How To Transfer a Car Title in Texas 2026
Texas law mandates that a seller execute and deliver an endorsed certificate of title to the purchaser at the point of sale, as established under Texas Transportation Code § 501.071. The purchaser must submit a completed title application to the local county tax assessor-collector's office within 30 calendar days of the sale date; failure to file within this period results in delinquent transfer penalties. Active duty military personnel are allotted 60 calendar days from the date of purchase to complete the transfer. All title applications are processed through the county tax assessor-collector network as directed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).
Required Documents for Title Transfer in Texas
| Document | Party Responsible | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title (endorsed) | Seller | Must include purchaser's full legal name and address, date of sale, sale price, and odometer reading; all recorded owners must sign |
| Form 130-U – Application for Texas Title and/or Registration | Purchaser | Primary title application form submitted to the county tax assessor-collector |
| Form VTR-346 – Vehicle Transfer Notification | Seller | Releases seller from post-sale liability; must be filed with TxDMV within 30 days of transfer |
| Valid Texas Driver License or Government-Issued Photo ID | Purchaser | Required for all applicants at time of submission |
| Proof of Texas Liability Insurance | Purchaser | Required for registration; title-only applications may proceed without insurance |
| Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) | Purchaser | Required if no current inspection record exists in the state database |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Seller | Completed on the face of the title or as a standalone document for applicable vehicles |
| Lien Release | Purchaser | Required when an active lien is recorded on the existing certificate of title |
| Form 14-317 – Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer | Both parties | Required for gift transactions; qualifies the transfer for the $10.00 flat gift tax rate |
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Texas
Step 1: Complete the Title Assignment
The seller completes the assignment section on the reverse side of the existing certificate of title, entering the purchaser's full legal name and mailing address, the date of sale, the declared purchase price, and the current odometer reading. All owners listed on the title must sign; titles reflecting joint ownership with "and" require signatures from each recorded owner. Any correction, erasure, or alteration to the certificate voids the document and necessitates a bonded or court-ordered title process.
Step 2: File the Vehicle Transfer Notification
Under Texas Transportation Code § 501.147, the seller must submit Form VTR-346 to TxDMV within 30 days of the date of transfer. Filing this notification records the ownership change on the state motor vehicle registry and shields the seller from subsequent liability for traffic violations, tolls, parking citations, and civil claims arising after the sale date.
Step 3: Assemble All Required Documentation
The purchaser compiles all documents listed in the Required Documents section above. If the transaction takes place on a weekend or holiday and the seller removes the license plates, a Vehicle Transit Permit — valid for five calendar days — may be obtained from TxDMV to allow lawful operation of the vehicle pending registration. Vehicles bearing out-of-state or foreign titles are subject to supplemental verification requirements detailed in the TxDMV out-of-state vehicle guidelines.
Step 4: Complete Form 130-U
Form 130-U, the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration, must be fully and accurately completed by the purchaser prior to submission. The form requires vehicle identification data (VIN, year, make, body style), applicant identity information, prior owner details, lien data, and tax computation figures based on the declared sale price. The county tax assessor-collector will review all submitted data for accuracy and completeness.
Step 5: Submit the Application at the County Tax Assessor-Collector's Office
All documents must be delivered in person to the county tax assessor-collector's office in the purchaser's county of residence. The filing deadline is 30 calendar days from the date the title was signed (60 days for active duty military). Select county offices accept mail-in submissions; applicants should verify county-specific procedures in advance.
Step 6: Pay All Applicable Fees and Taxes
All title fees, registration fees, and motor vehicle taxes are due and collected at the time of application. Motor vehicle sales and use tax is assessed at 6.25% of the greater of the declared sales price or the vehicle's Standard Presumptive Value (SPV). Gift transfers executed with Form 14-317 qualify for a $10.00 flat tax rate. The TxDMV registration fee chart effective January 1, 2026 establishes all applicable state and county registration rates.
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title Application Fee | $28.00–$33.00 | Varies by county |
| Registration Fee – Passenger Vehicle (≤ 6,000 lb) | $50.75 | Plus applicable county fees |
| Registration Fee – All Vehicles (6,001–10,000 lb) | $54.00 | Plus applicable county fees |
| Registration Fee – Motorcycle / Moped | $30.00 | Plus applicable county fees |
| Local County Fee | $0–$21.50 | Varies by county of registration |
| Motor Vehicle Sales Tax | 6.25% of sale price or SPV (whichever is greater) | SPV calculator available via TxDMV |
| Gift Transfer Tax | $10.00 flat | Requires completed Form 14-317 |
| New Resident Use Tax | $90.00 | Applies to vehicles previously registered out of state |
| Even Exchange Tax | $5.00 | Vehicle-for-vehicle exchanges only |
| Late Transfer Penalty | $25.00 on day 31; +$25.00 per additional 30-day period | Maximum $250.00 |
| Late Sales Tax Penalty | 5% (1–30 days late); 10% (over 30 days late) | Minimum penalty $1.00 |
Step 7: Receive the New Certificate of Title
Upon processing and approval, the new certificate of title is mailed to the owner or lienholder of record at the address declared on Form 130-U. Temporary registration may be issued at the county office on the date of submission.
Contact Information
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, TX 78731
Phone: (888) 368-4689
Official Website: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
