How To Get a Car Title in Texas 2026
A certificate of title is required for motor vehicles operated within the state of Texas. Under Transportation Code Chapter 501, individuals who acquire ownership of a vehicle must submit a title application to their county tax assessor-collector within 30 days of purchase or transfer. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles partners with county tax assessor-collector offices throughout the state to administer vehicle titling services and maintain official ownership records for all titled motor vehicles.
Where to Apply for a Texas Certificate of Title
Texas processes vehicle title applications through county tax assessor-collector offices located in each of the state's 254 counties. Authorized locations for submitting title applications include:
- County Tax Assessor-Collector Offices – Primary location in each county where residents submit applications and complete title transactions
- Authorized Substations – Satellite offices operated by county tax offices in select locations to serve residents in different areas of the county
- TxDMV Regional Service Centers – State-operated facilities in select cities that handle specialized transactions and provide support services
- Mail Processing – Applications may be submitted by mail to the county tax office serving the applicant's county of residence
Required Documents for Title Application in Texas
Applicants seeking a Texas certificate of title must provide documentation that verifies ownership and satisfies requirements established under state law and administered by county tax assessor-collector offices.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence of Ownership | Properly assigned certificate of title or manufacturer's certificate of origin | Must show complete transfer information with signatures; out-of-state titles must be surrendered |
| Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) | Complete application form with all required fields and signatures | Available at county tax offices or downloadable from the TxDMV website |
| Proof of Liability Insurance | Current Texas insurance identification card meeting state minimum requirements | Must show coverage for the vehicle being titled |
| Valid Photo Identification | Government-issued identification verifying applicant identity | Driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID acceptable |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Certain transactions require supplemental documentation beyond basic application materials:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Federal requirement for vehicles less than 20 model years old | Must be completed on title assignment or separate disclosure form |
| Vehicle Inspection Report | Proof of passing safety inspection | Required for registration; emissions testing mandatory in designated counties |
| Law Enforcement VIN Inspection (Form VTR-68-A) | Verification of vehicle identification number | Required for out-of-state vehicles being titled in Texas for first time |
| Lien Release Documentation | Proof of satisfaction of previous security interest | Must be original release letter from lienholder if lien shown on surrendered title |
| Power of Attorney | Authorization for third party to complete transaction | Required when someone other than owner signs application |
| Bill of Sale | Documentation of purchase transaction | Recommended for all private party sales; establishes purchase price for tax calculation |
Texas Title Fees and Costs
Texas establishes title fees that vary by county based on whether the county is designated as an emissions testing area.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title Application | $28 or $33 depending on county |
| Title Transfer | $28 or $33 depending on county |
| Certified Copy of Title (mail) | $2.00 |
| Certified Copy of Title (in person) | $5.45 |
| Registration Transfer | $2.50 |
Additional Processing Fees
Vehicle titling and registration involve various charges beyond the basic title fee:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Sales Tax | 6.25% of purchase price | Collected by county on behalf of Texas Comptroller; credit given for trade-in value |
| New Resident Tax | $90.00 | One-time fee for vehicles brought into Texas by new residents; due within 30 days |
| Gift Tax | $10.00 | Applies to eligible family transfers and gifts between qualifying parties |
| Registration Fee | $51.75 minimum (passenger vehicles) | Base state fee of $50.75 plus $1 TexasSure electronic insurance verification program fee; varies by vehicle weight and type |
| Local County Fees | Up to $31.50 | Counties may assess additional processing and administrative charges |
| Inspection Fee | Varies by location | Safety inspection required; emissions testing additional in designated counties |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Proper Ownership Documentation
Acquire the existing certificate of title from the seller with complete assignment information, including signatures of all owners, printed names, addresses, and date of transfer. If purchasing from a dealer, obtain either the manufacturer's certificate of origin for new vehicles or a dealer-reassigned title for used vehicles. Verify that any lienholder shown on the title has provided a written release of their security interest before proceeding with the application.
Step 2: Complete Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Schedule and complete a Texas vehicle safety inspection at any certified inspection station. If you reside in one of the emissions testing counties (currently 17 counties as of February 2026, with Bexar County joining effective November 1, 2026, for a total of 18 counties), obtain both safety and emissions inspections. The emissions testing counties include Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson. For vehicles being titled in Texas from another state, arrange for a VIN inspection by contacting local law enforcement or a trained auto theft investigator to complete Form VTR-68-A.
Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
Complete Application for Texas Title and/or Registration Form 130-U with accurate information in all required fields. Enter the vehicle description, purchase price, seller information, and buyer details exactly as they should appear on the title. Include lienholder information if applicable, providing the complete name, address, and account number. For vehicles requiring odometer disclosure, record the exact mileage at the time of transfer on the title assignment or complete a separate disclosure statement. Both buyer and seller must sign the certification section on Form 130-U unless an exception applies.
Step 4: Submit Application and Documentation
Visit your county tax assessor-collector office with all required documents, including the completed Form 130-U, assigned title or manufacturer's certificate of origin, proof of Texas liability insurance, valid photo identification, vehicle inspection report, and VIN inspection if applicable. County staff will review your application for completeness and accuracy, calculate the title fee, applicable motor vehicle sales tax based on purchase price, registration fees, and any local charges specific to your county.
Step 5: Pay Fees and Receive Title
Provide payment for all calculated fees through methods accepted by your county office, typically including cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards with possible convenience fees. The county tax assessor-collector will process your application and issue a title receipt that authorizes operation of the vehicle while the permanent title is being produced. Texas certificates of title are mailed to the address shown on the application within approximately 30 days. If a lienholder is recorded, the title will be sent directly to that financial institution for safekeeping until the loan is satisfied.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Texas law provides specific exemptions from certificate of title requirements for certain vehicle categories:
- Vehicles eligible for machinery license plates and permit license plates under Transportation Code § 502.146
- Trailers and semi-trailers with a gross weight under 4,000 pounds
- Farm trailers and farm semi-trailers used exclusively for agricultural purposes
- Off-highway vehicles registered for recreational use only
- Government-owned vehicles operated by federal, state, county, or municipal entities for official purposes
- Special mobile equipment not designed or used primarily for transportation on highways
Contact Information
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, TX 78731
Phone: (888) 368-4689 or (512) 465-3000
Official Website: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
