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 proof of ownership and identity, and submit everything 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 you can walk in to your local office and often leave with a receipt the same day. Texas does not require a notary for most transfers, but the seller must sign the back of the title certificate, and you must provide proof that you own the vehicle — usually the bill of sale or previous title.
The exact documents and fees depend on whether you are buying from a private seller, a dealership, or inheriting the vehicle. If you are financing the car, your lender will need to be listed on the title. If the title is lost or damaged, you will need to request a duplicate first before you can transfer it.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete Form VTR 130-U and submit it to your county tax assessor-collector's office, not the state DMV, because Texas does not have a centralized DMV.
- The seller must sign the back of the title certificate, and you must provide a bill of sale or proof of purchase showing the sale price.
- The transfer fee in Texas is based on the vehicle's appraised value and ranges from about $28 to $300 depending on the price of the car.
- You can mail your documents or visit your county office in person; processing takes about two weeks by mail or the same day if you walk in.
- If the title is lost, you must request a duplicate title (Form VTR 130-U with a "duplicate" notation) before you can transfer ownership.
Where to Submit Your Title Transfer in Texas
Texas does not have a Department of Motor Vehicles. Instead, you submit your title transfer to your county tax assessor-collector's office. This is the same office that handles vehicle registration and property taxes. Find your county office by searching "[your county name] tax assessor-collector" online — each county maintains its own office, and hours and locations vary.
You can submit your documents by mail or in person. If you mail them, include a check or money order for the transfer fee (do not send cash). Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the new title mailed back to you. If you go in person, bring the original title, your ID, and payment. Many offices process walk-in transfers the same day and hand you a receipt on the spot, though the official title certificate arrives by mail within two weeks.
Some counties now accept online submissions through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website, but this option is not yet available everywhere. Check your county's website first to see if online submission is an option.
Documents You Need to Gather Before You Go
The seller must provide you with the original title certificate, signed on the back. If the title is in both names, both people must sign. If the title is lost or the signature section is full, you will need to handle that separately before the transfer can happen.
You also need a bill of sale showing the sale price. Texas does not require a specific form — you can write one yourself or use the form provided by your county tax assessor-collector. The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both buyer and seller. This document proves the transfer is legitimate and is used to calculate the transfer fee.
Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). If you are buying the vehicle with a loan, bring the lender's name and loan number. If the vehicle is being transferred to a business or trust, bring documentation showing your authority to act on behalf of that entity.
Understanding the Transfer Fee and How It Is Calculated
Texas charges a transfer fee based on the appraised value of the vehicle, not the sale price you paid. The county tax assessor-collector uses a standard appraisal guide (usually the National Automobile Dealers Association guide) to determine the vehicle's value. The fee ranges from about $28 for vehicles worth under $2,000 to $300 for vehicles worth over $50,000, though the exact brackets vary slightly by county.
If the sale price on your bill of sale is significantly lower than the appraised value, the tax assessor-collector may question whether the price is accurate. You may be asked to provide additional documentation, such as a mechanic's report showing damage, to justify a lower sale price. If you cannot justify the lower price, the fee will be calculated using the appraised value instead.
Some transfers have reduced or waived fees. If you are transferring a title between family members, inheriting a vehicle, or transferring ownership due to a divorce, ask your county office whether a reduced fee applies. These exemptions vary by county.
What Happens If the Title Is Lost or Damaged
If the seller cannot provide the original title, you must request a duplicate title before the transfer can happen. The seller (or the person listed on the title) must submit Form VTR 130-U marked as a "duplicate" request to their county tax assessor-collector. This costs about $11 and takes two to three weeks. You cannot complete your transfer until the duplicate arrives.
If the title is damaged but readable, some counties will accept it as-is. Call your county office first to ask. If the damage makes it unreadable or if the signature section is completely full, a duplicate is required.
If the vehicle was never titled in Texas (for example, you bought it out of state), you will need to obtain a title from the previous state first, or contact your county tax assessor-collector to ask about out-of-state title procedures. Texas has specific rules for vehicles titled elsewhere, and the process may take longer.
Transfers Involving a Loan or Lender
If you are financing the vehicle, your lender will be listed as a lienholder on the title. The lender's name and loan number must appear on the new title. When you submit your transfer documents, include a letter from the lender authorizing the transfer, or bring the loan documents showing the lender's name and address.
The lender does not need to sign the title transfer form, but they do need to be notified of the transfer. Some lenders require you to notify them directly; others coordinate with the tax assessor-collector automatically. Check your loan documents or call your lender to confirm what they need from you.
If you are paying off the loan at the time of transfer, the lender may provide you with a lien release letter stating that the lien has been removed. If you have this letter, include it with your transfer documents so the new title is issued without the lender listed.
Timeline and What to Expect After You Submit
If you submit by mail, expect the new title to arrive within two to three weeks. The tax assessor-collector will send you a receipt confirming that your transfer was received and processed. If there is a problem with your documents, they will contact you by phone or mail to ask for corrections.
If you submit in person, you will receive a receipt when ready. This receipt is proof that you own the vehicle and can be used for registration purposes while you wait for the official title. The official title arrives by mail within two weeks.
During this time, you can register the vehicle using your receipt. You do not need to wait for the title to arrive. Once the title arrives, keep it in a safe place — you will need it if you ever sell the vehicle or transfer it again.
Special Situations: Inheritance, Divorce, and Gifts
If you are inheriting a vehicle, the process is similar but requires additional documents. You will need a copy of the death certificate, a probate order or affidavit of heirship (depending on whether the estate went through probate), and proof of your relationship to the deceased. Some counties waive or reduce the transfer fee for inherited vehicles. Contact your county tax assessor-collector for the specific documents they need.
If you are receiving a vehicle as part of a divorce settlement, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree showing that the vehicle was awarded to you. The decree must clearly state which party receives the vehicle. The transfer fee is usually waived or reduced in divorce transfers.
If someone is giving you a vehicle as a gift, you still need a bill of sale showing the sale price as $0 or "gift." The transfer fee is calculated based on the vehicle's appraised value, not the sale price, so a gift does not reduce your fee. Both the giver and you must sign the bill of sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get the title notarized in Texas?
No. Texas does not require a notary for most title transfers. The seller's signature on the back of the title is sufficient. However, if you are transferring a title to a business, trust, or estate, your county office may require notarization of certain documents. Call ahead to ask.
What if the seller's name on the title does not match their ID?
Contact your county tax assessor-collector before you submit. If the name mismatch is due to a marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you may need to provide a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The seller may also need to request a corrected title first.
Can I transfer a title if the vehicle has an outstanding loan I am not paying off?
No. The lender's lien must be released before the title can be transferred to a new owner. The current owner must pay off the loan or obtain a lien release letter from the lender. Once the lien is released, the transfer can proceed.
How long does it take to get a new title after I transfer ownership?
If you submit by mail, two to three weeks. If you submit in person, you receive a receipt the same day, and the official title arrives by mail within two weeks. You can register the vehicle using the receipt while you wait for the title.
What if I bought the car from a private seller and they will not sign the title?
You cannot complete the transfer without the seller's signature. If the seller refuses to sign, you do not legally own the vehicle and should not pay them. If you have already paid, contact a lawyer about your options. Do not submit incomplete documents to the tax assessor-collector.