How to Transfer a Car Title in Texas

The Basic Process for Transferring a Car Title

To transfer a car title in Texas, you need to complete a form called the process for Texas Title (Form 130-U), get it signed by both the seller and buyer, and submit it to your county tax assessor-collector's office along with the current title and a bill of sale. The tax assessor-collector processes the paperwork and issues a new title in the buyer's name. The whole process typically takes two to four weeks, though you can drive the car when ready after purchase if you have proof of the sale.

Texas does not have a separate DMV office — the county tax assessor-collector handles all title and registration work. You cannot transfer a title online or by mail in most cases; you must visit the office in person or send an authorized representative with a power of attorney. The fee for a title transfer is usually between $28 and $33, depending on your county, plus any applicable registration fees.

Key Takeaways

You must complete Form 130-U (process for Texas Title) with signatures from both the seller and buyer, then submit it to your county tax assessor-collector's office.
Bring the current title, a bill of sale, proof of identification, and proof of insurance to the tax assessor-collector's office in person.
The fee for a title transfer ranges from $28 to $33 depending on your county, and processing takes two to four weeks.
If the seller's name does not match the title exactly, you will need a certified copy of a legal name change document or a correction title from the previous owner.
You can drive the car while waiting for the new title if you have a bill of sale and proof of insurance, but you cannot register it yet.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Gather these documents before you go to the tax assessor-collector's office. You will need the current title signed by the seller in the signature box on the back. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from their county tax assessor-collector before the sale. You also need a bill of sale, which is a written record of the transaction that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and signatures from both buyer and seller. Texas does not require a specific bill of sale form — you can write one yourself or use a template, as long as it includes these details.

Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of Texas auto insurance. The insurance does not have to be in your name yet, but it must cover the vehicle and show the VIN. If you are buying the car with a loan, bring the lienholder's information as well — the lender's name and address will go on the title. If the seller's name on the title does not match their current legal name, you will also need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Steps to Complete at the Tax Assessor-Collector's Office

Walk into your county tax assessor-collector's office during business hours with all your documents. Find the title transfer window — most offices have separate lines for different services. Tell the clerk you are transferring a title and hand over the current title, Form 130-U (completed and signed by both parties), the bill of sale, your ID, and proof of insurance.

The clerk will review everything for errors or missing information. Common mistakes include signatures in the wrong boxes, a VIN that does not match the title, or a bill of sale that is missing the sale date. If everything is correct, the clerk will collect the fee (usually $28 to $33) and give you a receipt. Ask for a copy of your receipt — you will need it if there are delays or if you need to follow up on your title.

The office will mail the new title to the address you provide, usually within two to four weeks. Some counties offer expedited processing for an additional fee, typically $10 to $15, which can cut the time to one week. If you need to register the vehicle before the title arrives, you can use the receipt as proof of ownership.

Completing Form 130-U Correctly

Form 130-U is the official Texas process for Title. 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 has two sides and requires information from both the buyer and the seller.

On the buyer's side, fill in your name, address, and driver's license number. On the seller's side, the seller fills in their name, address, and driver's license number. Both of you must sign in the designated signature boxes — the seller signs in the "Seller's Signature" box and the buyer signs in the "Buyer's Signature" box. Do not sign in the wrong boxes; the clerk will reject the form. Make sure the VIN on the form matches the VIN on the current title and on the vehicle itself. If you are financing the purchase, write the lender's name and address in the lienholder section. Leave the title number blank — the tax assessor-collector will assign one.

What Happens If the Seller's Name Does Not Match the Title

If the seller's legal name has changed since the title was issued — for example, after a marriage, divorce, or court order — the name on the title must be corrected before the transfer can happen. The seller has two options: request a correction title from their county tax assessor-collector, or provide a certified copy of the legal document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

A correction title takes about two weeks and costs around $10 to $15. If the seller is in a hurry, they can bring the certified legal document to your county tax assessor-collector's office at the time of transfer, and the clerk can note the name change on Form 130-U. Either way, do not attempt to transfer a title when the seller's name does not match — the office will reject it, and you will have to return with the corrected documents.

Transferring a Title When There Is a Lienholder

If the seller still owes money on the car, the lender's name appears on the title as the lienholder. The seller cannot transfer a clear title until the loan is paid off. However, you can still purchase the car — the seller just needs to pay off the loan at closing, and the lender will release the lien.

At the time of transfer, write the lender's name and address in the lienholder section of Form 130-U. The tax assessor-collector will note this on your new title, meaning you do not own the car outright until the loan is paid off. Once the loan is paid, the lender sends a lien release document to the tax assessor-collector, and you can request a new title without the lienholder listed. If you are buying the car with your own loan, your lender's name will appear on the title instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, both the buyer and seller must sign Form 130-U in person at the tax assessor-collector's office, or the seller can sign the form in advance and have a notary witness it. If the seller is out of state or unavailable, they can sign the form and have it notarized, then mail it to you. You will still need to appear in person with the notarized form and all other documents.

What if I lose the title before I can transfer it?

The seller can request a duplicate title from their county tax assessor-collector by completing Form 130-U and paying a fee (usually $10 to $15). The duplicate takes about two weeks. Once the seller receives it, they can sign it and proceed with the transfer. Do not attempt to transfer without a title — the office will not process it.

Do I need to register the car before or after the title transfer?

You can register the car at the same time you transfer the title, or you can wait until the new title arrives. If you register before the title is ready, use your receipt from the title transfer as proof of ownership. Most people handle both at the same visit to save time.

What if there is a mistake on the new title after I receive it?

Contact your county tax assessor-collector when ready with the receipt from your transfer. Common errors include a misspelled name, a wrong VIN, or an incorrect address. The office can issue a corrected title, usually at no additional charge if the error was their mistake. Bring the incorrect title and your receipt.

How long can I drive the car before the new title arrives?

You can drive the car as soon as you have a bill of sale and proof of insurance, even if the title has not arrived yet. However, you cannot register the vehicle or renew registration until you have the new title in your name. If you are stopped by police, show them the bill of sale and your receipt from the tax assessor-collector's office as proof of ownership.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.