Transferring a car title in Texas requires specific documents, fees, and a visit to your county tax assessor-collector's office. The core of the process is completing the required paperwork, primarily the Title Application (Form 130-U) and the vehicle's Certificate of Title, which must be properly assigned by the seller.
You'll need the signed title from the seller, a valid form of identification, proof of current auto liability insurance that meets Texas minimums, and a passing vehicle inspection certificate (if applicable). The seller is responsible for providing a signed title and a completed Vehicle Transfer Notification to release their liability. The buyer must then submit these documents, along with payment for the title transfer fee, new registration fee, and state sales tax, to the county office.
| Required Document/Item | Purpose/Details | Typical Fee (Approximate) |
|---|
| Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title) | Official application for the new title; must be signed by the buyer. | $28 - $33 (varies by county) |
| Assigned Certificate of Title | Must be signed by the seller(s) exactly as printed on the front; includes odometer reading. | N/A |
| Proof of Insurance | Must be a valid Texas auto liability insurance policy. | N/A |
| Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Verification | May be required; often done via a passing vehicle inspection. | $7.00 (Inspection Fee) |
| Proof of Identity (e.g., Driver's License) | To verify the buyer's identity. | N/A |
| Sales Tax | 6.25% of the vehicle's standard presumptive value (SPV). | 6.25% of SPV |
| Registration Fee | Fee for the new registration sticker and license plates. | $50.75 (standard passenger vehicle) |
| Vehicle Transfer Notification (Form VTR-346) | Submitted by the seller online or by mail to notify TxDOT of the sale. | No Fee |
It's highly recommended to handle the title transfer at the county office together to ensure all steps are completed correctly and to avoid potential issues like title jumping. If there's a lien on the vehicle, the lienholder must be paid off and provide the title before the transfer can proceed. For transactions between family members, a gift affidavit may be used to potentially reduce the tax liability.
