Car Title Errors in Texas
How to fix a title error in Texas — name misspellings, VIN corrections, lienholder mistakes, correction fees, and the bonded title process when the ownership chain is broken.
Title Correction Fee in Texas
$28 to $33 title fee depending on county
Common Title Errors
- !Misspelled owner name
- !Incorrect VIN
- !Wrong vehicle year or model
- !Lienholder not listed
- !Missing odometer reading
- !Error in purchase price
How to Fix Each Error Type
Name Error
Texas name corrections require submitting Form 130-U with a government ID showing the correct name and a written explanation of the discrepancy to your county tax assessor-collector.
VIN Error
Texas VIN corrections require a VIN inspection by a Texas DPS-commissioned inspector or law enforcement officer. The VIN inspection form accompanies the corrected title application.
Lienholder Error
Texas lien corrections are handled by the lienholder through TxDMV directly. Vehicle owners should work with the lender to correct any lienholder information errors.
Correction Process in Texas
Texas TxDMV processes title corrections through county tax assessor-collector offices. Submit a corrected title application (Form 130-U) with documentation supporting the correction and a statement explaining the error.
Bonded Title in Texas
Texas offers a bonded title (Surety Bond Title) for vehicles without a valid Texas title. A surety bond equal to 1.5× the vehicle appraised value is required, held for 3 years.
Texas Note
Texas title corrections are processed at county tax assessor-collector offices, not directly at TxDMV. Each county has slightly different processing times — call ahead to confirm document requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I correct a name error on a car title in Texas?
- Texas name corrections require submitting Form 130-U with a government ID showing the correct name and a written explanation of the discrepancy to your county tax assessor-collector.
- How do I fix an incorrect VIN on a car title in Texas?
- Texas VIN corrections require a VIN inspection by a Texas DPS-commissioned inspector or law enforcement officer. The VIN inspection form accompanies the corrected title application.
- What does a title correction cost in Texas?
- Texas title correction fee: $28 to $33 title fee depending on county. Texas TxDMV processes title corrections through county tax assessor-collector offices. Submit a corrected title application (Form 130-U) with documentation supporting the correction and a statement explaining the error.
- What is a bonded title and when do I need one in Texas?
- A bonded title is used when the original title is missing or the ownership chain is broken. Texas offers a bonded title (Surety Bond Title) for vehicles without a valid Texas title. A surety bond equal to 1.5× the vehicle appraised value is required, held for 3 years.
- Can I sell a car with a title error?
- Selling a vehicle with a known title error creates legal risk for both parties. The buyer may be unable to register the vehicle, and you may face liability for the defective title. Correct the error before selling whenever possible. If time is critical, disclose the error in writing on the bill of sale and reduce the price to reflect the clearing cost.
- What are the most common car title errors?
- The most common title errors are: (1) misspelled owner name — especially after marriage/divorce name changes; (2) transposed VIN digits from data entry; (3) wrong vehicle year or model from dealer processing; (4) missing lienholder from financing; (5) odometer disclosure errors from mileage typos. Texas common errors: Misspelled owner name, Incorrect VIN, Wrong vehicle year or model, Lienholder not listed, Missing odometer reading, Error in purchase price.
Title Fixed? Complete the Sale in Texas
A bill of sale documents the corrected title details, sale price, and transfer — protecting both buyer and seller after the title is cleared.
Generate Texas Bill of Sale