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

To transfer a car title in Texas, you submit Form 130-U (process for Texas Title) to 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 you can complete it in person at a local county tax assessor-collector's office, which is faster. Texas does not allow online title transfers, so you must go through the mail or visit an office in person.

The person selling the car must sign the title in the designated area on the back. The buyer then submits the signed title along with the other documents. If the title has a lien (meaning a bank or lender owns part of the car), the lender must release that lien before the title can transfer to a new owner.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete Form 130-U and submit it to your county tax assessor-collector's office or mail it to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles with the signed title and bill of sale.
  • The seller must sign the back of the title in the correct signature box, and the buyer's name and address must be filled in on the front before submission.
  • If there is a lien on the title, the lender must sign a release form (Form 14-317) before the title can transfer.
  • Processing takes about two weeks by mail or same-day to a few days in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office.
  • You will need a bill of sale, proof of inspection (if the car is over 10 years old), and payment for the title transfer fee, which varies by county.

Documents the Seller Must Provide

The seller needs to sign the back of the title in the signature box labeled "Seller's Signature." The signature must match the name printed on the front of the title exactly. If the title is in two names, both owners must sign unless one has power of attorney over the vehicle.

The seller should also provide a bill of sale — a straightforward document showing the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both buyer and seller. Texas does not require a specific form for the bill of sale; you can write one yourself or use a template. The bill of sale protects both parties by documenting the transaction.

If the car is financed and has a lien, the seller's lender must provide a lien release letter or complete Form 14-317 (process for Lien Release). This document proves the loan is paid off and the lender agrees to release its claim on the title. Without this, the title cannot transfer.

What the Buyer Must Submit

As the buyer, you submit the signed title along with Form 130-U to your county tax assessor-collector's office or mail both to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. You must fill in your name and address on the front of the title in the "New Owner" section before submission. Print clearly and use the exact legal name you want on the new title.

You also need to provide a bill of sale (signed by both you and the seller) and proof that the vehicle has passed a safety inspection if the car is over 10 years old. The inspection must be done by a licensed Texas inspection station and is valid for 60 days. If the car is newer than 10 years, no inspection is required.

Payment for the title transfer fee must accompany your submission. The fee varies by county but typically ranges from $20 to $50. Some counties accept checks, money orders, or credit cards; others require cash. Call your county tax assessor-collector's office to confirm what payment methods they accept.

Where and How to Submit Your Documents

You have two options: submit in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office or mail your documents to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. To find your county office, visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website and search by county name. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours.

If you submit in person, bring the original signed title, Form 130-U, the bill of sale, your payment, and a photo ID. Processing is usually same-day or within a few days, and you will receive a receipt. The new title will be mailed to your address within one to two weeks.

If you mail your documents, send them to the address listed on Form 130-U along with a check or money order for the fee. Include a copy of your driver's license for identification. Processing by mail takes about two weeks from the date the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles receives your packet. Use certified mail with return receipt if you want proof of delivery.

What Happens If the Title Has a Lien

A lien means a bank, credit union, or other lender has a legal claim on the vehicle because you financed the purchase. The lender's name appears on the front of the title. You cannot transfer the title to a new owner until the lien is released.

The seller (current owner) must contact their lender and request a lien release. The lender will provide either a release letter or ask the seller to complete Form 14-317. Some lenders release the lien electronically through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles system, which speeds up the process. Once the lien is released, the title will show no lienholder, and the transfer can proceed normally.

If the seller is selling the car to pay off the loan, the lender may handle the title release directly after receiving payment. Ask the lender whether they will submit the release themselves or if the seller needs to do it. This coordination prevents delays.

Timeline and What to Expect After Submission

If you submit in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office, you will receive a receipt when ready and can often leave with temporary documentation. The new title will be mailed to your address within one to two weeks. Some counties issue a temporary registration slip that allows you to drive the vehicle while you wait for the permanent title.

If you mail your documents, expect processing to take about two weeks from the date the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles receives your packet. You will not receive a receipt unless you use certified mail. The new title will be mailed to the address you provided on Form 130-U.

Once the new title arrives, check that your name, address, and VIN are correct. If there is an error, contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles when ready with a copy of the title and an explanation of the mistake. Corrections can usually be made by mail or in person.

Special Situations: Out-of-State Titles and Inherited Vehicles

If you are buying a car from out of state, the seller must provide the title from their state. You will need to transfer that title to a Texas title. Submit the out-of-state title along with Form 130-U, a bill of sale, and proof of inspection (if required). The process is the same as a Texas-to-Texas transfer, but processing may take slightly longer because the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles must verify the out-of-state title's validity.

If you inherited a vehicle, you will need the deceased owner's title, a death certificate, and proof that you are the legal heir (usually a will or court order). Some counties require additional probate documents. Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office for the specific forms and documents needed, as requirements vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the seller is out of state?

Yes. The seller can mail you the signed title, and you submit it along with your documents to your county tax assessor-collector's office or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The seller does not need to be present, but their signature on the back of the title must be notarized if they are not in Texas. Confirm with your county office whether notarization is required.

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

The seller must request a duplicate title from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles using Form 130-U and paying a duplicate fee. This takes about two weeks. Once the duplicate arrives, the seller signs it and sends it to you for transfer. You cannot transfer a title without the original or a certified duplicate.

Do I need a notary to sign the title?

No, notarization is not required for a Texas title transfer if both buyer and seller are in Texas and submit in person or by mail within the state. If the seller is out of state, some counties require the seller's signature to be notarized. Call your county tax assessor-collector's office to confirm their requirement.

How much does a title transfer cost in Texas?

The fee varies by county but typically ranges from $20 to $50. Some counties charge additional fees for processing or registration. Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office for the exact fee. Payment is usually due at the time of submission.

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

The signature on the title must match the printed name on the title, not necessarily the seller's current ID. If the names do not match, the seller may need to provide legal documentation of a name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.). Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office for guidance on your specific situation.