What You Need to Do to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Texas

To transfer a vehicle title in Texas, you complete a form called the process for Texas Title (Form 130-U), gather documents proving ownership and identity, and submit everything to your county tax assessor-collector's office in person or by mail. The process takes about two weeks if you mail it, or you can walk out the same day if you go in person. You will pay a title transfer fee, which varies by county but typically ranges from $28 to $33. The person buying the vehicle (or receiving it as a gift) is the one who files — not the seller.

Texas does not have a separate DMV. The tax assessor-collector's office in your county handles all vehicle titles and registrations. You can find your county office online by searching "[your county name] tax assessor-collector" or by visiting the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website, which lists every county office with hours and contact information.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file the process for Texas Title (Form 130-U) with your county tax assessor-collector within 30 days of buying the vehicle, or you may face a late fee.
  • Bring or mail the signed title from the seller, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof that you own the vehicle (such as a bill of sale or purchase agreement).
  • The title transfer fee varies by county but is typically $28 to $33, and you may owe additional fees if the vehicle is financed or if you are registering it for the first time.
  • If the seller's name on the title does not match the name on their ID, or if the title is damaged, contact your county office before filing to avoid rejection.
  • You can file in person for same-day processing or by mail, which usually takes about two weeks.

Documents You Need to Bring or Mail

The original title signed by the seller is the most important document. The seller must sign the back of the title in the section marked "Seller's Signature." If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from their county office before the sale, or you can file a form called the process for Duplicate or Corrected Title (Form 130-U) after you buy the vehicle — but this delays your transfer.

You also need proof of identity, which can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you are filing by mail, send a photocopy of both sides. You need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Texas address. A photocopy is acceptable by mail.

Bring or mail a bill of sale or purchase agreement showing the sale price, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the date of sale, and signatures from both buyer and seller. If the vehicle was a gift, you need a signed statement from the giver saying it was a gift with no money exchanged. If you inherited the vehicle, bring a copy of the will or probate court order.

If the vehicle is financed, bring or mail the lienholder's information — the name and address of the bank or lender holding the loan. The title will show the lienholder's name, and you must list them on your transfer form so they remain on the title until the loan is paid off.

Step-by-Step Process for Filing in Person

First, gather all documents listed above and fill out the process for Texas Title (Form 130-U). You can read it from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website or pick up a copy at your county tax assessor-collector's office. The form asks for your name, address, VIN, the seller's name, and whether the vehicle is financed. Do not sign the form yet — you must sign it in front of the office staff.

Second, go to your county tax assessor-collector's office during business hours. Bring the original title signed by the seller, your completed form, proof of identity, proof of residency, and the bill of sale or gift statement. The staff will review your documents, answer any questions, and collect the title transfer fee. You will also pay a registration fee if you are registering the vehicle for the first time in Texas.

Third, sign the form in front of the staff member. They will process your transfer on the spot and issue you a receipt. Your new title will arrive by mail within two weeks. Keep the receipt as proof of transfer until the new title arrives.

Step-by-Step Process for Filing by Mail

Complete the process for Texas Title (Form 130-U) and sign it in front of a notary public. You cannot sign it yourself and mail it — the office requires a notarized signature for mail-in transfers. A notary is available at most banks, UPS stores, and title companies for a small fee, usually $5 to $15.

Mail the signed and notarized form along with photocopies of the original title (both sides), your ID (both sides), proof of residency, and the bill of sale to your county tax assessor-collector's office. Include a check or money order for the title transfer fee plus any registration fees. Do not send cash. Write your phone number on the check so the office can contact you if there is a problem.

Mail everything to the address listed on the tax assessor-collector's website for your county. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. You will receive your new title by mail. If the office finds a problem with your documents, they will call you to ask for corrections before processing.

When the Seller's Name Does Not Match the Title

If the seller's name on the title does not match their current ID — for example, they changed their name after marriage or divorce — they must sign the title using the name that appears on the title, not their current name. The tax assessor-collector's office will see the mismatch and may ask for a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Ask the seller to have these documents ready before you file.

If the title shows two names (such as "John Smith and Jane Smith") and only one person is selling to you, both people must sign the title unless the title shows "or" between the names instead of "and." If it says "and," both owners must consent. Contact your county office before filing if you are unsure whether both signatures are required.

Late Filing and Other Fees

Texas law requires you to file for a title transfer within 30 days of buying the vehicle. If you file after 30 days, you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard title transfer fee. The late fee amount varies by county. If you are more than 90 days late, the office may require you to pass a vehicle inspection before they will issue the title.

If the vehicle is financed, you will pay the standard title transfer fee plus a lienholder fee, which is typically $5 to $10. If you are registering the vehicle for the first time in Texas (for example, you moved from another state), you will also pay a registration fee, which varies by vehicle weight and county but is usually $50 to $100. Ask your county office for the exact total before you file.

If you need a duplicate title later because yours is lost or damaged, you will pay a separate fee for the duplicate, typically $11 to $20. If you need to correct information on the title (such as a misspelled name), you file a process for Duplicate or Corrected Title and pay a correction fee.

What Happens If You Do Not Transfer the Title

If you buy a vehicle and do not transfer the title into your name, the vehicle remains registered to the seller. This means the seller can still be held liable if the vehicle is involved in an accident or if traffic violations are issued. You also cannot legally register the vehicle for insurance or drive it on public roads without a title in your name.

If you do not file within 30 days, you may owe a late fee and could face a vehicle inspection requirement. If you do not file within 90 days, the vehicle may be flagged as unregistered, and you could be stopped by law enforcement. The seller may also file a report with the county saying they sold the vehicle, which protects them but does not transfer the title to you — you must still file the form yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the seller is not present?

Yes. The seller signs the back of the title, and you submit the signed title to your county office. You do not need the seller to be present when you file. If you are filing in person, bring the title already signed by the seller. If you are filing by mail, mail the signed title along with your other documents.

What if the title has a lien on it and the seller has not paid off the loan?

The lienholder's name will appear on the title. You can still buy the vehicle, but the lender must sign off on the transfer, and the lien will remain on your title until the loan is paid in full. The seller should contact their lender to arrange payoff at the time of sale. If the sale price does not cover the loan balance, the seller owes the difference to the lender, not to you.

How long does it take to get the new title after I file?

If you file in person, you receive a receipt the same day, and your official title arrives by mail within two weeks. If you file by mail, processing takes about two weeks from the date the office receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time. You can drive the vehicle using your receipt while you wait for the title to arrive.

What if I bought the vehicle from a private seller and there is no bill of sale?

You can create a bill of sale yourself. Write down the vehicle's VIN, the sale price, the date, and the names and signatures of both buyer and seller. The tax assessor-collector's office will accept a handwritten bill of sale as long as it includes these details and is signed by both parties. Some county offices provide a bill of sale template on their website.

Can I transfer a title if the vehicle has an out-of-state title?

Yes. Bring or mail the out-of-state title along with the process for Texas Title. The tax assessor-collector's office will process it the same way as an in-state title. You may also need to pass a vehicle inspection if the vehicle has not been inspected in Texas before, depending on your county's rules.