What You Need to Transfer a Car Title in Texas in 2025
You just scored a clean F-150 from your buddy. Or your dad finally gave you the keys to his 2018 Tacoma. Feels good, right? Then reality hits: Texas gives you exactly 30 days to get that title switched into your name. Miss it and the county slaps you with $25… then another $25 every 30 days… up to $250. Plus they lock your registration until you pay.
I’ve watched grown men cry in the Harris County line because they forgot one signature. I’m not letting that be you.This is the blog post I wish existed when I moved here with an out-of-state Jeep and zero clue. Every line is current for November 2025, pulled straight from TxDMV servers and county clerks I talk to weekly.
By the time you finish this coffee, you’ll know how to walk into any tax office (or skip it completely) and come out with clean plates guaranteed.
Key Takeaways
Fill Form 130-U once and never get turned away
Turn a $1,800 tax bill into $10 with two free forms
Transfer title with zero inspection starting January 2025
Get metal plates FedEx’d to your door in 72 hours
Sleep easy knowing the seller can’t get towed for your tickets
When Do You Need to Transfer a Car Title in Texas?
You’ll need to transfer the title whenever ownership of the vehicle changes. There are several scenarios when you must take action:
Buying or selling a used vehicle: Whether it’s from Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, a title transfer is required.
Gifting a car to a family member: Only immediate family qualifies for the $10 gift loophole.
Marriage or divorce: If you're adding your new spouse or removing an ex, a title transfer is necessary.
Following the death of the vehicle owner: A surviving spouse or children can file after probate.
Bringing a car from another state: Once you establish Texas residency, you have 30 days to transfer the title.
Understanding when to transfer your title ensures you don’t miss the window and avoid unnecessary fines. If authenticity checks raise flags, don’t overlook our critical methods for verifying classic car originality before it’s too late to confirm details.
What Documents Do You Need for a Texas Car Title Transfer?
Before heading to the county tax office, make sure you have the following documents:
Signed Texas title: Every owner must sign the title exactly as printed—no middle initials left out or caps missing.
Bill of sale: It doesn't need to be fancy. A handwritten note with the VIN, price or "gift," and both signatures is enough.
Form 130-U: This form needs to be filled out in black ink. Always use the most recent version to avoid rejections.
Proof of Texas insurance: Your policy must be active and match the name on your ID.
Photo ID: A driver’s license, passport, or military ID that matches the information on the form.
Lien release: If the car has a lien, you need an official letter from the bank.
Having all your documents prepared beforehand saves you time and ensures the transfer goes smoothly.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Car Title in Texas?
How Do You Transfer a Car Title in Texas Step by Step?
Follow this exact order and you’ll breeze through.
Seller signs line 23 exactly as printed
Seller writes odometer (unless 10+ years old)
Seller hands you title + bill of sale
Seller files Vehicle Transfer Notification online (free, takes 2 minutes, protects them)
You download fresh Form 130-U
You fill every box in black ink
You book county appointment
You bring folder with every document
You pay with card (most counties add 2.25% fee bring check to save $8)
Clerk prints paper plate good for 30 days
Metal plates hit your mailbox 10–21 days later
Can You Transfer a Texas Car Title Online?
While the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) doesn’t allow private car sales to be fully processed online, Street Legal Hookup offers a workaround by allowing you to e-sign and submit your title transfer online.
This process eliminates the need to visit a county tax office, saving you time and hassle. After completing the necessary steps online, including filing the required forms and paying the fees, you can have your metal plates delivered directly to your door via FedEx within just 72 hours.
This service is perfect for those looking to avoid long lines at the DMV while ensuring everything is done legally and correctly.
How Do You Transfer a Title When Buying or Selling a Car?
Gifting a car to a family member in Texas is a simple process, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to avoid paying unnecessary taxes. If you're transferring the title to an immediate family member, such as a parent, sibling, or spouse, you can take advantage of the $10 gift loophole.
To transfer the title, both the donor and recipient must sign the title, and both must complete and sign Form VTR-262 and Form 14-317. Once completed, the recipient will pay only $10 to transfer the title and avoid paying sales tax.
However, it’s important to remember that this exemption only applies to immediate family members, and gifting a car to a non-family member could result in paying the full tax. If you're transferring the car to a minor, you’ll need to include an adult co-owner on the title until the child reaches adulthood.
How Do You Transfer a Car Title After the Owner’s Death?
Transferring a car title after the death of the owner can be straightforward if the right steps are followed. If the deceased person’s title lists "OR" before the surviving spouse’s name, then the surviving spouse can sign the title and submit the death certificate, paying only the title fee and no sales tax.
However, if the title doesn’t include "OR," you’ll need to file for a small estate affidavit or undergo the full probate process if the estate is larger than $75,000. Depending on the situation, there may also be additional paperwork or steps required to ensure the transfer goes smoothly.
How Do You Transfer a Car Title After Divorce or Name Change?
If your car’s title needs to be updated due to a divorce or name change, the process is relatively straightforward. In the case of a divorce, a certified divorce decree will allow for a tax-free transfer.
If you're changing your name, you’ll need to provide a court order along with the standard fee to update the title. It's essential to have the proper documentation in place to avoid any delays or issues when updating the title with your new name or after a divorce.
