How to Sell a Car in Texas (Private Party)
Texas requires a signed title with odometer reading and a completed Form 130-U. No notarization is required for most private sales, but the buyer must transfer the title within 30 days.
Required Documents
- Texas Certificate of Title — signed on the back by the seller, including odometer disclosure
- Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title) — completed by the buyer at the county tax office
- Bill of sale — not legally required but strongly recommended to protect the seller
- Valid government-issued ID for both parties
Title Transfer Process
- Seller signs the back of the title, including the odometer reading and sale price
- Buyer submits Form 130-U at any Texas county tax assessor-collector office within 30 days
- Texas Transportation Code § 501.0721 imposes a $25 penalty per month (up to $250) for late transfers
- Seller should notify TX DMV of the sale online at txdmv.gov to remove liability
Taxes and Fees
- 6.25% motor vehicle sales and use tax on the sale price (or standard presumptive value, whichever is higher)
- $28–$33 title application fee depending on the county
- No city or county sales tax added on top of the state rate
- Gifts between family members may qualify for a $10 gift tax instead — Form 14-317 required
Timeline
- Buyer must transfer title within 30 days of purchase
- Registration can be completed at the same time as the title transfer
- Processing at the tax office is typically same-day
Seller Tips
- Remove your license plates — in Texas plates stay with the seller, not the car
- Cancel your insurance after the sale date, not before
- Use txdmv.gov to submit a Vehicle Transfer Notification within 30 days of the sale
- Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for at least two years
How to create a bill of sale
- Sign the back of the Texas title, completing the odometer disclosure and sale price fields.
- Complete a bill of sale with buyer name, seller name, VIN, sale price, and sale date.
- Hand the signed title and bill of sale to the buyer at the time of sale.
- Submit a Vehicle Transfer Notification at txdmv.gov within 30 days of the sale.
- Remove your license plates — they belong to you, not the vehicle.
- Cancel or transfer your insurance after confirming the sale is complete.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Texas?
Texas does not legally require a bill of sale for private sales, but it is strongly recommended. It proves the sale date and price, which protects you if the buyer is involved in a violation before transferring the title.
How long does title transfer take in Texas?
The buyer has 30 days to transfer the title. Processing at the county tax assessor office is typically completed same-day. Late transfers incur a $25/month penalty up to $250 under Texas Transportation Code § 501.0721.
Do I need to notarize a bill of sale in Texas?
No. Texas does not require notarization for a private party vehicle bill of sale or title assignment.
What is Form 130-U in Texas?
Form 130-U is the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration. The buyer completes it and submits it at the county tax assessor-collector office along with the signed title.
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