What you need to do to transfer a car title in Texas
To transfer a car title in Texas, you fill out Form VTR 130-U (process for Texas Title), gather documents proving ownership and identity, and submit them to your county tax assessor-collector's office along with the transfer fee. The process takes about two weeks if you mail it in, or a few days if you go in person. Both the seller and buyer must sign the title document itself — the back of the certificate — before you submit anything.
Texas does not have a separate DMV. Every county runs its own tax assessor-collector's office, which handles vehicle titles and registration. You can transfer a title at the office in the county where you live, or where the vehicle is registered, depending on your situation. Some counties accept mail-in submissions; others require you to appear in person.
Key Takeaways
- Both the seller and buyer must sign the back of the title certificate before you submit it to the tax assessor-collector.
- You will need the signed title, proof of identity, proof of residency, and the transfer fee, which varies by county but is typically $28 to $50.
- Submit your documents to your county tax assessor-collector's office in person or by mail; processing takes one to three weeks depending on the method.
- If the title is lost or damaged, the seller must request a duplicate from their county office before the transfer can happen.
- If there is a lien on the vehicle, the lienholder must sign the title or provide written consent to the transfer.
Documents you need to bring or send
Start with the title certificate itself. The seller must have the original, signed title in hand. If the seller lost it, they need to request a duplicate title from their county tax assessor-collector first — this adds one to two weeks to the timeline. The title must show the seller's name as the registered owner.
You also need proof of identity for both the buyer and seller. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works. The buyer needs proof of Texas residency: a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, with the buyer's name and current address. The seller does not need to prove residency if they are transferring the title out of state.
Bring the completed Form VTR 130-U, which you can read from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website or pick up at your county office. You will also need the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which appears on the title and on the dashboard. Finally, bring the transfer fee. Most counties charge between $28 and $50; check your specific county's website for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
What happens if there is a loan or lien on the vehicle
If the seller still owes money on the car, the lender's name appears on the title as a lienholder. The lienholder must sign the title or provide written permission for the transfer. In most cases, the seller contacts the lender, who sends a lien release letter or signs the title directly. This step must happen before you submit anything to the tax assessor-collector.
Some lenders handle this electronically through the Texas Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) system. If the title shows "ELT" or lists the lender as the lienholder, ask the lender whether they use the ELT system. If they do, the lender releases the lien electronically, and you do not need a physical signature. If they do not, you need the signed title or a notarized lien release letter.
Where to submit your documents
Find your county tax assessor-collector's office online by searching "[your county name] tax assessor-collector." Call or visit their website to confirm their hours, whether they accept mail-in submissions, and the exact fee for your county. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have extended hours.
If you submit in person, bring all original documents and the fee. The office will process your transfer on the spot or within a few days. If you mail your documents, include a check or money order for the fee, keep copies of everything you send, and expect processing to take one to three weeks. Some counties offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
The buyer's new title certificate will be mailed to the address listed on the process, usually within two weeks of submission. The seller receives a receipt showing the transfer was recorded.
What to do if the title is damaged or missing
If the title is torn, water-damaged, or illegible, the seller must request a duplicate from their county tax assessor-collector before the transfer can happen. The seller fills out Form VTR 130-U (the same form used for transfers) and pays a duplicate fee, typically $5 to $10. This takes one to two weeks.
If the title is completely lost, the process is the same: the seller requests a duplicate. The seller will need to prove ownership with the vehicle registration, insurance documents, or a bill of sale. Once the duplicate arrives, the transfer proceeds normally.
Transferring a title if you bought the car out of state
If you bought a car in another state and are now moving to Texas, you need to transfer the out-of-state title to a Texas title. Bring the out-of-state title, proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, the vehicle's VIN, and the transfer fee to your county tax assessor-collector. You do not need the seller's signature again — the out-of-state title already shows the transfer to you.
Some states do not issue paper titles; instead, they issue a document called a "certificate of ownership" or "registration." Texas will accept these. If you cannot locate the out-of-state title, contact that state's DMV or equivalent agency to request a duplicate before you move forward.
Timeline and what to expect
If you submit documents in person at your county office, you will typically receive your new title within three to five business days. If you mail your documents, expect one to three weeks. Some counties offer a faster service for an additional fee — ask your tax assessor-collector whether this is available.
During processing, the tax assessor-collector records the transfer in the state system and prints your new title certificate. You cannot register the vehicle or get new license plates until the title transfer is complete. Once your new title arrives, you can take it to the same office to register the vehicle and obtain plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both the buyer and seller have to be present at the tax assessor-collector's office?
No. The seller and buyer must both sign the title, but they can do this separately before submitting to the office. The buyer can submit all documents alone. However, if either person cannot sign in person, they can sign in front of a notary public, and the notarized signature counts.
What if the seller's name on the title does not match their current ID?
Bring both the old ID (or a document showing the name change, like a marriage certificate) and the current ID. The tax assessor-collector will note the name change in the system. If the title shows a different name than the seller's current ID, contact your county office before submitting to confirm what documents you need.
Can I transfer a title if the car has an outstanding ticket or is not inspected?
Yes. Outstanding tickets or a failed inspection do not block a title transfer. However, the new owner will inherit any unpaid tickets associated with the vehicle. The new owner should contact the county where the ticket was issued to resolve it. A vehicle inspection is required for registration, not for title transfer.
What if I bought the car from a private seller and there is no bill of sale?
A bill of sale is not required for a title transfer in Texas. The signed title itself serves as proof of the sale. However, keeping a bill of sale is a good idea for your records and can help if questions arise later.
How much does a title transfer cost in Texas?
The fee varies by county but typically ranges from $28 to $50. Some counties charge extra for expedited processing or for transferring an out-of-state title. Contact your county tax assessor-collector to confirm the exact fee and what payment methods they accept.