Transfer a vehicle title in Texas

Short answer

In Texas the buyer files the title transfer with the county tax office within 30 days of sale, using the signed title and Form 130-U. The seller should file a vehicle transfer notification online so tickets and tolls stop following them.

Who this is for

Austin-area buyers and sellers in a private vehicle sale, and people handling an inherited or gifted vehicle.

The steps, in order

1. Check the title: seller's signature, buyer's name, date, and the odometer reading filled in correctly.
2. Complete Form 130-U with the sale price; the tax office calculates tax from it.
3. Bring proof of insurance and ID to the Travis County Tax Office within 30 days.
4. Seller: file the online vehicle transfer notification the same day.
5. Keep the receipt; the new title arrives by mail weeks later.

Have this ready

• The signed title
• Form 130-U
• Proof of insurance
• ID and payment for tax and fees

Common mistakes to avoid

• An erasure or white-out on the title voids it; a corrected title takes weeks.
• Seller skipping the transfer notification and eating the buyer's tolls and tickets.

Common questions

How long do I have to transfer a title in Texas?

Thirty days from the sale date. Late transfers add a penalty, and driving past that without transferring can bring a citation.

What if the title has a mistake or is lost?

Do not cross anything out. A lost or damaged title needs a certified copy application by the titled owner before the transfer can happen.

Official sources

• Texas DMV title transfers
• Travis County Tax Office

Last reviewed August 26, 2026 against the official source.

Related

• Texas vehicle title transfer in Austin
• Change a Texas vehicle registration address