If you live in Texas, and you need to transfer the title of a vehicle, you need to have the proper documentation and all applicable payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to successfully transfer the title of a vehicle in the Lone Star State, you need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You need to take the above-stated paperwork and payment(s) to your local TX county tax office. Be advised, you may be asked to submit additional documents and payments at the time of the vehicle title transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Texas, most gas-powered vehicles that are registered in certain counties are required to pass a vehicle emissions test. However, all vehicles that are registered in the state of Texas are required to pass a vehicle safety inspection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Non-exempt vehicles must pass a vehicle safety inspection and emissions test before the vehicle\u2019s owner can obtain a vehicle registration or renew its registration. When vehicle owners in Texas possess an original vehicle registration for their new vehicle, the vehicle is exempt from an emissions test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New residents of this state are required to have their vehicle pass a vehicle safety inspection and an emissions test within 30 days of moving to one of the counties in Texas that requires vehicle testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this state, registered vehicle stickers now serve as proof of a vehicle passing inspection and the vehicle\u2019s valid Texas registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Texas has different counties that require vehicles that are registered in that county to have emissions and smog checks performed. If you are a vehicle owner who owns a gasoline-powered vehicle that is between two and 24 model years old, and you live in one of the following counties or areas, your vehicle must pass an annual smog check:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Austin-Round Rock Metro Area<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n El Paso Metro Area<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Metro Area<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In Texas, vehicles that fall into one of the following categories are not required to pass a smog check:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All Texas motor vehicles are required to pass a vehicle safety inspection. Hybrid vehicles are not exempt from passing a smog check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you purchase or sell a vehicle in Texas, you must transfer ownership of the vehicle by transferring the vehicle\u2019s title. Here\u2019s what you need to know about vehicle title transfers in Texas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a new resident of Texas, you have 30 days to title and register your out-of-state vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). First, your vehicle needs to be inspected. The Texas vehicle inspection consists of a safety check and an emissions check for specific Texas counties. The vehicle is required to pass inspection before it can be titled in Texas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once your vehicle passes inspection, you need to visit your local TX DMV office and submit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Texas, the vehicle titling and registration process are completed simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you purchase a vehicle from a private seller, you have 30 days of the date of sale to title your vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You are required to bring the following documents and payment(s) to your local TX DMV office:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be advised, if you purchase the vehicle on Saturday or Sunday, and the vehicle\u2019s seller removes their license plates, you are able to download a temporary vehicle transit permit. The vehicle transit permit is valid for 5 days, and you can only drive the vehicle to and from your local TX county tax office. Keep in mind, you will only be issued 1 vehicle transit permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may also want to keep a record of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you purchase a vehicle from a dealership in Texas, the dealer must submit your vehicle title and registration application on your behalf. You need to prepare to pay all applicable vehicle title fees. Make sure the dealer gives you a receipt that shows you as the new owner of the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you sell a vehicle, the buyer of the vehicle is responsible for completing the TX DMV vehicle title transfer. As the seller of the vehicle, you are required to provide the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you notify the TX DMV of the transfer of ownership of the vehicle to protect you from violations committed by the new vehicle owner. You should also keep a record of the vehicle buyer\u2019s information, such as their name, address, and contact info. Other information you should consider obtaining is the date and price of sale, the vehicle\u2019s VIN, make, model, year, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the owner of a vehicle passes away, you must transfer the vehicle\u2019s title to transfer ownership of the vehicle. If you are the beneficiary, you can keep the vehicle, gift it to a relative, or sell the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you are a joint-owner, surviving spouse, or beneficiary, you have the legal authority to transfer the vehicle\u2019s title to someone else when the owner of a vehicle passes away. Before you can initiate the TX vehicle title transfer in this situation, you need to determine if the vehicle is part of a probated estate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The vehicle title transfer process in this situation depends on whether the vehicle\u2019s title was solely in the individual\u2019s name as a descendant or joint ownership. If