Texas Motorcycle Title
Lost Motorcycle Title in Texas
How to get a duplicate title, how long it takes, what to do when the previous owner can't sign, and your bonded title options.
Texas duplicate title at a glance
- Form
- Form VTR-34 — Application for a Certified Copy of Title
- Fee
- $2
- Processing time
- 7-10 business days by mail; same-day at county tax office
- Texas DMV
- https://www.txdmv.gov
Three paths when you have no title
Path 1: Duplicate title (recommended)
If the title was issued in your name (or the seller's name you can confirm), apply for a duplicate through the Texas DMV. This is the fastest and cleanest resolution. You will need the VIN, your government-issued ID, and the filing fee ($2). Use Form Form VTR-34.
Path 2: Bonded title
Texas offers a bonded title process for vehicles without a clear ownership record. The bond equals 1.5× the DMV-assessed value. After 3 years the bonded status is removed.
Path 3: Court-ordered title (last resort)
If the DMV won't issue a duplicate and bonded title isn't available, file a petition in your local court (small claims or district/superior depending on value) to establish ownership. A judge can order a title issued after reviewing evidence of purchase and possession. This path takes weeks to months and involves attorney fees.
How to get a duplicate motorcycle title in Texas
Locate the VIN
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is required even when the title is lost. For motorcycles, find it on the dashboard (driver's side, visible through the windshield), on the door jamb, on the engine block, or in your original purchase paperwork.
Complete Form Form VTR-34
Download the Form VTR-34 (Application for a Certified Copy of Title) from the Texas DMV website (https://www.txdmv.gov). You will need to provide the VIN, your name as on the original title, and a government-issued ID.
Submit the application and pay the fee
Submit in person at a Texas DMV or county motor vehicle office (faster) or by mail. Pay the duplicate title fee ($2). If submitting by mail, use certified mail and keep the tracking number.
Receive the duplicate title
Processing time: 7-10 business days by mail; same-day at county tax office. The duplicate title will be mailed to the address on file. Once received, you can sign it to sell the motorcycle.
Complete the sale
Sign the back of the duplicate title, record the odometer and sale price, and issue a bill of sale. The buyer takes the signed title to the DMV to register in their name. File a release of liability the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Can you sell a motorcycle without a title in Texas?
Technically no — in Texas (and every other state), a seller cannot legally transfer ownership without signing over a valid title. However, you have options: (1) get a duplicate title before selling — the fastest and cleanest path; (2) use a bonded title if the vehicle's ownership history is unclear; (3) in rare cases, a court-ordered title. Never accept or offer a bill of sale as a substitute for a title in a standard sale.
How do I get a duplicate title in Texas?
Complete Texas Form Form VTR-34 (Application for a Certified Copy of Title). Submit it to the Texas DMV at https://www.txdmv.gov with your government-issued ID, the VIN, and the filing fee ($2). Processing time: 7-10 business days by mail; same-day at county tax office.
How long does a duplicate title take in Texas?
7-10 business days by mail; same-day at county tax office. Processing is typically faster at a DMV office in person than by mail. If you need it urgently for a pending sale, visit a Texas DMV or county motor vehicle office in person and request expedited processing where available.
What is a bonded title and when do I need one in Texas?
Texas offers a bonded title process for vehicles without a clear ownership record. The bond equals 1.5× the DMV-assessed value. After 3 years the bonded status is removed.
What if the previous owner can't be found to sign the title?
If you purchased a vehicle and the seller never transferred the title, and that seller is now unreachable: (1) request a duplicate title through the Texas DMV using the seller's name; (2) if DMV won't issue it, pursue a bonded title; (3) as a last resort, a court-ordered title through your local court. Each state's small claims or district court can order a title issued when all other paths are exhausted.
Once you have the title, create your bill of sale
State-specific Texas motorcycle bill of sale — odometer disclosure included.
Generate Texas Motorcycle Bill of Sale