Selling an Inherited Vehicle in Texas

How to get title to an inherited car in Texas, whether probate is required, small estate affidavit shortcuts, and the sales tax exemption for inherited vehicles.

How to Transfer an Inherited Vehicle Title

1. 1

   Locate the title

   Search the deceased's records, safe-deposit box, and glove compartment. If lost, apply for a duplicate title using the estate documents.

2. 2

   Determine the probate path

   Texas allows muniment of title (a simplified probate form) for transferring vehicles when the only estate issue is title to property. Full probate is also available but often unnecessary for vehicles alone.

3. 3

   Gather required documents

   Death certificate (certified copy), will or letters testamentary (if probate), small estate affidavit (if under threshold), and any state-specific forms from the DMV.

4. 4

   Transfer title at DMV

   Submit Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title) with the original title, death certificate, and Small Estate Affidavit or letters testamentary to your county tax assessor-collector.

5. 5

   Sell with proper documentation

   Once titled in your name (or the estate's name), complete a standard bill of sale documenting the sale price, odometer, and seller information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to go through probate to transfer an inherited vehicle in Texas?

Texas allows muniment of title (a simplified probate form) for transferring vehicles when the only estate issue is title to property. Full probate is also available but often unnecessary for vehicles alone.

What is the small estate threshold in Texas?

Texas small estate threshold: $75,000 gross estate (excluding homestead and exempt property). Texas Small Estate Affidavit (Texas Estates Code § 205.001) allows heirs to transfer vehicles without full probate when estate value is under threshold. Submit to TxDMV with death certificate and signed title.

Is a surviving spouse exempt from probate for a vehicle in Texas?

Texas surviving spouses may transfer community property vehicles using a Community Property Survivorship Agreement or through the simplified muniment of title process.

Is an inherited vehicle exempt from sales tax in Texas?

Yes. Texas exempts vehicles transferred through inheritance or bequest from motor vehicle sales tax. Document the transfer reason as "Inheritance" on Form 130-U.

How do I get a title for an inherited vehicle in Texas?

Submit Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title) with the original title, death certificate, and Small Estate Affidavit or letters testamentary to your county tax assessor-collector.

What if the title is lost or the vehicle was never titled?

If the title is missing, apply for a duplicate title through the DMV using the death certificate and estate documents to prove ownership standing. If the vehicle was never titled (very old or certain off-road vehicles), the estate documents and a bill of sale from the deceased's records may be sufficient — check with your state DMV for untitled vehicle transfer procedures.