Texas Vehicle Titles and Title Transfers in 2026

The 30-day rule

The TxDMV's buying or selling page requires a vehicle to be titled in the buyer's name within 30 days of the date of sale, and warns that an untransferred title can leave the seller liable for tickets, toll violations and crimes committed with the vehicle; its advice to a seller is to accompany the buyer to the county tax office so that the application is filed, and to a buyer to have the seller come along so the office can confirm the title is correct and free of salvage or legal issues before the application is submitted. A dealer files the application for the buyer and is not required to title a trade-in in its own name, which is why a seller files a vehicle transfer notification (the selling guide). Effective July 1, 2025 temporary tags gave way to metal plates under House Bill 718.

The documents and the fees

At the county tax office the buyer presents the title signed by the seller with the date of sale and the odometer reading, the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) with the sales price clearly shown (the seller's signature is not required on the application, which may be a copy), evidence that any loan is paid with an original release of lien, any power of attorney, a current driver license or government-issued photo ID, proof of current liability insurance (or an application for title only without it), proof of a current emissions inspection in the 17 emissions counties or a commercial inspection for a commercial vehicle, and the Vehicle Inspection Report when the inspection is not in the state database. The TxDMV's instructions for Form 130-U (VTR-130-UIF) and its vehicle color chart go with the form. The fees: the title application fee of $28 or $33 by county, registration and local fees, and the 6.25 percent motor vehicle sales tax on the purchase price or the standard presumptive value, whichever is higher; the TxDMV says to ask the county for the exact sales tax and the accepted forms of payment.

Processing time and corrections

The TxDMV asks for a minimum of 20 business days to process a title application; when a lien is recorded the lienholder receives the title, and after 30 business days without a title the TxDMV asks to be contacted at 1 (888) 368-4689 or (512) 465-3000. A misspelled name is corrected through the county tax office, free when the department or the county erred and with a new application and fee when the title followed the information on the application. The TxDMV collects vehicle color on the application from its color chart.

Adding and removing a lien

Under the TxDMV's lien page, adding a lien takes the vehicle title and Form 130-U at the county tax office, with the title fee of $28 or $33; an additional lienholder takes an Additional Lien Statement (VTR-267) as well. After a loan is paid the lienholder has 10 days after receiving payment to release the lien: on a paper title it mails the title to the owner, and on an electronic title it notifies the owner and the TxDMV, whose record converts automatically to a paper title mailed to the owner or a third party. Removing a lien from a paper title takes the title, the release of lien letter from each lienholder, and Form 130-U at the county office. The lien guide has the forms.

Gifts, divorces and deaths

A vehicle given to a relative or a qualifying 501(c)(3) organization is titled with the signed negotiable title, Form 130-U and the Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer (Comptroller form 14-317) signed by donor and recipient, submitted in person by either; a $10 gift tax applies to a spouse, parent or stepparent, grandparent or grandchild, child or stepchild, sibling, guardian, a decedent's estate or a 501(c)(3). A vehicle awarded in a divorce is titled with a certified copy of the decree, or with a properly assigned title when the decree does not award it. When an owner dies, the estate's executor or administrator transfers it with letters testamentary or of administration, and without probate the heirs use an Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle (VTR-262) with notarized signatures. The gift, inheritance and divorce guide sets out each case.

Title brands

A Texas title can carry a brand that follows the vehicle: salvage, rebuilt salvage, junk, flood damage, not actual mileage, exceeds mechanical limits, manufacturer buyback, gray market, custom or replica, and a state-assigned VIN, each defined on the TxDMV's title check page. A letter from the TxDMV about a brand applied by another state can be answered with a written statement from that state on its letterhead, mailed with the Texas title and a request to the Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, PO Box 26420, Austin, Texas 78755-0420. The salvage and title brands guide explains each brand and the rebuilt vehicle process.

When a title is denied

The TxDMV's title litigation page names two exclusive remedies for someone aggrieved by its refusal, rescission, cancellation, suspension or revocation of a title: a hearing with the county tax assessor-collector in the person's county under Transportation Code Section 501.052, with an appeal to the county or district court, and a bonded title under Section 501.053 when the vehicle is in the applicant's possession and free of liens, or every lien is at least 10 years old, or releases are provided. The TxDMV says it should not be named as a party in lawsuits between private parties over ownership or liens, will oppose suits that try to direct it, and will not accept title orders from justice of the peace or municipal courts except in law enforcement or lien enforcement cases. A party to such a lawsuit may ask VTR_TitleLitigation@txdmv.gov for a 10-day hold on title applications for the vehicle, extended with a file-stamped pleading, and may learn who applied for a bonded title with form VTR-275. The buying guide covers the bonded title process itself.

Questions about Texas titles

How long do I have to transfer a title?

Thirty days from the date of sale, or delinquent transfer penalties apply; the TxDMV says failing to transfer can leave the seller responsible for tickets, tolls and even crimes committed with the vehicle, so it advises both parties to go to the county tax office together.

What does the buyer give the county?

The title properly signed by the seller with the date of sale and odometer reading, the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) signed with the sales price shown, any release of lien or power of attorney, proof of insurance, a photo ID, the Vehicle Inspection Report when no inspection record is on file, and the fees and sales tax.

When does the title arrive?

The TxDMV asks for a minimum of 20 business days of processing; with a lien on the vehicle the lienholder receives it. After 30 business days the TxDMV says to contact it.

My name is misspelled on the new title.

Contact the county tax office. If the department or the county made the error it is corrected at no charge; if the title was issued from the information on the application, the owner or lienholder submits a new application and fee.

What does a transfer cost?

The title application fee of $28 or $33 depending on the county, the registration and local fees, and the motor vehicle sales tax of 6.25 percent of the purchase price or the standard presumptive value, whichever is higher, which the county estimates; the TxDMV's home page has the SPV calculator. A gift between eligible relatives carries a $10 gift tax instead.

Can a court order the TxDMV to issue a title?

Not as a substitute for the law's remedies, in the TxDMV's statement: a denied applicant files for a bonded title under Transportation Code 501.053 or requests a hearing with the county tax assessor-collector under 501.052, and the TxDMV says it should not be named in lawsuits between private parties over ownership. Justice of the peace and municipal courts cannot issue title orders except in law enforcement or lien cases.