When should I use the estate sale page?
Use this page when your side by side sale in Texas fits a estate sale scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.
Estate sale — Texas
Texas Side by Side bill of sale for estate sale
Complete your Texas side by side bill of sale for a estate sale transaction. Enter buyer and seller details, vehicle information, and generate a signed PDF in minutes.
TexasSide by SideEstate sale
BN
What to know about estate sale sales in Texas
You must establish your legal authority to sell the vehicle. This typically requires Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if there is no will), issued by the probate court. Bring these letters to the DMV — they authorize you to sign as the seller and transfer the title. Some states allow small estate affidavits for low-value vehicles outside of formal probate.
What to include in your bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
- Side by Side make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
- Agreed sale price, payment method, and transaction date.
- Any estate sale-specific disclosures required in Texas.
Seller guidance
You must establish your legal authority to sell the vehicle. This typically requires Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if there is no will), issued by the probate court. Bring these letters to the DMV — they authorize you to sign as the seller and transfer the title. Some states allow small estate affidavits for low-value vehicles outside of formal probate.
Buyer guidance
Verify that the executor or administrator has active, court-issued authority to transfer the vehicle. Request a copy of the Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. Without proper authority, the title transfer can be challenged by other beneficiaries or creditors of the estate.
Texas-Specific Note
Texas allows a small estate affidavit (Texas Estates Code § 205) for estates under $75,000 with no will. For vehicles, use VTR-262 (Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle) to transfer title without probate. The affidavit must be signed by two disinterested witnesses and notarized.
Legal considerations
Texas allows a small estate affidavit (Texas Estates Code § 205) for estates under $75,000 with no will. For vehicles, use VTR-262 (Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle) to transfer title without probate. The affidavit must be signed by two disinterested witnesses and notarized.
Texas Legal Requirements
Texas permits a small estate affidavit when the total estate value is $75,000 or less and the decedent died without a will (or with a will that has not been admitted to probate). Independent administration—where the executor acts without ongoing court supervision—is the most common probate path in Texas and significantly simplifies vehicle transfers from an estate.
Source: TX Estates Code § 205.001
Checklist for this transaction
- 1Obtain Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from the probate court
- 2Confirm the vehicle is listed as an estate asset (title or registration in the decedent's name)
- 3Determine if the estate qualifies for a small estate affidavit to skip formal probate
- 4Obtain an appraisal or fair market value statement (protects executor from beneficiary disputes)
- 5Complete title transfer documents with executor signing in representative capacity
- 6Complete VTR-262 (Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle)
- 7Obtain signatures from two disinterested witnesses
- 8Have the affidavit notarized before filing with the county tax office
Need the printable workflow?
Use the main Texas side by side bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open Texas Side by Side bill of saleFrequently asked questions
Why does the estate sale scenario have its own page?
Different sale scenarios — such as private party, dealer, or gifted transfers — have different documentation requirements. This page focuses on what buyers and sellers need for a estate sale transaction specifically.
What should be included in this bill of sale?
Include the buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers, sale price, date, signatures, and any notes specific to the estate sale transaction.
Create Texas Side by Side Bill of Sale
Free • 3 min • Printable PDF