What you need to do to get a Texas title

A Texas vehicle title is a document that proves you own a car, truck, or motorcycle. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues titles, and you will need one before you can legally register the vehicle or sell it later. The process differs depending on whether you are buying from a dealer, a private seller, or bringing a vehicle into Texas from another state.

The basic steps are the same: you fill out the correct form, gather proof documents, pay a fee, and submit everything to your county tax assessor-collector's office (not the DMV directly). Most people complete this in person, though some counties now accept mail-in submissions. The whole process usually takes one to two weeks once the office receives your paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • You submit your title process to your county tax assessor-collector's office, not to the state DMV.
  • The form you use depends on whether you bought the vehicle from a dealer, a private seller, or out of state.
  • You will need the vehicle's bill of sale, proof of ownership from the previous owner, and a completed process form.
  • The fee for a standard title is set by the state but varies slightly by county; expect to pay between $28 and $33.

Which form to use based on how you got the vehicle

Texas uses different process forms depending on your situation. If you bought the vehicle from a licensed dealer, use Form 130-U (process for Texas Title). The dealer usually handles most of the paperwork and may even submit it for you, but you are responsible for signing the form and providing your ID.

If you bought from a private seller, you also use Form 130-U, but you will be filling it out yourself. If you are bringing a vehicle into Texas that was previously registered in another state, use Form 14-317 (process for Texas Title for Vehicle Previously Registered in Another State). If you inherited a vehicle or received one as a gift, use Form 130-U but include a bill of sale showing the transfer price as $0 or the actual amount if money changed hands.

You can read these forms from the Texas DMV website or pick them up at your county tax assessor-collector's office. Some offices have them available at the counter; others require you to print them beforehand. Calling your local office before you go saves a trip.

Documents you need to bring or mail

Every title process requires proof that you own the vehicle. If you bought it, this means the bill of sale — a document signed by the seller stating the vehicle description, sale price, and date. The bill of sale does not have to be fancy; a handwritten note with those details, both signatures, and the date is legally acceptable in Texas. If the seller provided a printed bill of sale, bring that instead.

You will also need the previous owner's title or proof of ownership. If the seller still has the title, they sign the back of it and give it to you. If they lost it, they can request a duplicate from their county tax assessor-collector before selling to you, or you can explore for a lost title on their behalf (though this complicates the process). Bring your own government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.

If you are bringing a vehicle from out of state, bring the out-of-state title or registration instead of a Texas title. If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or lender owns it until you pay off a loan), bring proof of the lien holder's name and address. The lien holder's information will appear on your new Texas title.

Where to submit your process and what it costs

Submit your completed form and documents to your county tax assessor-collector's office. This is not the same as the DMV; it is a local county office. You can find the address and hours on the Texas DMV website by searching for your county. Some offices are in the courthouse; others are in separate county buildings.

The standard title fee is $28 in most counties, though a few charge up to $33 depending on local fees. If you are explore for a duplicate title (because yours was lost or damaged), the fee is the same. If the vehicle has a lien, there is no additional charge. You can pay by cash, check, or card depending on what your county office accepts; call ahead if you are unsure.

Some counties now accept mail-in applications. If you choose to mail your documents, include a check or money order for the fee, a copy of your ID, and all required documents. Mail to your county tax assessor-collector's office and keep a copy of everything you send. Processing by mail takes longer — usually two to three weeks instead of one to two weeks in person.

What happens after you submit

Once the tax assessor-collector's office receives your process, they send it to the Texas DMV for processing. You will not hear from the DMV directly; the county office handles all communication. The DMV checks the vehicle identification number (VIN) against its records to make sure there are no liens or theft flags you did not know about.

If everything is in order, the DMV prints your title and mails it to you. This takes one to two weeks from the date you submitted. If there is a problem — for example, the VIN does not match the paperwork or there is an outstanding lien — the county office will contact you and explain what is missing or wrong.

Once you receive your title in the mail, keep it in a safe place. You will need it if you sell the vehicle, refinance a loan, or register it in another state. If you lose it, you can request a duplicate by going back to your county tax assessor-collector's office and paying the fee again.

Common reasons applications get delayed or rejected

The most common delay is a missing or unsigned signature. Both you and the previous owner must sign the bill of sale and the title itself. If either signature is missing, the office will contact you and ask you to provide it. Make sure the seller signs the back of the title in the correct spot — there are usually multiple signature lines, and using the wrong one causes confusion.

A second common issue is a VIN mismatch. The VIN on your paperwork must match the VIN on the vehicle itself and the VIN in the DMV system. Check this before you submit. If the numbers do not match, do not submit yet — contact the seller and the county office to figure out which number is correct.

If the previous owner still has an outstanding loan on the vehicle, the lien holder's name and address must appear on the paperwork. If you do not include this information, the DMV will flag it and the process will be rejected. The seller should provide you with the lien holder's details; if they do not have it, they can call their bank or check their loan documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the vehicle before I get the title?

You can drive it to the tax assessor-collector's office to submit your process, but you should not drive it on public roads otherwise. You need a temporary registration or a bill of sale to show police if you are stopped. Some counties issue a temporary registration receipt when you submit your process; ask the office for one.

What if the seller will not sign the title?

The seller must sign the back of the title for the transfer to be legal. If they refuse, you do not have a valid purchase. Do not give them money until they sign. If you have already paid and they will not sign, you may need to contact a lawyer or local law enforcement to resolve the dispute.

Do I need the title if I bought from a dealer?

The dealer handles the title process for you in most cases, but you still need to sign the paperwork and provide your ID. The dealer will tell you what documents to bring. You will receive the title in the mail once the DMV processes it, usually within two weeks.

What if the vehicle was a gift or inheritance?

Use Form 130-U and include a bill of sale showing the transfer price as $0 or the actual amount if money changed hands. You will also need the previous owner's signature on the title and bill of sale, just as if you had bought it.

How long does it take to get the title if I mail it in?

Mail-in processing takes two to three weeks from the date your county office receives your process, compared to one to two weeks if you submit in person. Include a check or money order, copies of your ID, and all required documents. Keep copies of everything you send.