Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas Trailer Bill of Sale for Family transfer — Print a Ready-to-Sign Form

Print a trailer bill of sale form for your family transfer in Austin, Texas. Fill in the details online, then print the completed document for both parties to sign.

Print a ready-to-sign form

Print Instructions

Paper Size

US Letter (8.5 × 11 in)

Margins

0.5 in minimum all sides

Ink

Black ink, laser or inkjet

Before You Print

☐Verify the VIN matches the trailer title exactly
☐Confirm buyer and seller names match government-issued IDs
☐Have both parties present at the time of signing
☐Bring a valid photo ID accepted by Texas
☐Print at least two copies — one for each party

Both parties should sign with a ballpoint pen in blue or black ink. Initial any corrections rather than using correction fluid.

Family transfer — What You Need to Know

The vehicle is transferred between immediate family members. Many states offer reduced or waived sales and use tax for qualifying family transfers.

Seller guidance

Identify whether your state's DMV has a specific family transfer exemption form or requires a relationship affidavit. Qualifying relationships vary by state but typically include spouses, parents, children, siblings, and grandparents. Keep the bill of sale simple and clearly state the relationship.

Buyer guidance

Even if no money changes hands, you will owe use tax on fair market value in some states unless you qualify for the family exemption. Bring your relationship documentation (marriage certificate, birth certificate) to the DMV when re-registering. The title transfer process is otherwise the same as a standard sale.

Legal note

Family transfer tax exemptions are defined by individual state statutes. For example: California Vehicle Code § 9102, Texas Tax Code § 152.025, Florida Statute § 319.17. Gift tax rules (IRS Form 709) still apply if the vehicle's value exceeds the annual exclusion. These transactions are not always arm's-length, so document fair market value to prevent future audit issues.

Family transfer checklist

Confirm qualifying family relationship under your state's DMV rules
Obtain the required family transfer exemption form or affidavit
Document fair market value on the bill of sale (for tax records)
Bring relationship proof (marriage certificate, birth certificate) to the DMV
Determine if IRS Form 709 is required if value exceeds the annual gift exclusion

Trailer Safety & Recall Information

Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases

Average Safety Rating

0 / 5

Avg. Price Range

$1,500–$15,000

Odometer Disclosure

Not required

Safety checkpoints for trailer buyers

Inspect hitch coupler and safety chains for wear and proper rating
Check all lighting connections — trailer lights are the #1 reason for roadside stops
Verify axle alignment and tire wear patterns
Test electric or surge brakes if equipped
Confirm breakaway switch and battery function on braked trailers
Verify VIN/serial plate is intact and matches title
Check D-ring tie-down ratings and weld integrity
Inspect ramp gate hinges and locking pins for safe operation

Common recall categories

TiresElectrical (lighting)Axle/SuspensionCouplingBrakes

On average, each trailer model has approximately 1.5 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.

Texas Tax & Fee Summary

State Sales Tax Rate

6.25%

Title Transfer Fee

$33

Private Party Exempt

Flat 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax statewide

Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher

Visit the official Texas DMV website

Local Requirements — Travis County

DMV / Title Office

Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector – Austin

Address

5501 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751

Phone

(512) 274-8000

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

https://www.txdmv.gov

Transfer Fees & Taxes — Austin

Title Transfer Fee

$28.00

Sales Tax Rate

8.25%

Base Registration Fee

$51.75

Texas state rate 6.25% + Austin/Travis County local rate 2.00%

Notarization: NOT REQUIRED

Texas does not require notarization for a private-party vehicle sale. A signed bill of sale and completed Form 130-U are sufficient.

Austin Transfer Checklist

Complete Texas Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U) at the Travis County tax office
Title transfer must be completed within 30 days of sale to avoid a $25 penalty
Seller must provide a signed title and odometer disclosure
Vehicle must pass a Texas safety inspection before registration transfer

County Information — Travis County

County Clerk / Recorder

Travis County Clerk

Phone

(512) 854-9188

Website

https://www.traviscountyclerk.org

Austin Family transfer trailer printable — when to file

Texas requires title transfer within 30 days of the sale date on the bill of sale. For family transfer transactions specifically, file at Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector – Austin (5501 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Texas TX does not require a notarized bill of sale; however, Form 14-317 (Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer) must be notarized. Miss the 30-day window and Texas typically charges a late-transfer penalty plus accrued use tax, and the seller can remain on the title for civil liability until the buyer completes retitling. Bring the signed title, the completed Austin bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $28.00 title transfer fee plus 8.25% sales tax on the purchase price.

Printable reminder. Whether you keep your printable as a printed two-copy paper record, both buyer and seller should leave the signing with an identical executed copy. The buyer needs the original to present at Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector – Austin; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.

Frequently asked questions

What family transfer documents do I need for a trailer sale in Austin, Texas?

For a family transfer trailer transaction in Austin, you need: Confirm qualifying family relationship under your state's DMV rules; Obtain the required family transfer exemption form or affidavit; Document fair market value on the bill of sale (for tax records); Bring relationship proof (marriage certificate, birth certificate) to the DMV; Determine if IRS Form 709 is required if value exceeds the annual gift exclusion.

What is the sales tax on a trailer private sale in Austin, Texas?

The combined sales tax rate in Austin is 8.25%. Texas state rate 6.25% + Austin/Travis County local rate 2.00%

Do I need to notarize a trailer bill of sale in Texas?

No, notarization is not required. Texas does not require notarization for a private-party vehicle sale. A signed bill of sale and completed Form 130-U are sufficient.

What are common recalls for a trailer?

Common recall categories for trailers include: Tires, Electrical (lighting), Axle/Suspension, Coupling, Brakes. On average, each trailer model has approximately 1.5 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov before completing a sale.