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Texas Legal Guide 2024

Texas Vehicle Sale Requirements

Everything's bigger in Texas - including the paperwork! Complete guide to selling vehicles in the Lone Star State. Forms, fees, taxes, and legal requirements explained in plain English.

📅30-Day Transfer Window
💰6.25% State Tax
🏛️254 Counties

🤠 Texas Required Documents

Texas Certificate of Title

Blue title, signed on back

Form 130-U

Application for Texas Title

Vehicle Inspection Report

Valid safety inspection

Form VTR-346

Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer (if gift)

Bill of Sale

Recommended but not required

Odometer Disclosure

For vehicles under 20 years

⚠️ Texas-Specific Requirements

Seller Must:

  • • Sign title on line 1 (back)
  • • Provide odometer reading
  • • Keep plates (they stay with owner)
  • • Report sale to TxDMV (optional)
  • • Provide inspection if current

Buyer Must:

  • • Transfer within 30 days
  • • Pay tax at county office
  • • Get safety inspection
  • • Apply for registration
  • • Show proof of insurance

💵 Texas Fees & Taxes 2024

Title Transfer$33

Standard title fee

Sales Tax6.25%

Of purchase price or SPV

Local TaxUp to 2%

County/city tax

Registration$51.75+

Based on vehicle weight

Inspection Fee$7-40

Safety + emissions

Late Transfer$25

After 30 days

Dealer Doc FeeMax $150

If buying from dealer

💡 Standard Passenger Vehicle: Expect $250-400 total

📅 Texas Transfer Timeline

Day 1

Sale Completed

Title signed, payment exchanged

Within 30 Days

Title Transfer

Buyer must transfer to avoid penalty

Within 30 Days

Pay Sales Tax

At county tax office

Before Registration

Safety Inspection

Required for registration

2-3 Weeks

New Title Arrives

Mailed from Austin

🎁

Gift Transfer

No tax between family. Use Form VTR-346. $10 gift tax only.

🏛️

Out of State

New residents have 30 days. Need VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles.

🔧

Bonded Title

Lost title? Get bonded title. Costs 1.5x vehicle value in bond.

📍 Major County Tax Offices

Harris (Houston)

16 locations, appointment recommended

Dallas

7 locations, online queue available

Bexar (San Antonio)

5 locations, express service

Travis (Austin)

5 locations, heavy wait times

Tarrant (Fort Worth)

6 locations, Saturday hours

Fort Bend

3 locations, growing fast

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