Car title change in Texas 【Step by step】

Whenever a change of ownership of a vehicle occurs in Texas, the title must be transferred from the previous owner to the current owner. This applies to the buying and selling process, but also when giving away a car, donating it to charity or inheriting it from a family member. Below we will explain how to do the Texas car title change.

Ownership transfers must be made within 30 days of the sale or change of ownership. According to the Texas DMV, in order to transfer ownership of the car as a seller, the current title must be assigned to the new owner.

How to transfer a car title in any state

📰 Contents
  1. Texas car title change
    1. If you are buying the vehicle
    2. If you are selling the vehicle
  2. Texas DMV hours and contact information
    1. Texas DMV contact phone numbers
    2. Customer service hours
  3. Texas Car Title Change: Frequently Asked Questions
    1. What do I need to change the title of my car in Texas?
    2. How much does it cost to transfer a car title to Texas?
    3. How to complete the title transfer form?
    4. How to request a duplicate title?
    5. How to change the title of a car in Texas when the owner is dead?
    6. How to transfer ownership of an untitled car?
    7. How to transfer the title of a car to a relative in Texas?
    8. The title of my car was signed but never transferred. What should I do?
    9. Is there a form for changing the title of a car in Texas?
    10. Where do I sign the Texas title?
    11. What should i do with my car if i move to Texas?

Texas car title change

Having a valid automobile title is an important part of the responsibility to legally drive in the state of Texas. Not only do you need the title to register your vehicle, but it is also the document with which you can prove that you own the car.

Being such an important document, you should know that how to transfer a car title to Texas, whether you are a buyer or a seller.

To change the title of a car in Texas, the seller must first provide the buyer with a signed title and a completed Texas title application. The buyer may also need a lien if there is a loan against the vehicle that has not been paid in full.

Once the buyer has all the title transfer requirements, they can take the signed title, application, and title transfer fee to the local county tax office. This is the time when ownership will be transferred to the buyer.

If you are buying the vehicle

If you buy a car from a dealer, you don't have to go through any further steps. The reseller will take care of the whole process. However, buying from a private seller is different and buyers will need to do the following:

  • Make sure the seller has filled in the fields on the back of the title and signed it.
  • Complete it Texas title application (Form 130-U).
  • Get auto insurance to provide proof of coverage.
  • Obtain a lien release from the seller.
  • If you are shopping on behalf of someone else, you will need a power of attorney.
  • Obtain a copy of the seller's most recent vehicle inspection report.
  • Bring all documents to the DMV, along with the transfer fee ($ 28 or $ 33). If you need a re-inspection, the cost will be between $ 7 and $ 40. Provincial and local taxes will also be charged, with a maximum charge of $ 20.

Please note that the state of Texas recommends that both buyer and seller appear along with the DMV, although this is not a requirement.

Common Buyer Mistakes: Don't get a lien release

If you are selling the vehicle

Fewer steps are required for sellers. However, the state recommends accompanying the buyer to the DMV office to complete the transfer. You must also:

  • Complete the title fields and give it to the buyer.
  • Verify that the mileage recorded on the title is correct.
  • Sign the Texas title certificate application with the buyer. Make sure the form includes the price of the car.
  • Grant the buyer a release if applicable.
  • Be sure to notify the DMV of the sale. This can be done DMV website.

Common Seller Mistakes: Don't notify the sale

Texas DMV hours and contact information

For more information on the Texas title transfer case, including the DMV location closest to your home, visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Official Website by clicking here.

Texas DMV contact phone numbers

  • 1 (888) 368-4689 (toll free)
  • (512) 465-3000 (Austin)
  • (512) 465-4129 (Fax)

Customer service hours

Monday to Friday, from 8:00 to 17:00 (central time)

How to get a lost auto title in Texas?

Texas Car Title Change: Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to change the title of my car in Texas?

In Texas, there are only three things you need to transfer a car title: the required fee, a signed title, and a Texas title application.

The only exception to these requirements is if you are purchasing a vehicle that has not been paid for in full; in this case, you will also need a release.

How much does it cost to transfer a car title to Texas?

Title transfer fees may vary slightly in Texas depending on where you live. The title application fee will be $ 28 or $ 33.

However, there may also be a vehicle inspection fee, insurance verification fee, automation fee, and other provincial and local taxes. So how much does a title transfer cost? The best way to find out is to contact your county tax office.

How to complete the title transfer form?

Filling out a Texas DMV title transfer form is a simple process. You will need to provide information about your vehicle, including VIN, license plate number and year. You will also need to provide personal information, such as your name and address.

How to request a duplicate title?

If you lose a title or your title is damaged, you will need to request a duplicate title. To do this, you will need to complete a certified copy of the title application, pay the title fee and provide a copy of your driver's license.

The fee is $ 2 if applying by mail and $ 5.45 if applying in person at your county.

How to change the title of a car in Texas when the owner is dead?

The process for transferring a car title when the owner is deceased depends on the type of property left behind. You should contact your local county tax office for more information. However, you should know that if your spouse has passed away and did not leave a will, You will need to complete a motor vehicle inheritance declaration.

How to transfer ownership of an untitled car?

When the seller does not have the title of the car at the time of sale, they must obtain a duplicate before selling the vehicle to you. They can sign the duplicate title and use it to transfer ownership of the car.

How to sell an untitled car

How to transfer the title of a car to a relative in Texas?

The procedure for transferring the title of a car to a family member is generally the same. The only difference is when you give a car to a family member, in which case Proof of sales tax payment will not be required.

The title of my car was signed but never transferred. What should I do?

Not everyone cares about fulfilling their responsibilities, even when it benefits them. It may happen that you sell your car and the buyer never completes the title transfer. So when they issue fines, you may be liable because the vehicle is still in their name.

If you sell a vehicle and the title is not transferred, you need to explain the situation to the local county tax office. It is important to resolve the situation as soon as possible so that you are not held responsible for actions that are not yours.

Is there a form for changing the title of a car in Texas?

Selling a car in Texas is quite simple, the title must be signed for the new buyer and a Texas title application must also be completed and signed (form 130-U), which you can get from the Texas DMV website.

Where do I sign the Texas title?

There are two places where you need to sign. Signature on the front of the title, where it indicates "Signature of the holder or agent". Also sign on the back of the title, where it says "Seller / Agent Signature".

Write your name on the back of the title where it says "Name in block capitals (same as signature)".

What should i do with my car if i move to Texas?

If you move to Texas, you must register and register your car within 30 days, but first you need to do a car inspection at the nearest station. To do this, you will also need a Texas title application (Form 130-U). The Texas DMV title transfer process also includes proof of Texas automobile insurance, odometer disclosure (if your vehicle is under 10 years old), proof of sales tax paid, and payment of taxes and of applicable taxes.

If you want to discover other articles similar to Car title change in Texas 【Step by step】, you can visit the Last News category.

Nathan Hamilton

Nathan Hamilton

Nathan is a car enthusiast and industry professional with decades of combined experience in the automotive sector. Along with his team of writers and researchers, all passionate about automobiles, he is committed to delivering reliable and relevant content that ranges from detailed insurance guides to maintenance tips and much more.

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