How to obtain your Texas car title

In most cases, you’ll obtain a Texas car title by submitting Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration), proof of ownership, ID, and applicable fees at your county tax assessor-collector’s office; if you lost a Texas title, request a certified copy using Form VTR-34 online, by mail, or in person. The specific steps depend on whether you bought from a dealer or private seller, moved to Texas, lost your title, or lack proper seller documents. Below is a clear, up-to-date guide to each scenario, costs, timing, and key requirements.

Which situation applies to you?

I just bought a vehicle in Texas

If you purchased a vehicle in Texas, the path to a title differs depending on whether it was from a dealer or a private seller. Dealers typically file your title and registration for you; private-party buyers must file their own paperwork within 30 days of purchase to avoid penalties.

1. Dealer purchase
   

   • The dealer must submit your title application within 30 days (45 days if seller-financed).
   • Confirm your mailing address with the dealer and keep your buyer’s order and temporary tag.
   • Your title will be issued electronically (Texas eTitle) or mailed in paper form if requested.

2. Private-party purchase
   

   • Obtain the signed title from the seller (including odometer disclosure if required) and a lien release if applicable.
   • Complete Form 130-U and submit it with fees and motor vehicle sales tax (6.25%) at your county tax office within 30 days.
   • If registering now, provide Texas insurance; if applying for “title only,” insurance isn’t required.
   • In emissions counties, you’ll need an emissions test for registration (safety inspections for most passenger vehicles ended in 2025).

For dealer purchases, track status with the dealership or your county office if it’s been more than a few weeks. For private sales, make sure the seller’s name matches the title; if not, ask the seller to obtain a certified copy or correct the chain of ownership before you file.

I moved to Texas with an out-of-state title

New residents must title and register their vehicles in Texas within 30 days of establishing residency. If you’re not ready to register, you can apply for title only first and register later.

1. Bring your out-of-state title (or current registration if title is held by a lienholder), a government-issued photo ID, and Form 130-U.
2. Pay the $90 new resident tax (if you already owned and titled the vehicle elsewhere) or Texas sales tax (6.25%) if it’s a recent purchase without tax paid.
3. For registration, provide proof of Texas insurance and, if you live in an emissions county, a passing emissions test (safety inspections for most passenger vehicles are no longer required as of 2025; commercial vehicles still require them).
4. If a lienholder holds your paper title, provide your finance company’s contact information; Texas will request the title or record the lien as applicable.

You may choose an electronic title (eTitle) or request a paper title. Titles are usually issued within 2–3 weeks after processing, though it can take up to 30 days.

I lost my Texas title (need a certified copy/duplicate)

If your Texas title is lost, stolen, or damaged, request a Certified Copy of Texas Title. Your eligibility and fee vary slightly by method.

1. Online: Use TxDMV eServices for fastest processing if you’re the owner on record, your address is current, and there’s no active paper lien; fee typically $5.45.
2. In person: Visit a county tax office or TxDMV Regional Service Center with Form VTR-34, a valid photo ID, and fee (commonly $5.45). Many offices issue the certified copy the same day.
3. By mail: Send Form VTR-34 (signatures must be notarized), copy of ID, and $2 fee to the address on the form; allow mailing time.
4. If a lien is recorded: The lienholder must release the lien in the Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) system or provide an original lien release letter before a paper title can be issued.

Only the recorded owner(s) or lienholder can request a certified copy. If names changed or the owner is deceased, see the special cases section below.

I never received proper ownership documents from the seller (bonded title)

If you bought a vehicle without a negotiable title (and cannot obtain it from the seller), you can pursue a bonded title, which uses a surety bond to establish ownership.

1. Complete Form VTR-130-SOF (Bonded Title Application or Tax Collector Hearing Statement of Fact) and gather any supporting documents (bills of sale, receipts).
2. Obtain a Law Enforcement Identification Number Inspection (Form VTR-68-A) from an auto theft unit if directed.
3. Take your documents to a TxDMV Regional Service Center for pre-qualification; TxDMV will determine the required bond amount (1.5 times the vehicle’s value).
4. Purchase a surety bond for that amount from a bonding company.
5. Submit your bond, approval letter, Form 130-U, and fees at your county tax office to receive a bonded title.

A bonded title brands the title as “Bonded” for 3 years; after that, you may qualify for a regular title if no claims arise.

I only want a “title-only” (no registration yet)

Some owners need to secure legal ownership before registering. Texas allows a title-only application.

1. Check the “Title Only” option on Form 130-U and submit your ownership documents and ID at your county tax office.
2. Insurance and emissions/safety tests are not required for title-only, but the vehicle cannot be driven until registered and plated.

Title-only is useful for vehicles under restoration, non-operational vehicles, or when resolving paperwork before registration.

My title shows a lien, or I just paid off my loan

When you pay off your loan, the lienholder must release the lien so you can receive a clear title or transfer the vehicle.

1. Electronic liens: The lienholder releases the lien via ELT; then you may request a paper title or keep an eTitle.
2. Paper liens: Obtain the original lien release letter on lender letterhead; submit it with a title application if you need to update the title or sell.
3. Selling after payoff: Make sure the lien is released and a clear paper title is available before completing a private sale.

Always verify lien status before any transfer; unresolved liens prevent issuance of a clear title.

Electronic title (Texas eTitle): what to know

Texas eTitle stores your title electronically. It reduces paper handling and speeds up certain transactions, but private sellers generally need a paper title to sell.

