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

To transfer a car title in Texas, you file Form 130-U (process for Texas Title) with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The process takes about two weeks by mail or one to two hours in person at a local county tax assessor-collector's office. You do not need to visit the DMV — Texas handles title transfers through county tax offices instead.

The person transferring the title (the seller) and the person receiving it (the buyer) both need to sign the title document itself. If you are buying the car, you will need the seller's signature on the back of the existing title before you can register it in your name. If you are selling, you sign over your rights and provide the buyer with the title and a bill of sale.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete Form 130-U and submit it to your county tax assessor-collector's office, not a state DMV office.
  • Both the seller and buyer must sign the title document itself; a signature on a separate form is not enough.
  • You will need the vehicle's current title, a bill of sale, proof of identity, and payment (usually $28 to $33 for the title fee, plus any applicable taxes).
  • Processing takes about two weeks by mail or can be done in person at your county tax office in one to two hours.
  • If the title is lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate from the county tax office before transferring ownership.

Documents You Must Bring or Submit

Start by gathering the original title signed by the current owner on the back. If the title is lost, the seller can request a duplicate from the county tax assessor-collector's office before the transfer happens. You will also need a bill of sale — this is a straightforward document that records the sale price, vehicle details, and the date of transfer. Texas does not have a required bill of sale form, so you can write one yourself or use a template, but both parties must sign it.

Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) for the person whose name will appear on the new title. If you are buying the vehicle, you also need proof of Texas residency if you are a new resident — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), you will need written consent from the lienholder, or the lienholder's name will remain on the title.

The fee for a title transfer in Texas is typically $28 to $33, though some counties charge slightly different amounts. You may also owe sales tax on the purchase price, which varies by county. Bring a check or cash, or ask if the county office accepts credit cards — policies differ by location.

Where to Submit Your Transfer and How Long It Takes

Find your county tax assessor-collector's office by searching online for "[your county name] tax assessor-collector." This is the only place that handles title transfers in Texas — there is no state DMV office to visit. Most county offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours.

If you submit your paperwork in person, the office can often process your transfer the same day or within a few hours, though you may wait in line. If you mail your documents, processing typically takes 10 to 14 business days. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the new title mailed back to you, or ask if the office offers email notification when your title is ready for pickup.

Some counties now offer online title transfer for certain situations, such as when there is no lien on the vehicle. Check your county's website to see if this option is available — it can save you a trip to the office.

What Happens If the Seller Does Not Sign the Title

If the seller refuses to sign the title or cannot be reached, you cannot legally transfer ownership into your name. The title must be signed by the current registered owner. If you have already paid for the vehicle, contact the seller in writing (email or certified mail) and ask them to sign and return the title within a specific timeframe.

If the seller still refuses or is unreachable, you have limited options. You can file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's office if you believe fraud occurred, or you can pursue a civil lawsuit to force the transfer. However, these routes are time-consuming and costly. Before buying a used car, always verify that the seller has the title in hand and is willing to sign it before you hand over payment.

Transferring a Title When There Is a Loan on the Vehicle

If the vehicle has an outstanding loan, the lender's name appears on the title as a lienholder. You cannot remove the lienholder's name until the loan is paid off. When you buy a vehicle with a loan still attached, the seller must pay off the loan first, or the lender must provide written permission for the title to transfer.

In most cases, the seller pays off the loan at closing using the sale proceeds, and the lender releases the lien. The seller then signs the title over to you. If the lender does not release the lien within a few days, contact them directly and ask for a lien release letter. Bring this letter to the county tax office along with your other documents — it proves the debt has been cleared.

If you are financing the purchase through a new lender, that lender will appear on the new title as the lienholder until you pay off the loan. The county tax office will add the new lender's information when you submit your transfer paperwork.

Transferring a Title After Someone Passes Away

If you are inheriting a vehicle, the process depends on whether the deceased person left a will and whether the estate goes through probate. If there is a will, the executor (the person named to handle the estate) can transfer the title by submitting the will, a death certificate, and a court order from probate court. If there is no will, the next of kin may be able to transfer the title, but you will likely need a court order stating who owns the vehicle.

Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office and ask what documents they need for an inheritance transfer. Some counties have simplified procedures for small estates or surviving spouses. You may also need to consult a probate attorney if the estate is complex or if family members dispute who owns the vehicle.

Transferring a Title for a Vehicle You Are Selling Privately

As the seller, your main responsibility is signing the title over to the buyer and providing a bill of sale. Sign the back of the title in the space marked for the seller's signature, and print your name clearly. Write the buyer's name, the sale date, and the sale price on the bill of sale, then sign and date it. Give both documents to the buyer along with any keys and documentation you have.

Once you sign the title over, you are no longer the registered owner, but you remain liable for the vehicle until the buyer registers it in their name. For this reason, it is a good idea to notify your insurance company and the county tax office that you have sold the vehicle. Some sellers submit a Notice of Sale to the county to create a record that they transferred ownership on a specific date — this protects you if the buyer gets into an accident or receives a traffic ticket before registering the vehicle.

Do not sign the title until you have received payment in full. If you accept a check, wait for it to clear before handing over the title and keys. If the buyer is financing the purchase through a lender, the lender will handle the title transfer on their end once they receive it from you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title online in Texas?

Some Texas counties now offer online title transfers for vehicles without liens. Check your county tax assessor-collector's website to see if this option is available. If your county does not offer it, you must submit your paperwork in person or by mail.

What if the title has the wrong name or information on it?

Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office and request a corrected title. You will need to provide proof of the correct information, such as a marriage certificate or court order. This is separate from a title transfer and may have a small fee.

Do I need a notary to transfer a title in Texas?

No, a notary is not required for a standard title transfer in Texas. Both the seller and buyer must sign the title document itself, but the signatures do not need to be notarized. However, some lenders or out-of-state transactions may require notarized signatures — ask your lender or the county office if you are unsure.

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

The title fee is typically $28 to $33, depending on your county. You may also owe sales tax on the purchase price, which varies by county and is calculated on the sale price you report. Contact your county tax office for the exact amount before you visit.

What if I bought the car but the seller has not signed the title yet?

Do not give the seller final payment until they sign the title in front of you. Once you have the signed title and bill of sale, you can take them to the county tax office to register the vehicle in your name. If the seller delays or refuses to sign after you have paid, contact the Texas Attorney General's office to file a complaint.