How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Texas in 2026
Texas provides methods for releasing vehicle registration liability through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). Vehicle owners can complete transfer notifications using the online portal, by visiting TxDMV Regional Service Centers in person, or through mail submission. The TxDMV administers all vehicle registration and title transactions statewide, including processing vehicle transfer notifications that release owners from continued liability.
Submitting a vehicle transfer notification terminates your legal association with the vehicle and prevents future liability for violations, parking tickets, or toll charges. Texas does not require traditional registration cancellation for most ownership transfers. Instead, you notify the TxDMV that you no longer own the vehicle, which releases your responsibility. License plate requirements vary based on your specific situation and whether you retain the plates for transfer to another vehicle.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Multiple circumstances require notification to the TxDMV that you no longer possess ownership or control of your vehicle:
- Completing a sale of your vehicle to a private buyer or automotive dealership
- Transferring vehicle ownership through donation to an organization or individual
- Establishing residency in a different state and registering your vehicle there
- Returning a leased vehicle to the leasing company at lease conclusion
- Delivering your vehicle to a salvage yard or metal recycling facility
- Having your vehicle declared a total loss through an insurance company settlement
- Reporting your vehicle stolen to law enforcement without subsequent recovery
- Trading your vehicle to a dealer as partial payment for another vehicle purchase
- Surrendering your vehicle through repossession or voluntary return to a lienholder
- Transferring vehicle ownership through probate or estate administration
- Removing your vehicle from active use permanently
- Disposing of a non-operational vehicle through junking or scrapping
Vehicle Transfer Notification Methods
Texas does not offer a traditional "cancel registration" function. Instead, vehicle owners submit a Vehicle Transfer Notification to inform the TxDMV of ownership changes and release liability. This notification prevents you from being held responsible for violations, tickets, or incidents involving the vehicle after transfer.
Online Transfer Notification
Submit your vehicle transfer notification through the TxDMV online portal. The online system provides 24-hour access for completing transfer notifications immediately after selling or transferring your vehicle.
Required Information:
- Vehicle identification number
- License plate number
- Buyer's complete name and address
- Sale or transfer date
- Odometer reading at time of transfer
- Sale price or transfer consideration
Processing Steps:
Access the Vehicle Transfer Notification section of the TxDMV portal. Enter the required vehicle and buyer information. Verify all details for accuracy before submitting. The system generates an electronic confirmation receipt upon successful submission. Download and retain this confirmation as proof that you notified the TxDMV of the ownership transfer.
License Plate Options:
Texas law permits you to retain your license plates after selling or transferring a vehicle. You may transfer your plates to another vehicle you own or surrender them to your county tax assessor-collector office. If you do not transfer plates to another vehicle within a specified timeframe, you must remove them and either destroy them or return them to your county office.
In-Person Transfer Notification
Visit any TxDMV Regional Service Center to submit your vehicle transfer notification in person. Center representatives process notifications immediately during your visit and provide written confirmation.
Required Materials:
- Vehicle identification number and license plate number
- Valid Texas driver's license or identification card
- Buyer's complete name and current address
- Documentation of sale or transfer (bill of sale, transfer receipt, or other proof)
- Odometer disclosure information
Processing Procedure:
Present your information to the TxDMV representative, who enters your transfer notification into the state system. The representative verifies your identity and vehicle information through TxDMV records. Upon completion, you receive a stamped receipt confirming your notification submission. Retain this receipt as documentation that you released liability for the vehicle.
Mail-In Transfer Notification
Complete and submit the Vehicle Transfer Notification Form (VTN) by mail to the TxDMV. This form documents the ownership transfer and releases you from future liability.
Required Documentation:
- Completed Vehicle Transfer Notification Form with all required fields
- Your complete legal name and current mailing address
- Buyer's complete legal name and current address
- Vehicle identification number and license plate number
- Transfer date and odometer reading
- Sale price or statement of gift/donation if no monetary consideration
Mailing Address:
TxDMV Vehicle Titles and Registration Division PO Box 26417 Austin, TX 78755-0417
The TxDMV processes mail-in notifications within two to three weeks of receipt. The notification becomes effective as of the transfer date you specified on the form, not the date TxDMV receives your submission.
