How to Remove a Name from a Car Title in Texas
Whether you're dealing with a divorce, the death of a co-owner, or a mutual agreement to change ownership, here is exactly how to remove a name from a vehicle title in Texas.
When You Can Remove a Name in Texas
Texas processes name removal as a standard title transfer. The party retaining the vehicle becomes the sole owner through a new title application.
Process by Situation in Texas
Texas honors a final divorce decree that assigns the vehicle to one spouse. The spouse retaining the vehicle submits the decree plus Form 130-U to the county tax-assessor-collector. If the decree is silent on the vehicle, both spouses must agree and sign.
When a Texas co-owner dies, the surviving owner submits the original title plus a certified death certificate and Form 130-U to the county tax office. If the title is "AND," the estate's executor or administrator may need to participate unless survivorship rights are documented.
Both co-owners sign the current title. The departing co-owner is treated as a seller transferring to the remaining owner. Submit Form 130-U at the county tax-assessor-collector office.
Required Documents in Texas
- 1Current Texas title (signed by both parties, or court-ordered by divorce decree)
- 2Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title)
- 3Death certificate (certified copy, if applicable)
- 4Final divorce decree (certified copy, if applicable)
- 5Valid Texas ID
- 6Proof of Texas insurance
When You Need a Court Order in Texas
A court order is needed when a co-owner is uncooperative. Texas courts can issue orders directing the DMV to issue a replacement title. In divorce, the final decree specifying vehicle assignment functions as the legal authority.
Texas divorce-related vehicle transfers qualify for the spousal gift exemption ($10 gift tax vs. 6.25% sales tax) when the divorce decree clearly assigns the vehicle. Bring a certified copy of the divorce decree to the county office to claim this exemption.
Texas Name Removal FAQ
How do I remove an ex-spouse's name from a car title in Texas?
In Texas, Texas honors a final divorce decree that assigns the vehicle to one spouse. The spouse retaining the vehicle submits the decree plus Form 130-U to the county tax-assessor-collector. If the decree is silent on the vehicle, both spouses must agree and sign.
How do I remove a deceased co-owner from a car title in Texas?
When a Texas co-owner dies, the surviving owner submits the original title plus a certified death certificate and Form 130-U to the county tax office. If the title is "AND," the estate's executor or administrator may need to participate unless survivorship rights are documented.
Can I remove a name from a car title by mutual agreement in Texas?
Both co-owners sign the current title. The departing co-owner is treated as a seller transferring to the remaining owner. Submit Form 130-U at the county tax-assessor-collector office.
What documents are needed to remove a name from a car title in Texas?
Required: Current Texas title (signed by both parties, or court-ordered by divorce decree); Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title); Death certificate (certified copy, if applicable); Final divorce decree (certified copy, if applicable); Valid Texas ID; Proof of Texas insurance.
When do I need a court order to remove a name from a car title in Texas?
A court order is needed when a co-owner is uncooperative. Texas courts can issue orders directing the DMV to issue a replacement title. In divorce, the final decree specifying vehicle assignment functions as the legal authority.
How much does it cost to remove a name from a car title in Texas?
$28–$33. Standard Texas title fee applies. If the name removal is pursuant to a divorce, the transaction is treated as a gift between spouses — the $10 gift tax may apply rather than 6.25% sales tax.