the vehicle title was only in the descendant\u2019s name, you need to know if the estate is being probated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Probate is a legal process that involves administering the estate of the deceased. This legal process occurs when there is no beneficiary or living spouse listed on the will. The probate validates the deceased\u2019s assets and property and proves the last will and testament are legitimate. The Probate Court will determine how you need to proceed with the individual\u2019s belongings. During this process, the deceased person\u2019s property will be distributed based on their will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the vehicle in the estate is part of probate, you must follow these steps to transfer the vehicle title of the owner who is deceased:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A vehicle\u2019s title can\u2019t be transferred until the probate process is complete, so the administrator of the deceased or the executor needs to contact the Probate Court or an attorney quickly to receive further instructions regarding the next steps in the probate process. When the probate process is complete, the heir will receive the vehicle, unless the vehicle was left to the executor. If the vehicle was left to the executor, they can choose to sell the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the required documentation to transfer the vehicle title of a deceased person varies from one state to another, in the state of Texas, you need to submit all the following documents in order to successfully transfer the vehicle\u2019s title:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are listed as the administrator of the deceased individual\u2019s estate or the beneficiary, you can visit your local TX title office with the above-listed documentation to initiate the vehicle title transfer process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The process you need to follow to transfer the title of a vehicle without probate will vary depending on the state in which you reside. In Texas, the deceased person\u2019s property can\u2019t exceed a certain amount and a specific amount of time needs to have passed since the person passed away before the vehicle title transfer can be initiated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are the administrator, spouse, joint-owner, or beneficiary, you may only be required to provide the death certificate and the vehicle\u2019s title to your local TX title office, and they will retitle the vehicle\u2019s title without a court order or an attorney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The steps you need to take to transfer the title of an inherited vehicle may differ depending on how the estate is distributed. As the surviving spouse and no will, you are able to transfer the vehicle by completing an Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle (Form VTR-262<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the state of Texas, you must have a vehicle title to transfer the title of a vehicle. If you have lost the vehicle title, you need to apply for a duplicate Texas vehicle title (Form VTR-34<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes! You can gift a vehicle to a relative. You will need specific documentation to complete the process for a gifted vehicle in Texas. As the recipient of a gifted vehicle or a vehicle that is being transferred from a relative, you must complete a vehicle title transfer at your local TX DMV office. The process you need to follow to transfer the title of a gifted vehicle is similar to those required when you are buying or selling a vehicle in Texas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the \u201cprice\u201d section of the vehicle\u2019s title, write \u201c0\u201d. The individual receiving the vehicle may be exempt from paying taxes on the vehicle. Just as you would in a private vehicle sale, you are required to fill out the transfer of ownership sections on the back of the original vehicle title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if the vehicle is being gifted to a relative, they may owe a tax on the current market value of the vehicle when they are registering the vehicle. Make sure you take the signed original vehicle title to the city clerk to have the application for a new vehicle title completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to transfer an out-of-state vehicle title in Texas, you need to meet a variety of requirements. The following out-of-state vehicle title transfer paperwork is required to correctly transfer the vehicle title from one state to Texas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a lien holder possesses your vehicle\u2019s title, you must complete an application for the release of the vehicle title. Once the application is completed, it will be sent to a TX DMV. Be advised, you may be required to provide additional information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you lost or destroyed your vehicle\u2019s title, you need to order a duplicate vehicle title. The TX DMV will handle the issuance of all new and duplicate vehicle titles in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to replace your vehicle\u2019s title, you need to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you have the necessary payment(s) and documentation to ensure you can complete the vehicle title transfer process in Texas and avoid unnecessary fees and penalties. You can request a duplicate TX vehicle title in person or by mail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you submit your duplicate vehicle title by mail, you need to submit the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can make your payment for the duplicate TX vehicle title fee and $2 mail-in duplicate vehicle title fee by check, money order, or cashier\u2019s check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are applying for a duplicate Texas vehicle title in person, you need to visit the regional service center office to receive a replacement vehicle