What you need to do to transfer a vehicle title in Texas
In Texas, you transfer a vehicle title by submitting Form 130-U (process for Texas Title) to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, along with the current title, proof of ownership, and a completed odometer statement. You can submit the form in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office, by mail to the DMV, or through an authorized agent. The process takes about two weeks by mail, or same-day if you go in person. You will pay a title transfer fee, which varies by county but typically ranges from $28 to $33.
The person selling the vehicle must sign the back of the title in the designated seller section. If there are two owners listed on the title, both must sign unless one has already signed and the other is transferring their interest. If the title is lost or damaged, you will need to request a duplicate title first before you can transfer it.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete Form 130-U and submit it to your county tax assessor-collector's office along with the signed title and proof of ownership.
- Both the seller and buyer must sign the title in the correct sections, and the seller's signature must be notarized if the title shows a lien or if required by the county.
- The fee for a title transfer in Texas varies by county but is typically $28 to $33, payable at the time of submission.
- Processing takes about two weeks by mail or same-day in person, and you can track your process status through the Texas DMV website.
- If the title is lost, you must request a duplicate title (Form 130-U with a lost title notation) before you can transfer ownership.
Where to submit your title transfer in Texas
The county tax assessor-collector's office is the main place to submit your title transfer. Every county in Texas has at least one office, and you can find the address and hours on the Texas DMV website by searching for your county. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours.
You can also mail your documents directly to the Texas DMV, though this takes longer. Send Form 130-U, the signed title, proof of ownership, and the fee to the address listed on the form. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the new title mailed back to you, or request electronic delivery if available in your county.
If you use a licensed motor vehicle dealer or title service company to handle the transfer, they can submit the paperwork on your behalf. This costs extra but saves you a trip. Make sure any agent you hire is authorized by the Texas DMV.
Documents and signatures required for a Texas title transfer
The seller must sign the back of the title in the "Seller's Signature" section. The signature must be in blue or black ink and match the name printed on the title. If the title lists two owners, both must sign unless one has already transferred their interest to the other.
In some cases, the seller's signature must be notarized. This is required if the title shows a lien (a loan against the vehicle), if the county requires it, or if the seller is signing on behalf of a business or estate. A notary public can verify the signature; many banks, libraries, and title service offices offer notary services for a small fee.
The buyer does not sign the title itself. Instead, the buyer completes Form 130-U and provides proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale, purchase agreement, or the current title. If the vehicle was inherited, a death certificate and probate documents may be needed. If it was a gift, a bill of sale stating the purchase price as zero is acceptable.
Title transfer fees and payment methods in Texas
The title transfer fee in Texas is set by each county and typically ranges from $28 to $33. Some counties charge slightly more or less, so check with your specific county tax assessor-collector's office for the exact amount. This fee covers the cost of processing the transfer and issuing the new title.
Payment methods vary by county. Most offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are mailing your process, include a check or money order made out to the county tax assessor-collector. Do not send cash by mail.
There are no additional state-level fees for a title transfer in Texas beyond the county fee. However, if you need a duplicate title first (because the original is lost or damaged), that costs an additional $10 to $15 depending on the county.
How long a title transfer takes in Texas
If you submit your process in person at the tax assessor-collector's office, you can receive your new title the same day in most cases. The office will process the paperwork while you wait and issue the new title before you leave.
If you mail your process to the Texas DMV, processing typically takes two to three weeks. The DMV will mail the new title to the address you provide on Form 130-U. You can track the status of your process on the Texas DMV website using your process number.
During busy periods or if there are errors in your paperwork, processing may take longer. If you do not receive your new title within four weeks of mailing, contact the Texas DMV to check the status.
What to do if the title is lost or damaged
If the current title is lost, damaged, or illegible, you must request a duplicate title before you can transfer it. Submit Form 130-U marked as a duplicate title request to your county tax assessor-collector's office. You will need to provide proof of ownership, such as a previous registration or insurance document, and pay the duplicate title fee (usually $10 to $15).
Once you receive the duplicate title, you can then proceed with the transfer using the same steps as a normal title transfer. The duplicate title is a full, legal title and works exactly like the original.
If the title was destroyed in a disaster or accident and you cannot locate any copy, contact the Texas DMV directly. They can research your vehicle history and issue a duplicate title based on their records.
Special situations: liens, co-owners, and inherited vehicles
If the title shows a lien (such as a car loan), the lienholder must sign the title or provide a lien release letter. Many lienholders will mail the signed title directly to you or to the tax assessor-collector's office. If the loan is being paid off as part of the sale, the seller's lender may handle the title transfer directly. Ask the seller's lender what documents they need from you.
If two people own the vehicle and both names are on the title, both must sign the title for a transfer. If only one owner is transferring their share to the other, that owner signs and the other owner does not need to sign again. The tax assessor-collector can advise you on the correct procedure for your situation.
If you inherited a vehicle, you will need the death certificate and a copy of the will or probate court order showing you as the heir. Some counties require additional documents. Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office before you submit your process to confirm what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a title if the seller is out of state?
Yes. The seller can sign the title and mail it to you, or you can have them sign it in front of a notary public in their state. The notarized signature is valid in Texas. Once you have the signed title, submit it with your other documents to your county tax assessor-collector's office.
What if I buy a vehicle from a private seller and they don't have the title?
The seller must obtain a duplicate title from their county tax assessor-collector's office before you can transfer it. This takes a few days to a week. If the seller refuses or cannot get the duplicate, you cannot legally transfer ownership. Do not complete the purchase until you have the signed title in hand.
Do I need to have the vehicle inspected before I transfer the title?
No inspection is required for a title transfer in Texas. However, if the vehicle is being registered for the first time in Texas or if the odometer reading is unclear, you may need to provide an odometer statement on Form 130-U. The tax assessor-collector can tell you if this is needed.
Can I transfer a title online in Texas?
The Texas DMV does not offer online title transfers. You must submit Form 130-U in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office, by mail, or through an authorized agent. Some counties may offer electronic submission through their own systems; contact your county office to ask.
What happens if I sign the title wrong or make a mistake?
If you sign in the wrong section, use the wrong color ink, or make other errors, the tax assessor-collector may reject your process. You will need to request a duplicate title and start over. To avoid this, double-check the form and title before you submit, and ask the tax assessor-collector's office if you are unsure where to sign.