Title your Vehicle

Social Security Number: You are no longer required to provide your social security number on a vehicle title application. If the title application provides a space for a social security number, it should be left blank.

Sellers

Vehicles are required to be titled in the buyer's name within 20 working days (45 calendar days if the selling dealer is also financing your vehicle). Failing to properly transfer a vehicle into the buyer's name could result in the seller being held responsible for tickets, toll violations or they could even have property seized if the vehicle was used to commit a crime. To ensure this doesn't happen to you, accompany the buyer to your county tax office and make sure a vehicle title application is filed.

If you sell or trade-in your vehicle to a licensed motor vehicle dealer, the dealer is not required to title the vehicle in the dealership's name. The vehicle stays in your name until it is sold to an individual, which may take months or even years. To protect yourself, file a vehicle transfer notification.

Provide the buyer with a properly signed title, including the date of sale and odometer reading and a signed vehicle title application, with the sales price clearly shown. Keep detailed written records of any transaction, including contact information for the buyer, the date of sale and information on the vehicle, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Buyers

If buying from an individual, have the seller accompany you to the county tax office to avoid any unwanted surprises. Before submitting the title application, a tax office representative can tell you if the title being signed over to you is correct and if it has any legal or salvage issues.

If you buy your vehicle from a dealer, the dealer is required to file the title papers on your behalf, so you will not have to visit the tax office. Make sure the dealer provides you with a receipt showing the vehicle has been titled in your name within 20 working days or 45 calendar days if the dealership will be financing your vehicle.

In addition to the title, ask the seller to provide you with the vehicle registration receipt, signed vehicle title application and any other supporting documents, such as a release of lien or power of attorney. Keep a written record that includes the name and address of the seller, date of sale and vehicle information, including the Vehicle Identification Number. Failing to title a vehicle within 20 days may result in the buyer being fined.

You must provide proof of liability insurance when you title and register your vehicle or if the vehicle you purchased has current Texas registration that is transferred to you. If you do not provide proof of insurance, you may apply for a title only

Fees

If buying from an individual, when you apply for a vehicle title the motor vehicle sales tax (6.25 percent) on either the purchase price or standard presumptive value, whichever is the highest value must be paid. The standard title, registration and local fees will also be due. Contact your county tax office for the exact amount that is due.

For more information about vehicle title transfers, please read our FAQs, call us at (512) 465-7611 or send us an e-mail.

Related Links

• Vehicle Title FAQs
• Protect your title, Texas
• Buying a Used Vehicle
• Lost Vehicle Titles
• Add or Remove a Lien