motor Vehicle form (Form 130-U-1), which serves the same purpose. Either way, the signature must be notarized — this is a requirement in Texas for RV title transfers.

Ask the seller for the original title document itself, not a copy. If the seller has lost the title, they can request a duplicate from their county tax assessor's office before you complete the sale. This takes a few days to a week. Do not proceed with the transfer until you have the signed original title in hand.

You will also need a bill of sale or receipt showing the purchase price and date. This does not have to be a formal document — a signed note from the seller with the date, price, camper description (year, make, model, VIN), and both signatures is sufficient. The tax assessor's office uses this to confirm the transaction is legitimate.

Complete the process for Texas Title Form

read or pick up Form 130-U (process for Texas Title) from your county tax assessor's office website or in person. Fill in your name, address, and driver's license number. In the vehicle section, enter the camper's year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is usually on a metal plate on the camper frame or in the paperwork the seller gave you.

In the "Lienholder Information" section, leave it blank unless you financed the camper through a bank or credit union. If you did finance it, the lender's name and address go here — the lender will receive a copy of the new title. Check the box indicating this is a transfer of ownership from a private party, not a dealer.

Sign and date the form. You do not need to have it notarized, but the seller's signature on the title or assignment form must be notarized. If you are unsure whether you filled out the form correctly, bring it to the tax assessor's office before you submit it — staff can review it for free.

Prepare Proof of Identity and Residency

Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If your ID does not show your current address, bring a second document proving you live in Texas. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and address.

If you are buying the camper with someone else and both names will appear on the title, both owners must provide ID and residency proof. Both owners do not need to be present at the tax assessor's office — one person can submit the paperwork for both, but bring documents for each owner.

Submit Your Paperwork to the Tax Assessor's Office

Take your completed Form 130-U, the signed and notarized title (or assignment form), the bill of sale, your ID, and proof of residency to your county tax assessor's office. You can find the office location and hours on your county's website. Some counties allow you to mail in the paperwork, but submitting it in person is faster and lets you ask questions if something is missing.

Bring the fee in cash or check — most offices do not accept credit cards. The fee amount depends on your county; call ahead or check the website to confirm the exact amount. When you submit the paperwork, ask for a receipt showing the date you applied. Keep this receipt until you receive the new title in the mail.

The tax assessor's office will send the new title to the address you provided on the form. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. If you do not receive it within that time, contact the office with your receipt number to check the status.

What Happens If the Seller Still Owes Money on the Camper

If the seller financed the camper and still owes money to a bank or credit union, that lender's name appears on the title as a lienholder. You cannot take ownership until the lender releases the lien. Ask the seller to contact their lender and request a lien release letter or payoff letter showing the loan is paid in full or will be paid at closing.

The seller should bring the lien release letter to the closing or sale meeting. You then submit the lien release along with your other paperwork to the tax assessor's office. The lien release must be signed and dated by the lender. Without it, the tax assessor cannot issue a title in your name alone.

If the seller is paying off the loan as part of the sale, ask them to get the lien release in writing before you hand over money. Do not rely on a verbal promise that the lender will release the lien later.

Transfer a Camper Title If You Inherited It

If you inherited the camper from someone who has passed away, the process is different. You will need the deceased owner's death certificate, a copy of the will or a court document showing you are the legal heir, and the original title. Some counties require you to have the paperwork notarized by a notary public.

Contact your county tax assessor's office and ask what documents they need for an inheritance transfer — requirements vary slightly by county. You may also need to provide proof that any estate taxes or debts have been paid. Bring everything to the tax assessor's office along with your ID and proof of residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the camper before the new title arrives?

You should not drive it on public roads until you have the new title in your name. The receipt you received when you submitted your paperwork is not a valid registration. If you are stopped by police, you cannot prove ownership. Some counties issue a temporary permit, so ask the tax assessor's office when you submit your paperwork.

What if the seller's signature on the title is not notarized?

The tax assessor's office will reject the paperwork. Ask the seller to take the title to a notary public (banks, law offices, and UPS stores offer notary services) and have the signature notarized. Then resubmit everything to the tax assessor's office. This adds a few days to the process.

Do I need a bill of sale if I have the signed title?

Technically the signed title is the main document, but the tax assessor's office uses the bill of sale to verify the sale price and confirm the transaction is legitimate. Bring it anyway — it takes no extra time and prevents delays if the office has questions about the transfer.

What if the camper has a lien and the seller will not get a lien release?

Do not complete the purchase. You cannot get a clean title if the lender's name is still on it. The lender has a legal claim to the camper, and you could lose it if the seller defaults on the loan. Wait until the seller pays off the loan and gets a written lien release from the lender.

How much does it cost to transfer a camper title in Texas?

The fee varies by county and typically ranges from $25 to $50. Some counties charge based on the camper's value or weight. Call your county tax assessor's office or check their website to find the exact fee for your county before you go in person.