What you need to do to transfer a car title in Texas

To transfer a car title in Texas, you fill out a form called the process for Texas Title (Form 130-U), gather documents proving ownership and identity, and submit everything to your county tax assessor-collector's office along with a fee. The tax assessor-collector handles title transfers in Texas, not the Department of Motor Vehicles — that's the first difference from other states. The process takes about two weeks if you submit in person, longer if you mail it.

You'll need the current title (signed by the seller), proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof that you've paid any sales tax or have a sales tax exemption. If the car has a lien on it, the lender's name appears on the title, and you'll need their signature or a lien release letter before the title can transfer to you alone.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas tax assessor-collector in your county processes title transfers, not a state DMV office.
  • You need the signed title from the seller, your ID, proof of residency, and proof of sales tax payment or exemption before you submit.
  • If the seller still owes money to a lender, you cannot get a clear title until the lender releases their lien in writing.
  • Submitting in person at your county tax office usually takes about two weeks; mailing takes longer and requires notarization of your signature.

Documents the seller must provide

The seller gives you the title document itself — a physical certificate with their name printed on it. They must sign the back of the title in front of a notary public or in front of the tax assessor-collector staff (you can do this at the office when you submit). If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from their county tax assessor-collector before the sale, though this adds time.

The seller should also give you a bill of sale, which is not required by Texas law but protects both of you by documenting the sale price and date. You can write one yourself on plain paper or use a template — Texas has no official form. If the car has a lien, the seller must provide proof that the lien will be paid off at closing, or you'll receive a lien release letter from the lender after the sale.

What documents you bring to the tax assessor-collector

Bring the signed title, your driver's license or passport, and a document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. You also need proof that sales tax has been paid. In Texas, this usually means a receipt from the seller showing the purchase price, or a document from the lender if you financed the car. If you're exempt from sales tax (for example, if you're buying from a family member and meet certain conditions), bring the form that documents the exemption.

If you're having someone else submit the paperwork on your behalf, bring a power of attorney form signed by you and notarized. The person acting for you will also need to show their ID. If the car has a lien that hasn't been paid off yet, bring the lien release letter from the lender — the title cannot transfer until the lender releases it.

Completing the process for Texas Title form

The process for Texas Title (Form 130-U) asks for your name, address, driver's license number, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the current odometer reading, and whether you're buying the car for personal use or business use. You can read the form from your county tax assessor-collector's website or pick one up at their office. The form is straightforward — most sections are checkboxes or short answers.

If you're financing the car, you'll list the lender's name and address on the form so the lienholder's name appears on your new title. If you're paying cash, leave that section blank. Sign the form in front of a notary public if you're mailing it; if you're submitting in person, you can sign it at the tax office in front of staff.

Where to submit and how long it takes

Find your county tax assessor-collector's office online by searching "[your county name] tax assessor-collector." Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours. You can submit in person, by mail, or sometimes by appointment. Submitting in person is fastest — staff can often spot errors on the spot and you'll know within two weeks whether your title has been processed.

If you mail the paperwork, include a notarized signature on the process form and the signed title. Mail it to the address listed on your county's website. Processing takes longer by mail, sometimes three to four weeks, because staff have to verify the notarization and may need to contact you if documents are missing. Some counties now accept submissions through an online portal — check your county's website to see if yours does.

The fee and sales tax

The title transfer fee in Texas varies by county but is typically between $28 and $33. Some counties charge extra if you're adding a lienholder or if the vehicle is older. Call your county tax assessor-collector's office to confirm the exact fee before you go.

Sales tax in Texas is 6.25 percent at the state level, though some counties add a local tax on top of that, bringing the total to as high as 8.25 percent. You pay sales tax on the purchase price of the car. If you bought the car from a private seller and didn't pay sales tax at the time of purchase, you'll owe it when you transfer the title — the tax assessor-collector will calculate it and add it to your bill. If you bought from a licensed dealer, they usually collected sales tax already, and you'll show proof of that payment.

What happens if the title has a lien on it

A lien means the seller still owes money to a bank or finance company. The lender's name appears on the title certificate. You cannot own the car free and clear until that lien is released. The seller's lender will pay off the loan when the sale closes (usually handled by the dealership or a title company if one is involved), and then the lender sends a lien release letter to the seller or directly to you.

Bring the lien release letter to the tax assessor-collector when you submit your paperwork. Without it, the title will transfer with the lender's name still on it, meaning the lender still has a claim to the car. If the seller is not paying off the loan before the sale, do not complete the purchase — you'll be responsible for a debt you didn't create and the lender can repossess the car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the car before the title transfer is complete?

Texas law allows you to drive the car for up to 30 days after purchase while the title is being processed, as long as you have proof of the sale (a bill of sale or receipt). After 30 days, you need the new title in your name or a temporary registration. Your county tax assessor-collector can issue a temporary registration if the title is delayed.

What if the seller's name on the title doesn't match their ID?

The name on the title must match the seller's current legal name. If they've changed their name since the title was issued, they need to get a corrected title from their county tax assessor-collector before selling the car. This takes a few days and requires proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).

Do I need a notary if I submit in person?

No. If you submit in person at the tax assessor-collector's office, you can sign the title and process form in front of staff, and they'll witness your signature. You only need a notary if you're mailing the paperwork.

What if I buy a car from out of state?

You'll need the title from the state where the car was registered, the bill of sale, and proof of sales tax payment or exemption in Texas. Some out-of-state titles have different formats, but the tax assessor-collector can usually process them. Bring the out-of-state title to your county office and ask if any additional documents are needed before you submit.

Can I transfer the title if the seller is deceased?

Yes, but you'll need additional documents: a death certificate, proof that the estate has been settled (or a court order if it hasn't), and the signature of the executor or administrator of the estate. The executor must sign the title the same way the deceased owner would have. Contact your county tax assessor-collector for the exact documents they need in this situation.