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 to three weeks if you submit everything correctly the first time. You do not go to the Department of Motor Vehicles — Texas has no DMV. Instead, you work directly with the tax assessor-collector in the county where you live or where the vehicle will be registered.
The person selling the car signs the title in the designated box on the back. You (the buyer) do not sign anything on the title itself — the seller's signature is what transfers ownership to you. You then take that signed title, your completed process form, and your other documents to the tax assessor-collector's office in person or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- The seller must sign the title in the box labeled "Signature of Previous Owner" on the back; this is what actually transfers ownership to you.
- You submit Form VTR 130-U, the signed title, proof of identity, and proof of residency to your county tax assessor-collector's office, not a state DMV.
- The transfer fee in Texas is typically $28.25 for a standard passenger vehicle, though fees vary slightly by county.
- Processing takes two to three weeks; you can check the status by contacting your tax assessor-collector's office directly.
- If the seller does not sign the title or signs it incorrectly, the tax assessor-collector will reject your process and you will have to get the seller to correct it.
Documents the seller must provide
The seller gives you the title document itself — the physical certificate of title issued by Texas. This is a multi-part form, and the seller signs the back in the box that says "Signature of Previous Owner." The seller should also provide you with the odometer reading at the time of sale, which goes on your process form. If the title has a lien on it (meaning a bank or lender still owns part of the vehicle), the seller must provide proof that the lien has been paid off, such as a lien release letter from the lender.
Ask the seller for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the license plate number if you do not already have them. These go on your process. If the title is lost, damaged, or the seller cannot locate it, the seller can request a duplicate from the tax assessor-collector in their county before the sale, though this adds time to the process.
What you need to bring or send to the tax assessor-collector
You need the signed title, your completed Form VTR 130-U, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Proof of identity can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address.
You also need to pay the transfer fee. In most Texas counties, this is $28.25 for a standard passenger vehicle, though some counties charge slightly different amounts. If the vehicle is financed and the lender is taking a lien on it, bring the lender's lien paperwork as well. If you are transferring the title into a business name or trust, bring documentation of that entity.
If you are buying the vehicle from a private seller, you do not need a bill of sale, though having one is a good idea for your own records. If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer handles much of this paperwork for you.
Where to submit your documents
Find your county tax assessor-collector's office online by searching "[your county name] tax assessor-collector." Each county office has its own address, hours, and sometimes its own rules about whether they accept mail-in submissions. Some offices require you to come in person; others accept mailed applications. Call ahead to confirm what your specific office requires.
You can also ask the seller's tax assessor-collector's office for help, since they have records of the vehicle. However, it is usually faster to go to your own county office, since that is where your new registration will be processed. If you live in a different county than where you are buying the vehicle, use the office in the county where you will be living.
What happens after you submit
The tax assessor-collector's office processes your process and mails you a new title certificate in your name. This typically takes two to three weeks. During this time, you can drive the vehicle on the seller's old registration and insurance, but you should contact your insurance company right away to add the vehicle to your policy under your name.
If there is a problem with your process — a missing signature, incorrect information, or missing documents — the office will contact you and ask you to resubmit. This can add another week or two. Once your new title arrives, you then take it to the tax assessor-collector again to register the vehicle and get license plates, which is a separate step.
If the seller's name does not match the title exactly
If the title shows a different name than the person selling you the car (for example, a married name change, a nickname, or a legal name change), the seller may need to provide documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Some tax assessor-collector offices will accept a notarized statement from the seller explaining the discrepancy. Call your county office ahead of time to ask what they require.
If the title is in two names and only one person is selling, that person cannot transfer the title alone. Both owners must sign, or the non-selling owner must provide a power of attorney document authorizing the sale. This is a common problem and requires legal paperwork to resolve.
If the title has a lien on it
A lien means a bank, credit union, or other lender has a claim on the vehicle because the seller still owes money on it. The seller cannot legally transfer a clear title to you until the lien is paid off. The seller should pay off the loan before the sale and get a lien release letter from the lender. This letter goes with the title when you submit your process.
If the seller is paying off the loan as part of the sale (using your money), the lender and seller may arrange for the lender to release the lien directly to the tax assessor-collector's office. In this case, ask the seller for the lender's contact information and confirm with your tax assessor-collector that they have received the release before you submit your process. Do not hand over payment until the lien is officially released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer the title before I register the vehicle?
Yes. The title transfer and vehicle registration are two separate steps. You transfer the title first, which takes two to three weeks. Once you receive your new title, you then register the vehicle and get license plates. You can drive the vehicle during the waiting period on the seller's old registration if you have the seller's permission and your own insurance.
What if I buy the car from a dealer instead of a private seller?
Dealers handle the title transfer for you as part of the sale. They submit the paperwork to the tax assessor-collector on your behalf. You still need to provide proof of identity and residency, and you still pay the transfer fee, but the dealer manages the process. Ask the dealer what documents you need to bring and when you will receive your new title.
Do I need to notarize the seller's signature on the title?
No. The seller's signature on the title does not need to be notarized in Texas. However, if the title is damaged or the signature is unclear, the tax assessor-collector may ask for a notarized statement from the seller confirming the sale. Call your county office if you are unsure.
What if the seller will not sign the title?
If the seller refuses to sign, the title cannot be transferred to you. You have no legal recourse through the tax assessor-collector's office — this is a contract dispute between you and the seller. If you have already paid for the vehicle, you may need to consult a lawyer or pursue the matter through small claims court.
How much does the title transfer cost?
The transfer fee is typically $28.25 in most Texas counties, though some counties charge slightly different amounts. There may be additional fees if you are registering the vehicle at the same time or if the vehicle requires a safety inspection. Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office for the exact fee in your area.