What you need to do to transfer a title in Texas

To transfer a car title in Texas, you fill out Form VTR 130-U (Application for Texas Title), provide proof of ownership and identification, pay a transfer fee, and submit everything to your county tax assessor-collector's office. The process takes about two weeks if you mail it in, or same-day if you go in person. You do not need to visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles directly — the tax assessor-collector handles title transfers for your county.

The exact documents and fees depend on whether you are buying a car, inheriting one, receiving it as a gift, or transferring it between spouses. The core requirement is always the same: proof that you own it and proof of who you are.

Key Takeaways

  • You submit your title transfer to your county tax assessor-collector's office, not to the state DMV, and you can do this by mail or in person.
  • Form VTR 130-U is the application you fill out, and you need the current title, your driver's license or ID, and proof of the vehicle's value for tax purposes.
  • Transfer fees in Texas range from about $28 to $50 depending on the vehicle's value, plus a one-time title fee of $20.25.
  • If you are buying the car, you need a bill of sale signed by the seller; if you inherit it, you need a death certificate and proof of heirship.
  • The title arrives by mail within two to three weeks after the tax assessor-collector processes your paperwork.

Documents you need for a standard purchase

If you are buying a used car from a private seller, bring the current title (signed by the seller on the back), a bill of sale, your driver's license or state ID, and proof of the vehicle's value. The bill of sale can be as simple as a handwritten note that includes the seller's name and signature, the buyer's name, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, and the date. Many people use the form provided by the Texas Attorney General's office, but any document with those details works.

The proof of value is usually the bill of sale itself — the tax assessor-collector uses the sale price you report to calculate the transfer tax. If you are buying from a dealer, they typically handle some of this paperwork for you, but you still need to bring your ID and sign the title application.

If the title has a lien on it (meaning the seller still owes money to a bank or lender), the lender must sign off on the transfer. This usually happens at the lender's office before you take the car, but confirm with the seller that the lien will be released before you complete the purchase.

What to do if you inherit a vehicle

Inheriting a car requires different paperwork than buying one. You need the current title, a certified copy of the death certificate, proof of heirship (which shows you are legally may have access to to inherit), your driver's license, and Form VTR 130-U. The proof of heirship can be an affidavit of heirship (a sworn statement) or a court document like a will or probate order.

If the estate is going through probate, the probate court will issue documents that serve as proof of heirship. If there is no probate, you can file an affidavit of heirship with the county clerk, then use that affidavit when you transfer the title. The tax assessor-collector can tell you which form to use — it varies slightly by county.

There is no transfer tax on inherited vehicles in Texas, but you still pay the title fee of $20.25. The process takes the same two to three weeks as a regular transfer.

Transferring a title between spouses

If you are transferring a title between spouses, you need the current title, both spouses' driver's licenses, a marriage certificate, and Form VTR 130-U. This is one of the simplest transfers because there is no sale involved and no transfer tax applies — you only pay the $20.25 title fee.

You can do this transfer in person at the tax assessor-collector's office or by mail. If you mail it, include a copy of the marriage certificate along with the original title and the completed form. The new title arrives within two to three weeks.

Receiving a vehicle as a gift

A gift transfer requires the current title, a gift affidavit (a sworn statement that the vehicle was given as a gift with no money changing hands), your driver's license, and Form VTR 130-U. The person giving the gift signs the affidavit, and you can get the form from the tax assessor-collector's office or download it online.

Even though no money is involved, Texas still charges a transfer tax based on the vehicle's fair market value, not the stated gift value. The tax assessor-collector uses the vehicle's age, make, and model to determine this value. You do not pay tax on the gift itself, but you do pay tax on the transfer. This usually amounts to $15 to $40 depending on the vehicle.

Where to submit your paperwork and fees

You submit everything to your county tax assessor-collector's office. Find the office location and hours on your county's website — each county runs its own office, and hours vary. You can submit in person, by mail, or sometimes online through your county's portal.

The total fee is the transfer tax (which varies by vehicle value, typically $28 to $50) plus the title fee of $20.25. Some counties accept checks, money orders, or credit cards; others accept only certain payment methods. Call ahead or check the website to confirm what your county takes.

If you mail your paperwork, send it to the address listed on your county's tax assessor-collector website. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the new title mailed back to you. Processing by mail takes two to three weeks; in-person processing is usually same-day or next-day.

What happens if the title is lost or damaged

If the current owner lost the title or it is too damaged to sign, you can request a duplicate title from the tax assessor-collector before you transfer it. The seller needs to fill out Form VTR 130-U and pay the $20.25 title fee to get a duplicate. Once they have the duplicate, they can sign it over to you and you proceed with the normal transfer process.

If the seller cannot locate the title and does not want to pay for a duplicate, you can still transfer the vehicle, but the process is more complicated. You will need to file an affidavit stating that the title is missing, and the tax assessor-collector may require additional proof of ownership. Ask your county office what documents they need in this situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get the new title after I submit the paperwork?

If you submit in person, the tax assessor-collector usually processes it same-day or the next business day, and the title arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you mail your paperwork in, add five to seven days for it to reach the office, so expect the new title within three to four weeks total.

Do I need to get the car inspected before I transfer the title?

No. A title transfer does not require an inspection. You only need an inspection if you are registering the vehicle for the first time in Texas or if your registration has expired. The title transfer and registration are separate processes.

What if the seller and I disagree on the sale price for the bill of sale?

The bill of sale should show the actual price you paid. The tax assessor-collector uses this price to calculate the transfer tax. If you report a lower price than what you actually paid, you are underreporting the tax, which is not allowed. Report the true sale price on the bill of sale.

Can I transfer a title if the car has an outstanding loan against it?

The lender must release the lien before the title can be transferred to you. This usually happens at the lender's office as part of the sale closing. The seller's lender will not release the lien until they are paid off. Confirm with the seller that the lien will be cleared before you complete the purchase.

What if I buy a car from out of state and want to transfer the title to Texas?

You need the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, your driver's license, and Form VTR 130-U. Submit these to your county tax assessor-collector just as you would for an in-state purchase. Texas will issue a new title in your name. If the out-of-state title is not available, ask the tax assessor-collector what alternative documents they will accept.