Transferring a Car Title in Texas
Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in Texas when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.
Short answer: A vehicle must be titled in the buyer's name within 30 days of the sale or delinquent transfer penalties may apply. TxDMV, Buying or Selling a Vehicle
| Transferring a car title | A vehicle must be titled in the buyer's name within 30 days of the sale or delinquent transfer penalties may apply. The buyer files the properly signed title (with date of sale and odometer reading) and a signed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) showing the sales price at the county tax office, with proof of liability insurance (or applies for title only). Sellers should file a Vehicle Transfer Notification within 30 days and may keep, transfer or deface their license plates. Dealers file the title application for buyers. |
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| Registering after you move | New residents have 30 days after moving to register their vehicle at the county tax assessor-collector's office, bringing proof of insurance, proof of ownership and Form 130-U. In 17 emissions counties (including Dallas, Harris, Tarrant and Travis), a passing emissions inspection is needed first; non-commercial vehicles pay an Inspection Replacement Fee, while commercial vehicles still need a safety inspection. New residents must get a Texas driver license from DPS within 90 days of moving. TxDMV's page reflects the newer inspection-replacement-fee system. Source: TxDMV, New to Texas |
More Texas car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Texas
- Driving Without Insurance in Texas
- SR-22 Insurance in Texas
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Texas
- All Texas car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
How do you transfer a car title in Texas?
A vehicle must be titled in the buyer's name within 30 days of the sale or delinquent transfer penalties may apply. The buyer files the properly signed title (with date of sale and odometer reading) and a signed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) showing the sales price at the county tax office, with proof of liability insurance (or applies for title only). Sellers should file a Vehicle Transfer Notification within 30 days and may keep, transfer or deface their license plates. Dealers file the title application for buyers.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to Texas?
New residents have 30 days after moving to register their vehicle at the county tax assessor-collector's office, bringing proof of insurance, proof of ownership and Form 130-U. In 17 emissions counties (including Dallas, Harris, Tarrant and Travis), a passing emissions inspection is needed first; non-commercial vehicles pay an Inspection Replacement Fee, while commercial vehicles still need a safety inspection. New residents must get a Texas driver license from DPS within 90 days of moving.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.