How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Texas

If you're moving to Texas, are selling a vehicle, or otherwise need to transfer title from one owner to another, there are rules in place dictating how to transfer the vehicle's title. Here's a few pointers, based on the reason why you'd need to transfer a vehicle title in Texas. 

When Would You Need to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Texas?

1. Moving to Texas

The state of Texas gives new residents up to 30 daysTitle Transfers.php Tx Texas to transfer the title of their vehicle to the state. A full inspection is required, and in some counties an emission inspection is also necessary. Once complete, drivers need to fill out the application, bring proof of insurance, proof of completed inspection, and proof of sales taxes paid. And, if the vehicle is less than 10 years old, proof of an odometer reading is also necessary. 

2. Buying or Selling

For buyers, you must submit Form 130UTxdmv Forms Search_result?search_phrase=130 U&catid=0&ordering=newest&search_mode=any Txdmv.gov along with a vehicle inspection prior to transferring the title. A seller must submit a vehicle transfer notification and form VTR-275. The transfer has to be completed within 30 daysBuying Or Selling A Vehicle Motorists of the buy-sell transaction completion. Buyers must also provide a copy of the 130U form (the seller provides to them) in order to prove they are the lawful purchaser of the vehicle. 

3. Gift Transfer

If the vehicle is a giftVehicles Title Transfers Tax Office.traviscountytx.gov, a form 130U has to be submitted along with the transfer request. The donor's original name must appear, and recipient must bring valid proof of ID, with photo, and must be an exact match as to the name that's written on the form being submitted. An affidavit of motor vehicle giftImages Tax_assessor Pdfs Vehicles MV_VTR14317.pdf Tax Office.traviscountytx.gov transfer is also required when requesting a new title for the recipient of the vehicle. 

4. Lost Title Replacement

For vehicle owners who've lost the title and need to replace itReplacing A Lost Title.php Tx Texas, there are also rules in place to make this process as simple as possible for vehicle owners. Drivers must submit a form VTR-34 to the local DMV offices. There's a $2 fee to do this by mail and $5.45 fee if the driver chooses to do the title request in person. The driver must also bring a valid proof of ID, that has their photo and the name must match that on the original title of the vehicle as well. Drivers can also choose to have a power of attorney submit the request on their behalf if they can't make it to the office. 

If there are errors on the original title, a driver can contact or visit a regional Texas DMV officeDmv Office Finder.php Tx Texas to have this information corrected. Drivers should do this as quickly as possible upon noticing any errors on the title, even if they don't seem to be a major issue, it can affect ownership questions at a later time.