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

To transfer a car title in Texas, you submit the signed title document to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), along with proof of ownership, identification, and a completed process form. The process differs slightly depending on whether you are buying a used car, inheriting one, or transferring ownership between family members. Most transfers require the seller to sign the title in the designated area, the buyer to provide their information, and both parties to submit the paperwork in person or by mail to a DMV office or an authorized county tax assessor-collector's office.

Texas does not have a separate "DMV" office in the traditional sense — the state's motor vehicle division operates through county tax assessor-collector offices, which handle title transfers on behalf of the state. You can also use an authorized service center or work with a dealership if you are buying from one. The entire process typically takes one to two weeks if submitted by mail, or same-day if you go in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The seller must sign the title in the designated signature box, and the buyer must provide their driver's license number and address on the same document.
  • You will need the original title certificate, a completed process for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U), proof of identity, and proof of vehicle inspection if the car is new to Texas.
  • Submit your paperwork to your county tax assessor-collector's office, an authorized service center, or by mail to the DMV address for your county.
  • The transfer fee in Texas is typically between $28 and $90 depending on the county and vehicle type, plus any applicable taxes or late fees.

Documents You Must Bring or Mail

The original title certificate is the foundation of any title transfer in Texas. If the title is lost, you will need to request a duplicate from the county tax assessor-collector's office where the vehicle was last registered, or from the DMV if it was registered out of state. The seller must have the title in hand before the transfer can begin.

You also need a completed process for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U), which you can read from the Texas DMV website or pick up at any county tax assessor-collector's office. This form asks for the vehicle identification number (VIN), the current owner's information, the new owner's information, and the date of sale. Both the buyer and seller must sign this form.

Bring a valid photo ID — a Texas driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you are buying the vehicle, you will also need proof of a vehicle inspection performed by a licensed Texas inspector within the past 60 days. If the car is coming from out of state, an inspection is required before the title can be transferred. You do not need an inspection if you are transferring the title between family members or inheriting the vehicle, though some counties may have additional requirements.

Where to Submit Your Title Transfer

Your county tax assessor-collector's office is the primary place to submit a title transfer. Every county in Texas has at least one office, and many have multiple locations. You can find your local office by searching "tax assessor-collector" plus your county name online, or by visiting the Texas DMV website, which lists all county offices and their hours.

If you prefer not to go in person, you can mail your documents to the address listed for your county. Include a check or money order for the transfer fee — do not send cash. Mail takes longer than in-person submission, typically one to two weeks, and you will not receive confirmation until the transfer is complete.

Authorized service centers and some title companies can also handle transfers on your behalf, though they charge a fee above the state transfer fee. Dealerships typically handle the transfer as part of the purchase if you buy from them, though you will still need to provide your information and sign the necessary forms.

The Step-by-Step Process for a Private Sale

If you are buying a car from a private seller, the process begins with the seller signing the title. The seller must sign in the "Signature of Registered Owner" box on the back of the title certificate. Some titles have multiple signature lines if there are co-owners — both must sign if both names appear on the title.

Next, you fill in your information on the title: your name, address, and driver's license number in the "New Owner" section. You then complete Form 130-U with both your information and the seller's information, including the sale date and the vehicle's VIN. Both you and the seller must sign this form as well.

Take both the signed title and the completed Form 130-U to your county tax assessor-collector's office along with your ID and proof of inspection. Pay the transfer fee, which varies by county but is typically $28 to $90. You will receive a receipt and a temporary registration permit that allows you to drive the vehicle while the new title is being processed. The new title arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Transferring a Title Between Family Members

Transferring a title between family members — such as a parent giving a car to an adult child — follows the same basic steps but may have different fee structures in some counties. The seller (the family member giving up the car) must still sign the title, and the buyer must provide their information and sign Form 130-U.

Some counties waive or reduce the transfer fee for transfers between spouses or direct descendants, though this varies. Check with your county tax assessor-collector's office before you go to learn about a reduced fee applies. You will still need a vehicle inspection if the car has not been inspected within the past 60 days, unless your county has a specific exemption for family transfers.

What Happens If the Title Is Lost or Damaged

If the seller no longer has the original title, you will need to request a duplicate. The seller can contact the county tax assessor-collector's office where the vehicle was last registered and request a duplicate title certificate. This typically costs $10 to $20 and takes one to two weeks. If the vehicle was registered out of state, the seller may need to contact that state's motor vehicle agency instead.

If the title is damaged but still readable, you can usually proceed with the transfer using the damaged title, though some offices may ask for a duplicate. If the title is illegible or missing critical information, a duplicate is required before the transfer can be completed.

Transfer Fees and Additional Costs

The Texas title transfer fee ranges from $28 to $90 depending on your county and the type of vehicle. Most counties charge a flat fee, though some charge based on vehicle weight or value. You can call your county tax assessor-collector's office to find out the exact fee before you go.

If the vehicle is subject to sales tax in Texas, you will owe that as well. Sales tax is calculated on the purchase price and varies by county, typically between 6.25% and 8.25%. If you are transferring the title between family members, you may be exempt from sales tax — check with your county office.

If the previous owner had outstanding registration fees or violations, those may be added to your bill. You can ask the seller if there are any outstanding fees before you complete the purchase, and you can contact the county office to check the vehicle's registration history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new title after I submit the transfer?

If you submit in person, you typically receive a temporary registration permit the same day and the new title arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you mail your documents, the entire process takes two to four weeks. You can drive the vehicle using the temporary permit while you wait for the permanent title.

Do I need a vehicle inspection before transferring the title?

Yes, if the vehicle has not been inspected within the past 60 days or if it is new to Texas. You do not need an inspection if you are transferring the title between family members in some counties, but you should confirm with your local tax assessor-collector's office. An inspection costs $20 to $30 and takes about 15 minutes at any licensed inspection station.

What if the seller's name on the title does not match their ID?

The seller will need to provide legal documentation showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If the name on the title is misspelled or incorrect, the seller may need to request a corrected title from the county office before the transfer can proceed. Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office for guidance on your specific situation.

Can I transfer a title if the car has a lien on it?

No, the lienholder (usually a bank or credit union) must release the lien before the title can be transferred. The seller should contact their lender and request a lien release, which is typically sent to the county office. Once the lien is released, the transfer can proceed normally.

What if I buy a car from a dealership instead of a private seller?

Dealerships typically handle the title transfer as part of the sale and submit the paperwork on your behalf. You will still need to provide your information, sign the necessary forms, and pay the transfer fee and sales tax. The dealership will give you a temporary registration permit, and your new title will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.