What you need to do to change a car title in Texas

To change a car title in Texas, you file an Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U) with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, along with proof of ownership and a completed Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 130-U or 14.6) if the vehicle is under 10 years old. The process differs depending on whether you're adding or removing a name, transferring ownership after a sale, or correcting information already on the title. Most changes require the signatures of everyone currently listed on the title, a valid ID, and payment of a title transfer fee (currently $28 for a standard transfer in Texas, though fees vary by transaction type).

You can file in person at any Texas DMV office, by mail to the address on the form, or through an authorized county tax assessor-collector's office. Processing takes roughly 7 to 10 business days by mail, or same-day to next-day if you file in person. The Texas DMV does not issue temporary titles, so you'll need to keep your old title and proof of your application until the new one arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • File Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title) with the DMV, signed by all current title holders, along with your current title and a valid ID.
  • Title transfer fees are $28 for most changes, but fees for adding liens, correcting errors, or other specific situations vary.
  • You can file in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through a county tax assessor-collector's office; in-person filing is fastest.
  • Processing takes 7 to 10 business days by mail or same-day to next-day in person; you'll receive your new title by mail at the address you provide.
  • If the vehicle is under 10 years old, you must include an Odometer Disclosure Statement signed by the seller.

Adding or removing a name from an existing title

If you're married, divorced, or simply want to add or remove someone's name from your title, you need the signatures of everyone currently on the title. File Form 130-U with your current title, a valid ID for each person whose name is changing, and the $28 fee. If you're adding a spouse after marriage, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you're removing a name after divorce, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a court order.

Both the person being added and the person being removed must sign the application form. If one person cannot appear in person, they can sign the form in front of a notary public and mail it in. The DMV will not process a name change without all required signatures.

Transferring a title after buying or selling a vehicle

When you buy a used car in Texas, the seller must sign the back of the title and provide you with an Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 130-U or 14.6) if the vehicle is under 10 years old. You then file Form 130-U with the DMV within 30 days of purchase. Waiting longer than 30 days does not prevent you from registering the vehicle, but it can result in a late fee and may complicate your insurance coverage.

Include the signed title, the odometer statement, your valid ID, and the $28 transfer fee. If the seller's name appears on the title but they are not present, you will need their signature notarized on the back of the title or on a separate power of attorney form. Some private sellers will mail you the signed title; if you receive it by mail, you can file by mail as well.

If you are selling your vehicle, sign the back of the title and provide the buyer with the odometer statement. You do not file anything with the DMV when you sell—the buyer handles the title transfer. However, you should keep a copy of the signed title for your records in case questions arise later.

Correcting errors on your current title

If your title has a misspelled name, wrong VIN, incorrect odometer reading, or other factual error, file Form 130-U marked as a correction and include your current title, a valid ID, and the $28 fee. Some errors—such as a wrong VIN—require additional documentation. If the error was made by the DMV, there is no fee for the correction.

If the error was made by the seller or a previous owner (for example, an incorrect odometer reading), you may need a notarized statement from that person explaining the error. Contact the DMV before filing to confirm what documentation they need for your specific correction.

Handling titles with liens or loans

If you have a loan on your vehicle, the lender's name appears on the title as a lienholder. You cannot remove the lienholder's name until the loan is paid off. When you pay off the loan, the lender will send you a lien release or a title with the lien removed. File this document with Form 130-U to update your title to show you as the sole owner.

If you are buying a vehicle with an outstanding loan, the seller's lender will remain on the title until the seller pays off the loan. Do not complete the purchase until the lender confirms the loan will be paid off at closing. The title transfer fee is $28, but adding or removing a lienholder may have additional fees depending on the transaction type.

Where to file and what to expect

You can file Form 130-U at any Texas DMV office, by mail to the address listed on the form, or at a county tax assessor-collector's office (which acts as an agent for the DMV). Filing in person is fastest—you can often complete the transaction in 15 to 30 minutes and receive confirmation on the spot. By mail, processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your application.

Mail your application to the address on Form 130-U. Include your current title, a copy of your valid ID (front and back), the completed form, the odometer statement if required, and a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash. The DMV will mail your new title to the address you provide on the form, usually within 10 business days of approval.

If you need to drive the vehicle before your new title arrives, keep your old title and a copy of your filed application as proof of ownership. Most insurance companies will accept this as temporary proof. If you lose your title before the new one arrives, you can request a duplicate title by filing Form 130-U again and paying the $28 fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the title if the other owner won't sign?

No. Everyone listed on the title must sign the application form. If the other owner refuses, you may need to pursue a legal remedy through a family law attorney or civil court, depending on your situation. The DMV cannot force a co-owner to sign or remove their name without a court order.

What if I bought the car but the seller hasn't signed the title yet?

Contact the seller immediately and ask them to sign the back of the title and provide the odometer statement. If the seller is unresponsive, you can file a police report for theft or fraud and bring that report to the DMV along with your bill of sale. The DMV may issue a title in your name, but this process is slower and more complicated than a standard transfer.

Do I need to register my vehicle at the same time I change the title?

No. Title changes and vehicle registration are separate transactions. You can change the title without registering, but you cannot legally drive the vehicle without current registration. If you are buying a used car, file for both the title transfer and registration within 30 days of purchase.

How much does it cost to change a title in Texas?

The standard title transfer fee is $28. Fees for adding or removing a lienholder, correcting errors, or other specific situations vary. Contact your local DMV office or check the Texas DMV website for the exact fee for your transaction type.

What if I lost my title and need to change it?

File Form 130-U to request a duplicate title, then file another Form 130-U for the change you need (adding a name, correcting an error, etc.). You will pay the fee for each transaction. Alternatively, you can request a duplicate and request the change in a single application if you contact the DMV first to confirm the process.