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

To change a car title in Texas, you submit a form to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with proof of ownership and identification. The process differs depending on whether you're adding or removing a name, transferring ownership after a sale, or correcting an error on an existing title. Most changes require the process for Texas Title (Form 130-U), a signed title document, and a fee that typically ranges from $20 to $90 depending on the type of change.

You can submit your request by mail to the DMV, in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office, or through an authorized third-party agent. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days by mail, or you may receive your new title the same day if you go in person. The key is having the correct documents ready before you start — missing paperwork will delay your new title.

Key Takeaways

  • Most title changes in Texas require Form 130-U, a signed title, your driver's license, and a fee paid to your county tax assessor-collector's office.
  • If you're adding a spouse or co-owner, both owners must sign the process and provide identification.
  • Transferring a title after buying a used car requires the signed title from the seller, a bill of sale, and proof of insurance.
  • You can submit by mail, in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office, or through a licensed title service, and processing normally takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • If the title has an error like a misspelled name, you'll need Form 130-U plus a corrected title document from the previous owner or lienholder.

Adding or removing a name from an existing title

If you're adding a spouse, family member, or co-owner to your title, both the current owner and the new owner must sign the process. Complete Form 130-U and provide the original title document. Both parties must show a valid driver's license or state ID. The fee is typically $20 to $30, paid to your county tax assessor-collector's office.

To remove a name — for example, after a divorce — you need the original title, Form 130-U signed by all current owners, and a certified copy of the divorce decree or court order showing the name change. If one owner refuses to sign, you'll need a court order before the DMV can process the change. Submit everything to your county tax assessor-collector's office by mail or in person.

Transferring a title after buying a used car

When you buy a used car in Texas, the seller must sign the back of the title and give it to you. You then take that signed title, along with Form 130-U, your driver's license, and proof of insurance, to your county tax assessor-collector's office. The fee is typically $28 to $33. If the car has a lien (the seller still owes money on it), the lienholder's name will appear on the title, and you may need written consent from them before the transfer is complete.

A bill of sale is not required by the DMV but is useful to have as a record of the transaction and the price paid. If you buy from a private seller, ask them to write a straightforward bill of sale with the date, vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, and both signatures. If you buy from a dealer, they will provide all paperwork. Submit your documents within 30 days of purchase to avoid a late-transfer penalty.

Correcting errors on a title

If your title has a misspelled name, wrong VIN, or other error, you'll need Form 130-U and a corrected title document. If the error was made by the DMV, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office and they can issue a corrected title at no charge. If the error came from the previous owner or a lienholder, you'll need a signed letter from them authorizing the correction, or a corrected title document from them.

For serious errors like a wrong VIN, the DMV may require additional documentation such as a vehicle inspection report or a letter from the manufacturer. Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office before submitting to confirm what documents they need. Corrections usually process in 7 to 10 business days.

Where to submit your title change request

You have three options: mail your documents to the DMV, go in person to your county tax assessor-collector's office, or use a licensed title service. The county tax assessor-collector's office is the local DMV in Texas — there is no separate DMV building. Find your county office at the Texas DMV website by searching for your county name.

Mailing takes 7 to 10 business days. Send your completed Form 130-U, the original title, your identification copy, and a check or money order for the fee to your county tax assessor-collector's office. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and a brief description of what you're requesting. Going in person is faster — you may receive your new title the same day or within a few days. Licensed title services charge an extra fee (usually $50 to $150) but handle the paperwork for you and can often complete the process faster.

Fees and processing times

Title change fees in Texas vary by the type of change and your county. Adding or removing a name typically costs $20 to $30. Transferring ownership after a purchase costs $28 to $33. Correcting an error costs $20 to $25. Some counties charge slightly different amounts, so confirm the exact fee with your county tax assessor-collector's office before submitting.

Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your documents. In-person processing is faster — you may walk out with your new title the same day, or it may arrive by mail within a few days. If you use a licensed title service, they will handle the submission and notify you when your new title is ready. Keep your old title until you receive the new one, in case there are questions about your submission.

What happens if you don't have the original title

If you've lost your title or it was damaged, you can request a duplicate title from your county tax assessor-collector's office. Complete Form 130-U, show your driver's license, and pay a fee (typically $20 to $25). The DMV will issue a duplicate title with the same ownership information as the original.

If you're trying to change the title but don't have the original because the previous owner never gave it to you, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office. They can research the title history and may issue a new title in your name if you can prove you own the vehicle. You may need a bill of sale, proof of payment, and a vehicle inspection. This process takes longer than a standard title change, so start early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to notarize Form 130-U?

No, notarization is not required by the Texas DMV. Your signature on the form and the title document is sufficient. However, if you're submitting by mail and want extra protection, you can have your signature notarized — it won't hurt and may speed up processing if there are any questions.

Can I change the title if there's a lien on the car?

Yes, but the lienholder's name will remain on the title until the lien is paid off. If you're adding a co-owner, both you and the lienholder may need to sign. Contact your lienholder (usually your bank or credit union) to ask what paperwork they need from you before you submit to the DMV.

What if I'm changing the title and the seller lives out of state?

The seller must sign the back of the title before sending it to you. Once you have the signed title, you can submit it to your county tax assessor-collector's office in Texas along with Form 130-U and your identification. The seller does not need to be present or sign anything else.

How long does a title change take if I go in person?

If you have all the correct documents and the county office is not busy, you may receive your new title the same day. If they need to verify information or research records, it may take a few days and they will mail it to you. Call your county tax assessor-collector's office ahead of time to ask about wait times.

What if I made a mistake on Form 130-U?

If you catch the error before submitting, cross it out, write the correction above it, and initial the change. If the DMV receives the form and finds an error, they will contact you and ask you to resubmit. It's faster to get it right the first time, so double-check all information before mailing or submitting in person.