Yes, you can title a car in Texas without a driver's license. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) separates vehicle ownership (titling) from the legal right to operate it on public roads (registration and licensing). Your driver's license status does not legally prevent you from establishing ownership.
The key requirement is providing acceptable proof of identity. While a driver's license is the most common form of ID, the TxDMV accepts alternatives. You can use a state-issued identification card, a passport, or a military ID. The critical document for the titling process is the Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U). This form must be completed and submitted along with the vehicle’s title (properly assigned to you), proof of insurance if you plan to register it simultaneously, and payment for the applicable fees.
However, a crucial distinction must be made: while you can obtain the title, you cannot legally register the vehicle for on-road use without the mandatory auto insurance, which typically requires a licensed driver to be listed on the policy. If you are titling a car that you do not intend to drive—for instance, as an investment, for a family member, or as a project car—this is a straightforward process.
If the vehicle was purchased from a private party and the title is missing, the process becomes more complex and may require a bonded title procedure. In summary, proving your identity is the hurdle, not your driving credentials. For the smoothest experience, bring your alternative photo ID, the completed Form 130-U, the assigned title, and any other supporting paperwork to your county tax assessor-collector’s office.
