BillOfSaleNow

Window Sticker (Monroney) Rules in Texas

The Monroney sticker is federally required on every new vehicle. Texas adds state-level enforcement. Here's what's required, what's illegal, and how to recover a copy by VIN.

Quick Reference

Federal RequirementYes — Federal Monroney Act applies in all 50 states
When RequiredOn all new vehicles until first retail sale
Removal Legal?ILLEGAL — federal misdemeanor under Monroney Act
Get a CopyManufacturer VIN lookup tools (free)

Federal Requirement (All States)

Yes — Federal Monroney Act applies in all 50 states

Texas follows federal law. TX DTPA adds state-level enforcement for sticker accuracy disclosures.

When the Sticker Is Required

On all new vehicles until first retail sale

Federal rule applies. Texas TxDMV enforces removal violations through dealer license actions.

What the Sticker Must Contain

MSRP, options + pricing, fuel economy, origin, destination charge, safety ratings

Standard federal Monroney content. Texas adds no additional state requirements.

Sticker Removal: Illegal

ILLEGAL — federal misdemeanor under Monroney Act

Federal violation. Texas DTPA adds treble damages for deceptive dealer practices.

Texas Consumer Protection

Texas DTPA + federal Monroney Act

TX DTPA gives treble damages for misrepresented or undisclosed pricing. If "market adjustment" was hidden, DTPA applies.

How to Get a Monroney Copy by VIN

Manufacturer VIN lookup tools (free)

Most manufacturers offer free Monroney recreation by VIN. Useful for used car shopping.

Texas Standout Tip

Texas DTPA gives treble damages for Monroney violations. Above-MSRP "market adjustment" charges must be separately itemized and disclosed. Hidden ones violate DTPA.

Texas-Specific Facts for Window Sticker Monroney

Texas Vehicle transfer fees and requirements

In Texas, the title transfer fee is $33 and registration costs $50.75 per year. Vehicle sales are subject to 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on purchase price. Texas does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in Texas — verify the vehicle 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 vehicle purchases

Texas has a 6.25% state sales tax rate. Flat 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax statewide. Private-party vehicle 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.

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.

More Texas Vehicle Guides

Each guide is written specifically for Texas laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Monroney window sticker required in Texas?

Yes — Federal Monroney Act applies in all 50 states. Texas follows federal law. TX DTPA adds state-level enforcement for sticker accuracy disclosures.

What's on the Monroney sticker in Texas?

MSRP, options + pricing, fuel economy, origin, destination charge, safety ratings. Standard federal Monroney content. Texas adds no additional state requirements.

Can a dealer remove the Monroney sticker in Texas?

ILLEGAL — federal misdemeanor under Monroney Act. Federal violation. Texas DTPA adds treble damages for deceptive dealer practices.

How do I get a Monroney sticker copy by VIN in Texas?

Manufacturer VIN lookup tools (free). Most manufacturers offer free Monroney recreation by VIN. Useful for used car shopping.

What protections do I have if the dealer violated Monroney in Texas?

Texas DTPA + federal Monroney Act. TX DTPA gives treble damages for misrepresented or undisclosed pricing. If "market adjustment" was hidden, DTPA applies.

Selling a New Vehicle Privately?

If you're selling a new or near-new vehicle, the Monroney sticker (or its VIN-recreation) + a Texas bill of sale gives the buyer maximum confidence in the transaction.

Generate Bill of Sale

Source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Trusted by private vehicle sellers nationwide

45% faster sale

Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.

Source: Experian / AutoCheck

$4,000 avg loss

NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.

Source: NHTSA

17.5M private sales/yr

About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.

Source: Cox Automotive 2024

1 in 3 buyers

Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.

Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)

$60–$85 mobile notary

Mobile notary visit minimums run $60–$85 — higher on weekends, plus per-mile travel fees. State-formatted documents skip the trip.

Source: Thumbtack / NNA