Registration Fee Refund Policy
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles does not issue refunds for unused portions of vehicle registration when you sell your vehicle, relocate to another state, or dispose of the vehicle. Texas registration fees are assessed for the entire registration period and remain non-refundable regardless of when ownership is transferred during that period.
Limited Refund Eligibility
Texas provides refunds only for specific circumstances involving fee payment errors or incorrect tax assessments:
Overpayment of Registration Fees: You may qualify for a refund if the TxDMV or county tax office charged you an incorrect amount exceeding the proper registration fee for your vehicle. Overpayment refunds apply when fees were calculated incorrectly at the time of registration processing.
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Refunds (RTS): Certain situations involving incorrectly assessed or collected motor vehicle sales taxes may qualify for refund consideration. Tax refund eligibility depends on the specific circumstances of the tax payment and applicable exemptions under Texas Tax Code.
Refund Application Process
Step 1: Determine Refund Eligibility
Review the TxDMV refund eligibility requirements to confirm your situation qualifies for refund consideration. Standard vehicle sales, transfers, moves to another state, or vehicle disposal do not qualify for registration fee refunds.
Step 2: Prepare Refund Application
For motor vehicle tax refunds, accomplish the Texas Claim for Refund of Motor Vehicle Tax, Diesel Motor Vehicle Surcharge, and/or Commercial Vehicle Registration Surcharge (Form 14-202). Your application requires:
- Your complete legal name and current mailing address
- Vehicle identification number and license plate number
- Registration transaction date and receipt number
- Detailed explanation of the overpayment or error
- Copy of registration receipt showing fees paid
- Supporting documentation demonstrating the overpayment or tax error
- Calculation showing the correct fee amount and overpayment amount
Step 3: Submit Application
Complete the claim and send it to:
Comptroller of Public Accounts 111 E. 17th St. Austin, TX 78774-0100
The TxDMV reviews refund applications for eligibility. Processing time varies based on the complexity of your refund request. Approved refunds are issued by warrant (state check) and mailed to the address provided on your application.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Texas vehicle transfer notification and registration procedures are established through state statutes and administrative rules:
- Texas Transportation Code Title 7 covers rules for road users, including traffic laws, driver responsibilities, vehicle requirements, and offenses
- Texas Administrative Code Title 43, Part 10, Chapter 217 contains administrative rules governing vehicle titles, registration procedures, and fee refund eligibility
Government Agencies
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, TX 78731
Phone: (888) 368-4689
Official Website: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
TxDMV Regional Service Centers and County Tax Offices
Vehicle transfer notifications can be submitted at TxDMV Regional Service Centers, while registration transactions are processed through county tax assessor-collector offices. The following offices serve major metropolitan areas throughout Texas:
Houston Regional Service Center
2110 East Governors Circle, Houston, TX 77092
Phone: (713) 316-6100
Official Website: Harris Regional Service Center
Dallas South Regional Service Center
562 East Wheatland Road, Duncanville, TX 75116
Phone: (469) 547-8502
Official Website: Dallas Regional Service Center
San Antonio Regional Service Center
6909 North Loop 1604 E, Suite 1199, San Antonio, Texas 78247
Phone: (210) 731-2130
Official Website: San Antonio Regional Service Center
Austin Regional Service Center
1001 E. Parmer Lane, Suite A, Austin, TX 78753
Phone: (512) 719-6900
Official Website: Austin Regional Service Center
Fort Worth Regional Service Center
2425 Gravel Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76118
Phone: (817) 285-1500
Official Website: Fort Worth Regional Service Center
Corpus Christi Regional Service Center
602 N. Staples Street, Suite 130, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Phone: (361) 808-3900
Official Website: Corpus Christi Regional Service Center
Abilene Regional Service Center
4210 N. Clack St., Abilene, TX 79601
Phone: (325) 674-1000
Official Website: Abilene Regional Service Center
El Paso Regional Service Center
1227 Lee Trevino, Suite 100, El Paso, TX 79907
Phone: (915) 594-6000
Official Website: El Paso Regional Service Center
Longview Regional Service Center
4549 W. Loop 281, Longview, TX 75604
Phone: (903) 237-2800
Official Website: Longview Regional Service Center
Waco Regional Service Center
2203 Austin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701
Phone: (254) 296-2700
Official Website: Waco Regional Service Center
