What you need to do to transfer a title through the Texas DMV
In Texas, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) handles vehicle title transfers. You will need to submit form VTR 130-U (process for Texas Title), proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and proof of identity to either a TxDMV office or an authorized county tax assessor-collector. The process typically takes 7 to 10 business days if you submit in person, or longer if you mail documents.
You do not have to go to a TxDMV office itself — most Texans complete title transfers at their county tax assessor-collector's office, which acts as an agent for TxDMV. This is usually faster and closer to home than driving to a regional TxDMV service center.
Key Takeaways
- Form VTR 130-U is the official TxDMV process for title transfer and is available on the TxDMV website or at any county tax assessor-collector's office.
- You will need the current title, a bill of sale signed by the seller, your driver's license or ID, and proof of a passing vehicle inspection (if the vehicle is older than a certain age or has been out of state).
- County tax assessor-collector offices process title transfers faster than mailing documents to TxDMV, and you can often complete the transfer in one visit.
- Title transfer fees in Texas vary by county but typically range from $28 to $33, plus any applicable county or local fees.
Documents you must bring or submit
The current title is the foundation of any transfer. If the title is lost, you will need to request a duplicate from TxDMV before you can transfer it. The seller must sign the back of the title in the designated area, and you must sign as the buyer. Both signatures must be original — photocopies are not accepted.
A bill of sale is a document that shows the sale price and date. Texas does not require a specific form, but both buyer and seller should sign and date it. This protects both parties and serves as proof of the transaction. You can write one yourself or use a template from the TxDMV website.
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a Texas driver's license, passport, or military ID. If you are buying the vehicle as a business or trust, bring documentation showing your authority to sign on behalf of that entity.
If the vehicle has been out of state or is older than a certain age, you may need a vehicle inspection report from an authorized inspection station. TxDMV requires this to confirm the vehicle is roadworthy and matches the title description. Check the TxDMV website or call your county tax assessor-collector to confirm whether your vehicle needs one.
Where to submit your paperwork
Your county tax assessor-collector's office is the easiest place to start. Every Texas county has one, and staff can process your title transfer on the spot if your documents are complete. You can find your county office by searching "tax assessor-collector" plus your county name online, or by calling your county clerk's office for the address and hours.
If you prefer to mail documents, you can send them directly to TxDMV's Austin office. The mailing address is on the VTR 130-U form and on the TxDMV website. Mailed transfers take longer — typically 15 to 30 days — because documents must be processed in the order received. Include a check or money order for the title fee; TxDMV does not accept credit cards by mail.
Some counties also offer online title transfer for certain situations, such as when a vehicle is inherited or transferred between family members. Check your county tax assessor-collector's website to see if this option is available to you.
Title transfer fees and what they cover
Texas charges a title transfer fee that varies by county. Most counties charge between $28 and $33 for a standard title transfer. Some counties add local fees on top of this amount. When you arrive at the tax assessor-collector's office, staff will tell you the exact total before you pay.
The fee covers the cost of processing your process and issuing a new title in your name. It does not cover vehicle registration, which is a separate transaction. If you also need to register the vehicle, you will pay registration fees at the same time.
If you are transferring a title by mail, include payment with your documents. Make the check or money order payable to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash.
How long the process takes
If you submit your paperwork in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office with all required documents, you will usually receive your new title within 7 to 10 business days. Some offices can issue a temporary title on the spot so you can drive the vehicle legally while you wait for the permanent title to arrive by mail.
Mailed applications take longer because TxDMV processes them in batches. Expect 15 to 30 business days from the date TxDMV receives your documents. If you mail your process, consider sending it via certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
If your documents are incomplete or have errors, TxDMV will mail you a notice asking for corrections. This adds another 7 to 10 days to the timeline. To avoid delays, double-check that all signatures are original, dates match, and the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the title matches the vehicle itself.
Special situations: inherited vehicles, gifts, and trade-ins
If you inherited a vehicle, you will need the title plus a copy of the death certificate and proof that you are the legal heir. Some counties allow you to transfer an inherited title online. Contact your county tax assessor-collector to ask about this option.
If someone gave you a vehicle as a gift, the process is the same as a purchase — you need the signed title and a bill of sale. The bill of sale can show a sale price of $0 or "gift" as the consideration. Both the giver and receiver must sign.
If you are trading in a vehicle toward the purchase of another, the dealer usually handles the title transfer for the vehicle you are trading in. You will still need to transfer the title of the new vehicle into your name using the same process described above.
What to do if your title is lost or damaged
If the title is lost, stolen, or too damaged to sign, you must request a duplicate title from TxDMV before you can transfer it. Submit form VTR 130-U with a note explaining that the title is lost or damaged. You will pay a duplicate title fee (typically $11 to $15, depending on your county) in addition to the transfer fee.
TxDMV will mail you a duplicate title, which takes 7 to 10 business days. Once you receive it, you can then proceed with the transfer using the steps described above. If you are in a hurry, some counties allow you to request a duplicate title in person and receive it the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a title if the seller is not present?
No. Both the buyer and seller must sign the title in person, or the seller must sign it before you arrive and you must bring the signed title to the tax assessor-collector. The seller cannot sign a power of attorney to allow someone else to sign on their behalf for a title transfer. If the seller has passed away, you will need to follow the inheritance process instead.
What if the title has a lien on it?
If the vehicle is financed, the lender's name will appear on the title. The lender must sign off on the transfer, which usually happens automatically when you pay off the loan. Contact your lender to confirm the lien will be released, then bring proof of payoff to the tax assessor-collector. Some lenders send the release directly to TxDMV.
Do I need a vehicle inspection before transferring the title?
It depends on the vehicle's age and history. Vehicles that have been out of state or are older than a certain model year may require a passing inspection. Call your county tax assessor-collector or check the TxDMV website to confirm whether your vehicle needs one before you go in.
Can I transfer a title online in Texas?
Some counties offer online title transfer for specific situations, such as inherited vehicles or transfers between family members. Check your county tax assessor-collector's website to see if this option is available. For most standard purchases, you will need to visit in person or mail documents.
What happens if I drive the vehicle before the title is transferred?
You should not drive the vehicle on public roads until the title is in your name and the vehicle is registered. If you have a temporary title from the tax assessor-collector, you can drive legally while you wait for the permanent title. Without a temporary title or current registration, you risk a traffic stop and citation.