Photo Identification Requirements for Vehicle Title Application
When you purchase a vehicle in Texas, you must show the proper photo identification to obtain a title and registration. A list of acceptable identification documents can be found under the Forms of Identification tab.
The vehicle will be titled in the legal name shown on your photo identification.
Individuals
If purchasing a vehicle from a dealer, provide the dealer with your identification.
If purchasing a vehicle from an individual, bring your identification document and all other required application forms and fees with you to your county office when applying for your new title.
If you plan to title the vehicle in more than one name, it is only necessary for one of the owners to provide the proper form of identification.
Businesses and Organizations
Additional identification rules apply for titling a vehicle in the name of a business or organization.
Employees authorized to title a vehicle for leasing companies, government entities, organizations and private businesses must provide the following in addition to one of the acceptable forms of identification listed under the Forms of Identification tab:
- A letter of authorization on the employer’s official letterhead, or
- An official business card with the employer and employee’s name
Power of Attorney
If you are applying for a title on behalf of another person, you will need to have a Power of Attorney along with all the documents below:
- Identification matching the person or employee of the entity named as power of attorney, and
- Identification of the owner or lienholder.
If you are applying for a title on behalf of another company, you will need to have a Power of Attorney along with an official business card or letter of authorization on company letterhead that matches the identification of the employee.
Trusts
If applying for a title in the name of a trust, the identification of the trustee must be presented.
- A driver's license or state identification certificate issued by a state or territory of the United States.
- United States or foreign passport.
- U.S. military identification card.
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security identification document.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services identification document.
- U.S. Department of State identification document.
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) identification.
- Identification issued under a Status of Forces Agreement.
The acceptable identification documents listed above must include:
- a photo of the applicant;
- a unique identification number; and,
- an expiration date.
Note: “Current" is defined as not expired more than twelve months from the expiration date of the identification document for title and registration applications.
For more information about the process and documentation for buying or selling a vehicle, please visit our page.