Title Transfer In Texas: How To Change Car Ownership (2026)

How to Transfer a Car Title in Texas

Transferring title to a vehicle usually requires two documents. First, you need the old title signed by the prior owner. The signed title must also include the odometer reading at the time of the transfer. However, the old title does not need to be notarized or witnessed.

Second, you must submit an application for a new title. The prior owner should also sign the application. The title application must include the price if the vehicle was sold to the transferee.

In many cases, you will transfer the title when you register the vehicle in your name. Can you register a car without a title? In Texas, the prior owner can provide a signed application for a replacement title and a vehicle bill of sale in place of the old title.

What is the difference between a bill of sale vs. title? The bill of sale evidences the transaction but does not prove ownership. This is why the prior owner must also sign the application for a replacement title.

In Texas, you will usually not go to a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) office to transfer title to a vehicle. Instead, you will go to your county tax office, which handles routine title transfers and vehicle registrations.

You will only go to the TxDMV if you need a replacement title. Transferors will also go to the TxDMV to file a transfer notification after selling or giving away a vehicle.

When Can You Transfer a Car Title in Texas?

Title transfers occur anytime ownership changes, including the following circumstances:

• Sale or purchase
• Gift
• Inheritance
• Release of a lien
• Divorce

Additionally, you must execute a title transfer in Texas when your car is totaled. What happens when a car is totaled? If the car is no longer drivable, you transfer title to the insurer in exchange for your car accident settlement check.

What happens when your car is totaled but still drivable? To keep the vehicle and have it repaired, you will need to apply for a salvage title until you can repair it to meet Texas law and obtain a rebuilt salvage title.

Does a rebuilt title affect insurance? Your insurance premiums will likely rise due to possible hidden damage, which increases the risk of another crash.

When You're Not Allowed to Transfer a Car Title

You cannot transfer title when there is no change in ownership. For example, you cannot transfer title to defraud creditors or lien holders.

Texas Title Transfer Fees

The title transfer fee depends on your county, varying between $28 and $33.

Special Exceptions for Title Transfers in Texas

There are certain situations where you can obtain a Texas title without transferring it. You must apply for a new title when you move to Texas from another state. You will apply for the title when you obtain your car registration in Texas.

You do not need to transfer title when you move within the state. You can visit the county tax assessor with jurisdiction over your new residence to change the address on your car titles and registrations.

If a new title contains a mistake, such as the wrong odometer reading or sale date, you can ask the seller to file an affidavit of fact with the county tax assessor that issued the incorrect title. The assessor will issue a replacement title.

You also do not need to transfer a vehicle title when you change your name. Instead, you will submit a title application with your new name and documentation, such as a court judgment, proving the name change.

Title Transfer at a Dealership or Trade-In

When you trade in a vehicle, you transfer ownership to the dealership. You will sign the title and execute the application for a new title so the dealership can sell or salvage the vehicle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I execute a title transfer in Texas after inheriting a car?

The probate court should provide you with a judgment affirming your ownership.

How do I remove a lien from my car title?

The lender will release its lien in writing when you pay off the loan. You can then freely sell the car and transfer the title to the buyer. If you plan to keep the car, you can have Texas reissue the title without the lien.