• If you have an eTitle and plan to sell, request a printed title through TxDMV eServices or your county office; a small fee applies.
• You can keep your title electronic after routine transactions unless you specifically request a paper title.

Check your county’s process and allow mailing time if you request a printed title before a private sale.

Documents and forms you’ll likely need

Before heading to your county tax assessor-collector’s office, make sure you have the correct forms and proofs. Requirements vary by situation, but the following list covers the most common paperwork.

• Form 130-U: Application for Texas Title and/or Registration
• Vehicle title properly signed over to the buyer (or out-of-state title)
• Odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 model years old (federal rule)
• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver license)
• Proof of insurance (required if registering; not needed for title-only)
• Lien release, if a lien is shown on the title
• Sales tax payment (6.25%) or $90 new resident tax, as applicable
• Form VTR-34 for certified copy of title (if replacing a lost title)
• Form VTR-130-SOF and surety bond for bonded title cases
• Form VTR-271-A Power of Attorney, if someone else signs for the owner
• Emissions test (registration only) in affected counties

All forms are available from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and county tax offices. Bring originals where required; signatures on certain mailed forms must be notarized.

Costs, taxes, and timing

Title costs and taxes in Texas include a state fee, local fees, and applicable taxes. Here’s what to expect.

• Title application fee: Typically $28 or $33 depending on county, plus local fees.
• Motor vehicle sales tax: 6.25% of the sales price; for private sales, tax may be based on the Standard Presumptive Value (SPV). A licensed dealer appraisal can be used when condition is substantially below SPV.
• New resident tax: $90 if you already own the vehicle and are titling it in Texas after moving from another state.
• Certified copy (duplicate) title: About $2 by mail; about $5.45 online or in person (amounts vary slightly by method/processing).
• Printed title from eTitle: Small fee applies (commonly about $5.45).
• Registration: Separate from title; base and local fees apply. Safety inspections are no longer required for most passenger vehicles as of 2025, but emissions tests are still required in 17 counties.
• Late transfer penalties: Apply within 30 days of purchase to avoid penalties; a $25 penalty per 30 days late (up to $250) may apply, plus sales tax penalties of 5% after 30 days and 10% after 60 days.
• Processing times: Paper titles typically arrive in 2–3 weeks; allow up to 30 days. Certified copies may be issued same day in person.

Exact amounts can vary by county due to local fees and processing charges. Your county tax assessor-collector can provide a precise total for your transaction.

Key rules and tips to avoid delays

These best practices help ensure your title is issued quickly and correctly.

• Apply within 30 days of purchase or moving to Texas to avoid penalties.
• Verify the seller’s name matches the title and check for liens before paying.
• Ensure odometer disclosure is completed for vehicles under 20 model years old (federal requirement since 2021).
• Private sellers should file the Vehicle Transfer Notification (VTR-346) within 30 days to protect themselves from liability.
• For out-of-state vehicles being registered, complete emissions testing if you reside in an emissions county; safety inspections no longer apply to most passenger vehicles.
• If you have an electronic lien, wait for lien release before requesting a paper title or selling.
• Keep copies of all documents and receipts; bring originals where required.

Completeness and accuracy are the most common determinants of speed—double-check every signature, VIN, and date before filing.

Special cases

Some title situations require additional documentation. Plan ahead if any of the following apply.

• Deceased owner: Depending on estate status, you may need an Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle (VTR-262), Letters Testamentary/Administration, or other probate documents.
• Name changes: Provide legal name-change documentation to align with the title record.
• Minors: Additional requirements and signatures apply; check with your county office.
• Power of Attorney: Use Form VTR-271-A if an agent is signing for the owner.
• Salvage/rebuilt vehicles: Additional inspections and documents are required before titling; consult a TxDMV Regional Service Center.
• Homemade or assembled vehicles: Special procedures and inspections apply.

When in doubt, contact your county tax assessor-collector or a TxDMV Regional Service Center before visiting to confirm required documents for your specific case.

Where and how to file

Most title transactions are handled by your local county tax assessor-collector’s office; a few specialized cases are routed through TxDMV Regional Service Centers. Many counties offer appointments, mail-in options, and limited online services.

• County tax assessor-collector: Primary location for title and registration filings, title-only requests, and fee payments.
• TxDMV eServices: For certified copy of title requests, printed title from eTitle, and some address updates.
• TxDMV Regional Service Centers: For bonded title pre-qualification, complex corrections, assigned VINs, and certain salvage/assembled transactions.

Check your county office hours and whether appointments are required; bring a valid photo ID and payment method accepted by your county.

Bottom line

To obtain your Texas car title, match your steps to your situation: dealers usually file for you; private buyers file Form 130-U within 30 days; new residents title in Texas within 30 days; lost titles are replaced via Form VTR-34; and missing seller paperwork may require a bonded title. Expect 2–3 weeks for paper titles, with fees and taxes varying by county and transaction, and remember that most passenger vehicle safety inspections ended in 2025, though emissions tests still apply in designated counties for registration.

Summary

Texas titles are issued through county tax assessor-collectors based on your scenario: apply with Form 130-U after a purchase, use Form VTR-34 for a duplicate, pursue a bonded title if you lack proper seller documents, and complete emissions testing only if you’re registering in an emissions county. File within 30 days to avoid penalties, resolve any liens, and bring proper ID and ownership documents. Paper titles typically arrive in 2–3 weeks; eTitle is available if you prefer an electronic record.