Galveston, Texas
Galveston Semi Truck Bill of Sale Requirements
Complete requirements checklist for a semi truck bill of sale in Galveston, Texas (Form 130-U). Includes exact fees, notarization rules, and where to file at the County Tax Assessor-Collector – Galveston.
Fees, notarization rules, and filing addresses on this page are reviewed against 49 CFR Part 580 — Odometer Disclosure Requirements and the County Tax Assessor-Collector – Galveston. Source documents are cross-checked each quarter so Galveston buyers and sellers always see the current Texas semi truck bill of sale standard, not stale third-party summaries.
Title Transfer Fee
$33.00
Sales Tax Rate
7.75%
Notarization
Not Required
Required Fields — Galveston Semi Truck Bill of Sale
All of the following must appear on a valid semi truck bill of sale in Galveston, Texas per Form 130-U:
- ✓Full legal name and current address of seller
- ✓Full legal name and current address of buyer
- ✓Agreed sale price (in numerals and words)
- ✓Date of sale
- ✓Semi Truck year, make, model, and body style
- ✓17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- ✓Signature of seller
- ✓Signature of buyer
Notarization in Galveston: Not Required
Texas does not require notarization for a semi truck bill of sale. Texas does not require notarization for private vehicle bills of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the completed title assignment are sufficient. Both parties simply sign and date the completed form in the presence of each other.
Texas Semi Truck transfer fees and requirements
In Texas, the title transfer fee is $33 and registration costs $50.75 per year. Semi Truck sales are subject to 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on purchase price. Texas does not require notarization for private-party semi truck transfers. Emission testing is required in Texas — verify the semi truck passes before completing the sale.
- Annual safety inspection required; emissions testing in select counties
- Title transfer within 30 days at county tax office
- Form 130-U required for title transfer
- Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) used for tax assessment on private sales
Official Texas bill of sale form
The official Texas bill of sale form is Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Texas requirements and can be used in place of the official form.
Texas sales tax on semi truck purchases
Texas has a 6.25% state sales tax rate. Flat 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax statewide. Private-party semi truck sales in Texas are subject to sales tax. Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher. The title transfer fee is $33.
Semi Truck market data and safety information
The most common semi truck makes in private-party sales are Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Volvo, International. Average private-party semi truck prices range from $20,000–$180,000. Semi trucks average 4.5 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Brakes, Engine/Emissions, Electrical.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used semi truck
Before completing a semi truck bill of sale in Texas, verify these safety items:
- Inspect brake system — air brake components, slack adjusters, and pad condition
- Check DPF/DEF emission system status — deletion is federally illegal and affects value
- Verify DOT inspection history and annual inspection sticker currency
- Test all lighting, reflectors, and conspicuity markings per FMCSA requirements
- Confirm fifth-wheel locking jaw operation and proper grease level
- Verify tractor-trailer ABS warning light cycles correctly
- Test air-pressure build-up time meets FMCSA spec (governor cuts in by 60 PSI in 90 seconds)
- Confirm landing-gear crank operates and pin/clevis are intact
Semi Truck insurance and depreciation in Texas
Commercial truck insurance ranges $5,000–$15,000/year for owner-operators. Authority holders need $750K–$1M liability minimum. Diesel trucks depreciate based on mileage — expect 40–50% loss after 500,000 miles. Glider kits and pre-emission models command premiums. Peak season for private semi truck sales is january–march as trucking companies refresh fleets before peak shipping season, with an average of 35 days on market.
Semi Truck registration and titling
Semi Trucks are classified as "Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) — requires CDL to operate; IRP/IFTA registration for interstate operation" for registration purposes. Class 7 (26,001–33,000 lbs GVWR) and Class 8 (33,001+ lbs GVWR). Over 16,000 lbs GVWR exempts from federal odometer disclosure. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to semi trucks.
Semi Truck title transfer rules
Semi truck title transfer involves commercial vehicle documentation. The buyer typically needs a CDL (Commercial Driver License) to operate the vehicle. IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) and IRP (International Registration Plan) credentials may need to be transferred or established. Semi trucks receive a standard vehicle title with commercial classification. The title lists the GVWR and may indicate a commercial use designation. IRP-registered trucks carry cab cards that do not transfer with the vehicle.
Odometer disclosure for semi truck sales
Semi trucks with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs are exempt from federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR 580.17(a). Since virtually all semi trucks exceed this threshold, odometer disclosure is not required, though documenting mileage on the bill of sale is standard practice.
- Applicable law: 49 CFR 580.17(a) — Odometer exemption; 49 CFR 383 — CDL Requirements; 26 USC 4481 — Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT)
Required disclosures for semi truck sales in Texas
When selling a semi truck in Texas, the following disclosures apply:
- CDL requirement — Class A CDL is required to operate any combination vehicle over 26,001 lbs GCWR.
- DOT inspection and annual inspection status should be documented. The vehicle must pass a current DOT inspection to operate legally.
- Emission system compliance — EPA emission standards (EGR, DPF, DEF/SCR systems) must be intact. Delete modifications are illegal under the Clean Air Act.
Texas bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 10,842 bill of sale documents for Texas transactions, with 292 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
Where to File — Galveston Title Office
Office
County Tax Assessor-Collector – Galveston
Address
Visit https://www.txdmv.gov for the nearest Galveston, TX office
Phone
See state DMV website for local office phone numbers
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Additional requirements in Galveston County:
- Complete a title transfer at your local Texas title office within the required timeframe
- Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher
- Both buyer and seller should retain a signed copy of the bill of sale
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of insurance
What to Bring to the TX DMV
- 1Completed, signed semi truck bill of sale
- 2Semi Truck title signed over by seller on the back
- 3Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- 4Payment for title transfer fee: $33.00
- 5Payment for sales tax (7.75% of sale price)
FAQ — Semi Truck Bill of Sale Requirements in Galveston
- What are the required fields on a semi truck bill of sale in Galveston?
- A valid semi truck bill of sale in Galveston, Texas must include both parties' full legal names and addresses, sale date, agreed sale price, VIN, year, make, model, and signatures of buyer and seller.
- What is the title transfer fee for a semi truck in Galveston?
- The title transfer fee in Galveston County is $33.00. The semi truck sales tax rate is 7.75%. Texas state rate 6.25% + estimated local taxes (verify with your county)
- Is notarization required for a semi truck bill of sale in Galveston?
- No. Texas does not require notarization for private vehicle bills of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the completed title assignment are sufficient.
- Where do I file a semi truck title transfer in Galveston?
- File the title transfer at the County Tax Assessor-Collector – Galveston, Visit https://www.txdmv.gov for the nearest Galveston, TX office. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: See state DMV website for local office phone numbers.