title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you bring:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you have cash, check, money order, or cashier\u2019s check to cover the $5.45 fee for replacing your vehicle\u2019s title in person. If there is a lien on your vehicle, the lien holder must request the replacement vehicle title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hooray! You finished paying off your vehicle loan. Once you finish paying off your vehicle loan, the lender is required to release the lien within 10 business days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the lender recorded the lien using a paper vehicle title, they are required to send the vehicle title certificate to you by mail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you receive the vehicle title, you must submit the vehicle title along with the following documents and payment(s) to your local TX DMV office:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the vehicle lien was recorded on an electronic title, the TX DMV and lender will work together to remove the lien. Once the lien has been removed, you will be notified by the DMV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The vehicle titling fees may vary depending on the Texas county you reside in. The standard fees for vehicle titling in Texas are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve purchased a vehicle from a private seller, keep in mind, you will be subject to a sales tax of 6.25% of the highest value between the selling price and the standard value of the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are different DMV locations in New Hampshire where you can transfer a vehicle\u2019s title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Texas Department of Motor Vehicles – Austin Office<\/strong> Monday-Friday (8 AM – 5 PM) Texas Department of Motor Vehicles – Conroe Office<\/strong> Contact office for current business hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n In order for you to complete the Texas vehicle title and title transfer forms, you need to make sure you have the required signatures of the vehicle\u2019s seller and buyer in the provided areas of the vehicle title. You also need to complete a bill of sale that discloses information regarding the vehicle, such as its make, year, model, and color. Don\u2019t forget to include the vehicle\u2019s VIN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you sold a vehicle instead of gifting it, make sure you add the correct sales tax needs to the vehicle\u2019s total price. In the \u201ctransfer of title by seller\u201d section of the vehicle title, provide an odometer reading, and make sure the recipient of the vehicle signs the vehicle\u2019s title in the designated areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that you may be required to provide additional documentation, including a valid Texas vehicle insurance policy that meets or exceeds the state\u2019s minimum vehicle coverage limits. You may also be required to provide a valid government-issued photo ID or a foreign passport for proof of identification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When a vehicle\u2019s title is signed but not transferred, the vehicle has an open title. When a vehicle has an open title, the vehicle\u2019s seller didn\u2019t transfer ownership of or register the vehicle in their name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the vehicle seller didn\u2019t register the vehicle in their name, they do not assume any legal responsibility for anything pertaining to the vehicle, such as taxes and other fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSmog Check Exemptions in Texas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>How to Transfer Your Vehicle Title in Texas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Transferring a Vehicle\u2019s Title As a New Resident of Texas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Transferring the Title of a Vehicle Purchased From a Private Seller<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Transferring the Title of a Vehicle Purchased From a Dealership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Transferring the Title of a Vehicle You\u2019re Selling in Texas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>How to Transfer a Vehicle Title When the Owner is Deceased?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Transferring the Title of a Vehicle in a Probated Estate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Contact an Attorney or Probate Court<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Gather the Required Documentation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Visit the Title Office<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>How to Transfer a Vehicle Title Without Probate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Transferring the Title of an Inherited Vehicle in Texas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>How to Transfer Ownership of a Vehicle Without a Title in Texas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Can I Gift a Car to a Family Member?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Transferring a Vehicle Title When You Have an Out-of-State Title<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Requesting a Duplicate Vehicle Title in Texas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Transferring a Vehicle Title With a Lien<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>How Much Does a Vehicle Title Transfer Cost in Texas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Where Can I Go to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Texas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4000 Jackson Ave
(512) 465-3000<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2 Hilbig Rd
Conroe, TX 77301
(936) 442-2810<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>How to Fill Out the Texas Title and Title Transfer Forms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>My Vehicle Title Was Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n