Texas DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In Texas

Having a valid car title is an important part of driving legally in the state of Texas. You need your title to register your vehicle in Texas, and it’s the easiest way to prove you own your vehicle.

This is why you need to transfer the title when you buy or sell a car. Here is everything you need to know about transferring a car title in Texas.

To transfer a car title in Texas, the seller will first need to provide the buyer with a signed title and a completed Application for Texas Title. The buyer may also need a release of lien if there is a loan against the vehicle that has not been fully paid off.

Once the buyer has all the title transfer requirements, they can bring the signed title, application, and title transfer fee to their local county tax office. At this point, ownership will be transferred to the buyer.

What Do You Need To Transfer A Car Title In Texas?

In Texas, there are only three things you need to transfer a car title: the required fee, a signed title, and an Application for Texas Title.

The only exception to this is if you’re buying a vehicle that hasn’t been fully paid off; in this case, you will also need a release of lien. You can bring all of these items to your local county tax office to transfer a car title.

How Much Does It Cost To Transfer A Car Title?

Title transfer fees can vary quite a bit in Texas depending on where you live. The title application fee will either be $28 or $33.

However, there may also be a vehicle inspection fee, insurance verification fee, automation fee, and other local and county fees. So how much is a title transfer? The best way to find out is to contact your county tax office.

How To Fill Out Transfer Of Title Form

Filling out a DMV title transfer form in Texas is a simple process. You will need to provide information about your vehicle including VIN, license plate number, and year.

You will also need to provide some information about yourself, such as your name and address.

Requesting A Duplicate Title

If you lose a title or your title is damaged, you will need to apply for a duplicate title. To do this, you will need to fill out an Application for a Certified Copy of Certificate of Title, pay the title fee, and provide a copy of your driver’s license.

The fee is $2 when you apply via mail and $5.45 when you apply in person at the county tax office.

How To Transfer A Car Title When Owner Is Deceased

The process for transferring a car title when the owner is deceased depends on the type of estate they leave behind. You should contact your local county tax office for more information.

However, if you survive your spouse but they never created a will, you will need to fill out an Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle.

How To Transfer Ownership Of A Car Without A Title

When the seller doesn’t have a current car title at the time of the sale, they will need to get a duplicate before selling the vehicle to you.

They can sign this duplicate title and you can use it to transfer the title at a county tax office.

How To Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member

The process for transferring a car title to a family member is mostly standard, but there are some differences when transferring to a family member.

If you gifted your car to a family member, they won’t need to provide proof that they paid the sales tax.

Additionally, you will be able to visit the county tax office with them to make the process a bit easier.

My Car Title Was Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

Not everybody has your best interests at heart. Sometimes you will sell a vehicle but the buyer will never complete the title transfer. Then when they rack up traffic tickets, you may be held responsible since the vehicle is still in your name.

If you sell a vehicle and your title doesn’t transfer, explain the situation to your local county tax office. It’s important to sort the situation out as soon as possible so you aren’t held responsible for actions that weren’t yours.

Texas DMV Hours And Contact Information

For more information on questions specific to your title transfer scenario, clarification on the title transfer process in the state of Texas, or for TX DMV hours and to find the DMV location nearest to you, visit the official Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website by clicking here.

Common Questions About Texas Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of Texas.