How Do You Transfer an Out-of-State or Imported Vehicle Title?
Transferring an out-of-state or imported vehicle title involves completing a VIN inspection (Form VTR-68-A) and paying 6.25% sales tax on the vehicle’s SPV. Starting in 2025, you won’t need a safety inspection.
If the vehicle was previously registered in another state, you may be eligible for a tax credit based on the tax already paid. Once these steps are completed, the transfer can be processed in Texas, and the vehicle will be registered in the state.
What Are the Common Title Transfer Mistakes to Avoid?
Signing “Mike” when title says “Michael R. Smith”
Forgetting lien release letter
White-out anywhere
Gift forms for step-parents (not eligible)
VIN typo on Form 130-U
What Happens If You Don’t Transfer a Car Title Within 30 Days?
In Texas, failing to transfer a car title within 30 days of purchase can result in significant penalties. Here's how it works:
Day 31: You’ll incur a $25 fine for missing the 30-day window.
Day 61: If you still haven’t transferred the title, another $50 fine is added, bringing your total penalty to $75.
Day 91 and beyond: After 90 days, the fine increases to a cap of $250. This is the maximum penalty the state imposes for not transferring the title within the required timeframe.
Beyond these fines, you will face additional complications:
Registration Blocked: Your ability to register the vehicle will be blocked until all penalties are paid, which can prevent you from getting the necessary registration and plates for the vehicle.
Towing and Booting: In some cases, if the registration remains unpaid, the county may even take further action, such as booting or towing your vehicle, making it much more difficult and expensive to get back on the road.
Transferring your car title on time is the best way to avoid these fines and issues. The process is simple, and the cost of the transfer is minimal compared to the penalties for non-compliance. Stay on top of the 30-day rule to keep things running smoothly.
Why You Should Choose Street Legal Hookup for Texas Title Transfers?
At Street Legal Hookup, we make Texas car title transfers simple, fast, and 100 percent compliant. Our service replaces long county lines, confusing forms, and surprise fees with one secure, all-online process trusted by thousands of Texas drivers every year.
Proven Experience: We’ve processed every type of title scenario since 2019, from private sales and gifts to out-of-state imports and lost titles.
Flat-Fee Pricing: Pay a single, transparent fee that covers all county filings, documentation, and plate delivery.
No Office Visits: Skip the tax assessor lines completely everything is handled through our secure digital platform.
3-Day Plate Delivery: Permanent Texas plates arrive by FedEx within three business days, backed by tracking and proof of completion.
Error-Free Filing: Our in-house notaries and review team catch and correct paperwork issues before counties ever see them.
Out-of-State and Specialty Expertise: We handle complex registrations for imported vehicles, military titles, and custom builds that most services refuse.
Money-Back Guarantee: If any county rejects your filing, you receive a full refund.
With Street Legal Hookup, your Texas title transfer is handled start to finish with precision, speed, and total transparency, no lines, no delays, no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do both parties have to be present to transfer a title in Texas?
No. The buyer can complete the transfer alone as long as the seller has signed the title correctly and provided a bill of sale. The seller does not need to be present at the time of filing. However, both parties should ensure all paperwork is completed accurately to avoid delays.
Can I transfer a Texas car title online?
While the TxDMV does not allow private sales to be completed fully online, Street Legal Hookup offers an alternative by allowing you to e-sign and file directly with the county. This process simplifies the title transfer and ensures your plates are delivered in 72 hours.
What documents are needed to transfer a car title in Texas?
You’ll need the signed Texas title, bill of sale, Form 130-U, proof of Texas insurance, photo ID, and any required lien release or gift paperwork. Having all the documents prepared will ensure a smooth process at the county office.
How much does it cost to transfer a vehicle title in Texas?
The cost of transferring a car title in Texas includes a $28–$33 title application fee, a $60–$80 registration fee, and 6.25% sales tax. However, if you’re gifting the car, you can take advantage of the $10 gift loophole to reduce the cost.
Is it better to gift a car or sell it for a dollar in Texas?
It’s much cheaper to gift a car in Texas using the $10 gift loophole. If you sell the car for a dollar, you’ll end up paying 6.25% sales tax on the Standard Presumptive Value (SPV), which can range from $800–$2,000 depending on the vehicle.
What is the penalty for not transferring title within 30 days in Texas?
If you fail to transfer the title within 30 days, you will be charged a $25 penalty. If it goes past 60 days, another $25 is added, with a $250 cap. Your registration will also be blocked until you pay the fines.
Conclusion
Transferring a car title in Texas doesn’t have to mean long lines, surprise tax bills, or $200 late penalties. Follow the 30-day rule, use the correct forms, and file the seller’s Vehicle Transfer Notification or skip the entire headache.
Street Legal Hookup has helped thousands of Texas vehicle owners complete transfers 100% online since 2019, with a 100% acceptance rate and plates shipped in 3 business days.Start your Texas title transfer today , no DMV, no stress, no surprises.
If you're dealing with a classic or modified car, see our must-read strategies for registering highly modified cars out of state that open up options. For state-specific guides, check our detailed walkthroughs on the car title transfer process in Ohio, car title transfer process in California, car title transfer process in Arkansas and car title transfer process in North Carolina.
