Transferring Texas Car Titles

Understanding Texas Car Titles

Texas car titles are legal documents used to prove the ownership of a vehicle. When purchasing a vehicle outright from a dealership, state law requires the dealer to title and register the car under your name. The car, SUV, or truck title contains pivotal information about the vehicle, such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the manufacturer year, make and model, and the current owner.

It’s impossible to sell your car without a title in your name since you won’t have proof that you’re the legal owner of the vehicle.

Suppose this is your first time purchasing a car in Texas. If you get a vehicle from a dealership, they typically manage the titling and registering process with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of the sale. After the dealer sends the necessary documents, the DMV will process your paperwork and send you a new title by mail to your address. However, if you buy a car from a private seller, you must handle the titling and registering process independently by visiting your local county tax office or other applicable government agency with the seller.

Understanding the ins and outs of the Texas car title system can be highly beneficial if you need to replace a lost / damaged title or transfer ownership of a vehicle.

Does Texas Issue Titles for Cars?

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles issues vehicle titles through the county tax-assessor collector offices, and in some cases, the regional service centers. When titling and registering your new car, county tax-assessor collector offices can handle those services on behalf of the DMV. There are 16 regional service centers across the state that deal with specific services, such as replacement titles, bonded title rejection letters, vehicle transfer notifications, and title history inquiries.

While most vehicle registration and titling services are conducted in person, know that depending on your county, you can complete some services online from the comfort of your home. If you need help with an issue regarding your car title, you can always contact a DMV representative over the phone or send them a message through an email.

What is Needed to Transfer a Car Title in Texas?

Buying or selling a car privately may not be the most ideal option for some individuals because the buyers and sellers must deal with the vehicle title transfer process themselves. However, if you have a good opportunity to buy or sell a car, you will need to bring the following items to the county tax office, regardless of which side you’re on during the transaction:

• The Vehicle Title
• A Completed Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U)
• Proof of Car Insurance
• Valid, Government-Issued Photo ID Card
• Proof of Inspection if There Aren’t Any Currently on the Record of the Vehicle

Be aware that the DMV may request other documents if you purchased the car out of state. If you bought a vehicle from a seller who kept the license plates, you can request a Vehicle Transit Permit to legally drive your car to your house or your nearest county tax office.

How Can I Transfer a Car Title in Texas?

Regardless of whether you’re buying or selling a vehicle, make sure to follow the necessary steps to ensure a smooth Texas car title transfer process. When purchasing a vehicle from a private seller, the car title is required to be in the new owner’s name within 30 days of the date of the initial transaction. It’s important to plan accordingly!

The buyer and the seller must sign the title and provide the correct VIN, purchase date, buyer’s contact information, current odometer reading, and purchase price in the appropriate sections. Some states require the signatures to be notarized by a notary public, but Texas isn’t one of them.

Any liens on the vehicle must be released before transferring a car title in Texas. Once the title is properly filled out, you must submit it to the DMV along with the aforementioned documents to complete the Texas car title transfer. Depending on your situation, you may also need to provide additional paperwork, such as a bill of sale or a power of attorney form to prove ownership of the vehicle as a seller.

You can expect fees and taxes to be involved with the title transfer process, like most services completed at the DMV. The Texas DMV charges a fee for filing the title application, and the amount usually varies by county. Additionally, you may be required to pay sales tax based on the final sale price of the vehicle. It’s recommended to contact your local county tax office or visit the DMV website for more information on the fees and taxes applicable to your situation.

By completing the title transfer process correctly, you can ensure a straightforward and legal transfer of car ownership as a resident of Texas.

How Can I Replace a Lost or Damaged Texas Vehicle Title?

You may be concerned if you lost your Texas car title because it’s an important document that shouldn’t fall into the wrong hands. When a vehicle title is misplaced, severely damaged, or destroyed, you can obtain a duplicate copy of your title by providing the right documentation and submitting an application at your local DMV. You can apply by mail or in person at the closest regional service center in Texas.

Below is a list of the paperwork you’ll need to apply for a duplicate automobile title in Texas:

• Proof of Identity (Your Driver’s License, U.S. Passport, etc.)
• Proof of Vehicle Ownership
• A Completed Application for Texas Certified Copy of Title (VTR-34)

Once you’ve gathered all the right paperwork, you can follow these steps to apply for a duplicate Texas car title:

1. Double-Check the Application Form for Accurate Information
2. Submit the Application Form Along with the Required Documents
3. Pay the Applicable Fees for a Duplicate Title

The processing time for a duplicate Texas car title application can vary depending on various factors, such as the workload at the DMV and the accuracy of the information you provided on your form. Generally, it takes around 2-3 weeks to receive your car title after your application has been submitted. Once you have the title back in your hands, be sure to keep it in a safe place to avoid any future issues.

How Do I Check the Status of a Title in Texas?

If you’re considering buying a car in Texas, you should verify that the vehicle has a clean title before making a purchase. A vehicle without a salvage or branded title is essential because it proves the car didn’t have significant damage, resulting in a higher resale value. To check the status of a vehicle title in Texas, all you have to do is visit the website for the DMV, enter the car’s VIN, and receive a title history report through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). Be aware that you must pay a certified provider to get the NMVTIS details from your vehicle.

What if you want to see the status of your new or replacement title application? Similar to a title status check, you can use the website to fill out the application number you were provided on the website and get an update on your application. Through this system, you can also get more information about the date the DMV received your application and who’s helping you with your request. If you have questions about what’s going on with your title, just call their phone number or send them an email!

What are Some Common Mistakes When Transferring Texas Car Titles?

Transferring Texas car titles can be simple and straightforward when you follow the appropriate steps to complete the process. However, the transferring process can become complicated and inconvenient if you make some mistakes in your application.

If you want a smooth title transferring process, ensure you avoid the following mistakes when applying for a new car title in Texas:

• Incorrect Names or Misspelled Words in Your Documents
• Fail to Have the Required Paperwork on Hand
• Information on the Title is Not Accurate
• Do Not Have an Acceptable Payment Method

If you find any errors or misinformation on the vehicle’s title, don’t cross anything out, as that can nullify the title and you may have to request a duplicate copy. Instead, it’s best that you contact your local county tax-assessor collector office for information on what to do in that situation. If the DMV or county issued the mistake, you may not have to pay anything for the correction. However, if you’re the one at fault, you will have to submit a new application and pay the same fees.

Use Your Texas Car Title to Apply for a Title Loan Today!

Having a car title in your name will allow you to register your vehicle and drive it around Texas. You also have the freedom to sell the car to another person or insure it with a company since you have proof that you’re the vehicle’s current owner. If you need money for an emergency, you can use your brand-new title as collateral for a ChoiceCash title loan in Texas! Apply online through a short prequalification form, and if you qualify, you can receive your money in as little as 24 hours!¹ Call 855-422-7402 to learn more about unlocking emergency cash with Texas car titles.