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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.
🤠 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
Standard title fee
Of purchase price or SPV
County/city tax
Based on vehicle weight
Safety + emissions
After 30 days
If buying from dealer
💡 Standard Passenger Vehicle: Expect $250-400 total
📅 Texas Transfer Timeline
Sale Completed
Title signed, payment exchanged
Title Transfer
Buyer must transfer to avoid penalty
Pay Sales Tax
At county tax office
Safety Inspection
Required for registration
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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