Texas title transfer costs break down into a registration fee, a title fee, and sometimes a county fee
A title transfer in Texas costs between $28 and $90 depending on the vehicle type and whether you're transferring it to yourself, selling it, or inheriting it. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles charges a flat title fee of $28 for most passenger vehicles. On top of that, you pay a registration fee that varies by vehicle weight — typically $50.75 for standard cars. Some counties add a local fee of up to $10. If the vehicle is financed, your lender may charge a fee to release or record the lien, though this is separate from the state fee.
The fastest way to transfer a title is in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office, where you can complete it the same day. You can also mail documents to the tax assessor-collector, though processing takes 7 to 10 business days. Texas does not allow online title transfers through the DMV website.
Key Takeaways
- Texas charges a $28 title fee plus a registration fee (usually $50.75) for most passenger vehicles, with some counties adding up to $10 more.
- You must transfer a title in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office or by mail; the state does not process transfers online.
- You need the signed title certificate, proof of insurance, and identification; if the seller is not present, you need a power of attorney or bill of sale.
- Transfers typically take one day in person or 7 to 10 business days by mail.
- If you inherit a vehicle or buy from a private seller, the fee structure is the same, but the required documents differ.
What documents you need to bring
The signed title certificate is the foundation of any transfer. The seller must sign the back of the certificate in front of a notary or at the tax assessor-collector's office. If you are buying from a private seller and they are not present, you need a power of attorney document signed by the seller, or a bill of sale that shows the sale price and date.
You also need proof of insurance — your insurance company can issue a declaration page that shows your policy number and coverage dates. Bring your driver's license or state ID. If you are transferring a title into a business name or trust, bring documentation of that entity's legal formation.
If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or finance company owns it until you pay off the loan), the lienholder's name appears on the title. You cannot transfer the title until the lien is released. The lender will send you a lien release document once the loan is paid off, or they may release it electronically to the tax assessor-collector directly.
Differences in cost by vehicle type
Passenger cars and light trucks under 6,000 pounds pay the standard $28 title fee plus $50.75 registration. Heavier vehicles — trucks over 6,000 pounds, commercial vehicles, or trailers — pay higher registration fees based on weight. A truck weighing 8,000 pounds might pay $75 or more in registration fees. Motorcycles pay a lower registration fee of around $40, bringing the total closer to $68.
Vehicles titled in someone's name for the first time (new to Texas) pay the same fees as a transfer. Inherited vehicles pay the same title and registration fees, but you may not need to pay sales tax if you inherit rather than buy. Check with your county tax assessor-collector about inheritance documentation.
Where to go and how long it takes
Your county tax assessor-collector's office is the only place to transfer a title in Texas. Find the office location and hours on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website by searching for your county. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some close for lunch.
In person, you can usually complete a transfer in 15 to 30 minutes if all documents are in order. You walk out with a receipt and a temporary registration. The permanent title certificate arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you mail your documents, the tax assessor-collector processes them in the same timeframe and mails back the new title and registration.
If documents are missing or incomplete, the office will contact you and hold the application. This can add 2 to 4 weeks to the process. Bring everything listed above the first time to avoid a second trip.
Transfers when the seller is not present
If you are buying a vehicle and the seller cannot come to the tax assessor-collector's office with you, the seller must sign the back of the title and have it notarized, or sign a power of attorney form that authorizes you to transfer the title on their behalf. A notary can be found at most banks, UPS stores, or online notary services. Notarization costs $5 to $15 depending on the provider.
Alternatively, the seller can sign a bill of sale that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and both signatures. The bill of sale does not replace the signed title, but it documents the transaction and can help if there is a dispute about who owns the vehicle. The tax assessor-collector will accept either a notarized title or a bill of sale plus a signed title.
Transferring a title between family members
Transferring a title to a spouse, parent, or child costs the same as any other transfer — $28 title fee plus registration. You still need the signed title certificate and proof of insurance. Some people mistakenly believe family transfers are free or have lower fees; they do not in Texas.
If you are gifting a vehicle to a family member, you may not owe sales tax on the transfer, depending on your relationship and the county. Ask the tax assessor-collector whether a gift affidavit or other document can reduce or eliminate sales tax. Even if sales tax does not apply, the title and registration fees still do.
What happens if the title is lost or damaged
If the title certificate is lost, torn, or illegible, you can request a duplicate from the tax assessor-collector. A duplicate title costs $28 — the same as a transfer. You need your driver's license and proof of ownership (such as a registration card or insurance document). The duplicate arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If the title is in someone else's name and you cannot locate them, you may need to go through a court process to establish ownership. This is rare but can happen in inheritance disputes or when a vehicle is abandoned. Contact a Texas attorney or your county tax assessor-collector for guidance on this situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay sales tax on top of the title and registration fees?
Sales tax is separate from title and registration fees. You pay sales tax on the purchase price of the vehicle (usually 8.25% in Texas, though it varies by county), and you pay the title and registration fees to the state. If you inherit a vehicle or receive it as a gift, you may not owe sales tax, but you still pay the title and registration fees.
Can I transfer a title online through the Texas DMV website?
No. Texas does not offer online title transfers. You must visit your county tax assessor-collector's office in person or mail your documents. The tax assessor-collector's office is the only place that can process a title transfer.
What if I buy a car from a dealership instead of a private seller?
The dealership handles the title transfer for you as part of the sale. You still pay the $28 title fee and registration fee, but the dealership submits the paperwork to the tax assessor-collector on your behalf. You receive the title and registration by mail. Some dealerships charge a documentation or processing fee on top of the state fees.
How long does it take to get the new title in the mail?
The new title arrives 7 to 10 business days after the tax assessor-collector processes your transfer. You receive a temporary registration receipt at the time of transfer (in person) or with your mailed documents. You can drive the vehicle legally using the temporary receipt while you wait for the permanent title.
What if the vehicle has a lien and I want to transfer it?
You cannot transfer a title while a lien is active. The lender must release the lien first. Once the loan is paid off, the lender sends a lien release document or releases it electronically. Bring the lien release to the tax assessor-collector along with your other documents. The title will then transfer into your name free and clear.