What you need to do to transfer a vehicle title in Texas

To transfer a vehicle title in Texas, you file Form VTR 130-U (process for Texas Title) with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The process differs depending on whether you are buying a vehicle, inheriting one, receiving it as a gift, or transferring it between family members. Texas does not allow online title transfers — you must submit documents by mail, in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office, or through an authorized agent.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your paperwork. The current owner and new owner must both sign the process form and the bill of sale. You cannot transfer a title if there is an outstanding loan against the vehicle unless the lender releases the lien first.

Key Takeaways

  • Form VTR 130-U is the document you file to transfer ownership; it must be signed by both the current owner and the new owner.
  • You must provide the current title certificate, a bill of sale showing the purchase price or transfer reason, and proof of identity for both parties.
  • The fee for a standard title transfer is $28.00, though fees vary if the vehicle is new, used, or transferred as a gift.
  • You can submit documents by mail to the DMV, in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office, or through a licensed title service.
  • Texas requires a passing vehicle inspection before you can register a vehicle with an out-of-state title.

Documents you need to bring or mail

The current owner must provide the original title certificate or a certified copy. If the title is lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate from the county tax assessor-collector's office where the vehicle is registered. The new owner must provide a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.

Both parties must sign a bill of sale. Texas does not have a required form for this document — you can write one yourself or use a template — but it must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make and model, the sale price or statement that it is a gift, the date of sale, and the signatures of both the seller and buyer. If the vehicle is transferred as a gift, the bill of sale should state "gift" instead of a price.

If someone other than the owner is filing the paperwork, you need a power of attorney document signed by the owner. If the vehicle is being transferred from a deceased person's estate, you need a certified copy of the death certificate and either a will or a court order showing who inherits the vehicle.

Where to file and how long it takes

You can file at any county tax assessor-collector's office in Texas during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by county. You can find your local office on the Texas DMV website by entering your county name.

If you mail your documents, send them to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, TX 78731. Include a check or money order for the filing fee — do not send cash. The DMV processes mailed documents within 7 to 10 business days of receipt. You can also use a licensed title service or agent to file on your behalf; these services charge a fee but handle the paperwork for you.

Once the title is issued, the DMV mails it to the address you provide on the process. If you need the title faster, some county offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though this varies by location.

Fees for different types of transfers

A standard title transfer costs $28.00. If the vehicle is new and has never been titled in Texas, the fee is $33.00. If you are transferring a title from another state, the fee is $28.00 plus any registration fees that may explore.

Gift transfers cost the same as regular transfers ($28.00), but you may owe sales tax on the vehicle's fair market value depending on your relationship to the giver. Spouses, parents, children, and grandparents are exempt from sales tax on gifts; other relationships are not. The tax assessor-collector will calculate any tax owed when you file.

If you need a duplicate title because the original is lost or damaged, the fee is $11.00. If you are transferring a title for a vehicle with a lien (a loan against it), the lienholder must sign the title or provide a lien release document before you can transfer ownership.

Special situations: inherited vehicles, gifts, and out-of-state titles

If you inherit a vehicle, you need the original title, a certified copy of the death certificate, and either a will or a court order (such as a probate order) showing that you are the heir. The tax assessor-collector will not charge sales tax on an inherited vehicle. Processing may take longer if the estate is still in probate, so contact your county office for guidance on timing.

For a gift transfer, both the giver and receiver must sign the bill of sale and the title process. The giver remains the legal owner until the new title is issued in the receiver's name. If the vehicle has a loan against it, the lender must release the lien before the title can be transferred.

If you are transferring a title from another state, you must first pass a vehicle inspection at an authorized inspection station in Texas. The inspection verifies that the vehicle meets Texas safety and emissions standards. After inspection, you file the out-of-state title along with the inspection report, Form VTR 130-U, and proof of identity. Out-of-state title transfers are processed the same way as in-state transfers.

What happens if the title has a lien

A lien means a bank, credit union, or other lender has a legal claim to the vehicle because you borrowed money to buy it. The lienholder's name appears on the title certificate. You cannot transfer the title to a new owner until the lien is paid off and released.

To release a lien, pay off the loan in full. The lender will then send you a lien release document, which you must include when you file the title transfer. Some lenders release the lien electronically to the DMV, in which case you do not need a separate document. Contact your lender to confirm how they handle lien releases in Texas.

If you are buying a vehicle with a lien still on it, the seller must provide proof that the lien will be paid off at closing. Many dealerships and title services handle this step for you by collecting the payoff amount and sending it to the lender before transferring the title.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is submitting Form VTR 130-U without both the seller's and buyer's signatures. The form must be signed by both parties — a signature from only one person will delay processing. Make sure both signatures are original ink signatures, not photocopies or digital signatures, unless the DMV has approved electronic signatures for your specific situation.

Another frequent mistake is providing an unsigned or incomplete bill of sale. The bill of sale must include the VIN, the sale price or "gift," the date, and signatures from both parties. If any of these elements is missing, the DMV will return your paperwork and ask you to resubmit it.

Do not forget to include proof of identity for both the seller and buyer. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card is required. If you are filing by mail and cannot include the original ID, send a certified copy or a notarized photocopy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the seller is deceased?

Yes, but you need a certified copy of the death certificate and a court document such as a probate order or will showing who inherits the vehicle. If the estate is still in probate, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office for guidance, as processing may take longer. You may need to wait for the court to officially transfer the title to the heir before filing with the DMV.

How long does a title transfer take if I mail the documents?

The DMV processes mailed documents within 7 to 10 business days of receipt. The time does not include mail delivery, so add 3 to 5 days for your documents to reach Austin and another 3 to 5 days for the new title to reach you. If you need the title faster, file in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office or use an expedited service if available in your county.

Do I have to pay sales tax when I receive a vehicle as a gift?

Sales tax is waived for gifts between spouses, parents, children, and grandparents. If you receive a gift from anyone else, you may owe sales tax on the vehicle's fair market value. The tax assessor-collector will calculate the amount owed when you file the title transfer and include it in your total fee.

What if I lost the original title certificate?

You can request a duplicate title from your county tax assessor-collector's office for $11.00. Bring a government-issued photo ID and proof that you own the vehicle, such as a registration certificate or insurance documents. The duplicate title is a certified copy and works the same as the original for transfer purposes.

Can a title service or agent file the transfer for me?

Yes. Licensed title services and agents in Texas can file the transfer on your behalf. They charge a fee (usually $50 to $150 depending on the service) but handle all the paperwork and filing. You still need to provide all required documents and signatures; the agent straightforward submits them to the DMV or county office for you.