How to Transfer a Car Title in Texas
Step-by-step guide to completing a car title transfer in Texas — required documents, fees, deadlines, and what to do if the title has a lien or is lost.
| Requirement | Texas Rule |
|---|---|
| Transfer Deadline | 30 days from sale date |
| Title Fee | $33 |
| Notarization Required | ✗ No |
| Odometer Disclosure | ✓ Required |
| Online Transfer | ✗ In-person required |
| Agency | Texas DMV / County Tax Assessor |
Texas Note
Texas requires a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) before title transfer for most vehicles.
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process
- 1
Gather required documents
Collect the signed vehicle title, a completed bill of sale, odometer disclosure statement, valid photo ID, and proof of insurance. Texas requires the buyer and seller both have valid identification at the time of transfer.
- 2
Seller signs and releases the title
The seller must sign the back of the title in the exact name shown on the front. Fill in the odometer reading, sale price, and date of sale. If a lien is listed, the lender must sign the release section first: Financed vehicles use the ELT system; lender must release title electronically before transfer.
- 3
Buyer completes the title assignment
The buyer fills in their full legal name, address, and purchase price on the title assignment section. Do not leave any fields blank — incomplete titles are rejected by Texas DMV / County Tax Assessor.
- 4
Visit Texas DMV / County Tax Assessor
Both buyer and seller visit Texas DMV / County Tax Assessor with all documents. Pay the $33 title fee. $33 title application fee; 6.25% motor vehicle sales and use tax separate.
- 5
Receive new title
Texas will issue a new title in the buyer's name. Complete the transfer within 30 days of the sale date.
Transferring a Title With a Lien
You cannot transfer a title with an active lien without the lender's involvement.
Financed vehicles use the ELT system; lender must release title electronically before transfer.
Steps: (1) Contact your lender and request a payoff quote. (2) Pay off the loan. (3) Obtain a lien release document or wait for the ELT system to clear. (4) Proceed with the normal title transfer process.
Required Documents
- ✓Original vehicle title, signed by the seller on the back
- ✓Bill of sale (signed by both parties, includes sale price and date)
- ✓Odometer disclosure statement
- ✓Valid government-issued photo ID (both buyer and seller)
- ✓Proof of insurance (buyer)
- ✓Lien release document (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I have to transfer a car title in Texas?
- Texas requires the title transfer to be completed within 30 days of the sale date. Late transfers may result in penalty fees.
- How much does a car title transfer cost in Texas?
- The base title transfer fee in Texas is $33. $33 title application fee; 6.25% motor vehicle sales and use tax separate. Additional fees such as registration and sales tax are paid separately.
- Does Texas require notarization for a car title transfer?
- No, Texas does not require notarization for a standard private-party title transfer. Texas does not require notarization but the seller must sign before a licensed inspector.
- What if the car has a lien on the title?
- If a lien is listed on the title, the lienholder must release the lien before the title can be transferred. Financed vehicles use the ELT system; lender must release title electronically before transfer. Contact your lender to initiate a payoff and lien release.
- Can I transfer a car title online?
- Texas does not currently offer fully online title transfers. Texas title transfers must be completed in person at a county tax-assessor-collector office.
- What documents are needed to transfer a car title?
- You will need: (1) the original signed vehicle title, (2) a bill of sale showing sale price and date, (3) completed odometer disclosure, (4) valid photo ID for both parties, and (5) proof of insurance. Texas requires a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) before title transfer for most vehicles.
Need a Bill of Sale for Texas?
A signed bill of sale is required alongside the title for private-party vehicle transfers in Texas.
Generate Texas Bill of Sale