FAQs

Buying a Vehicle

• What do I need to transfer ownership from a deceased owner?

  The evidence required for transferring ownership depends on whether the deceased owner's estate is probated. When the estate goes through probate, the court will name an Executor/Executrix or Administrator and provide Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration as proof of ownership. If the estate is not probated, an Heirship Affidavit is required.

  In either scenario, to apply for title and/or registration, here are the documents the applicant will need to submit to a county tax office:

  • Title, if available
  • Evidence the loan is paid in full (original release of lien), if applicable
  • Completed Title and/or Registration Application (Form 130-U)
  • Appropriate authority to transfer ownership
  • Estate is probated: Provide the original or certified copy of Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
  • Estate is not probated: Provide completed Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle (Form VTR-262) (all signatures must be notarized)
  • Completed Gift Affidavit
  • Required when the vehicle is inherited between eligible parties
  • Requires notarization, unless signed in front of a county tax office employee
  • The recipient or donor must submit the application in person
  • Refer to page 2 for additional instructions
  • Applicant's current driver license or government-issued photo identification
  • Proof of current vehicle insurance (required if applying for registration)
  • Proof of current Texas vehicle inspection, if applicable
    • • Emissions inspections are required for vehicles in Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson counties.
    • • Safety inspections are required for all commercial vehicles regardless of county of registration.
  • Fees: Contact your county tax office for exact fee amounts and payment methods