Before paying
- Match the VIN on the dashboard, door label, and title.
- Confirm the seller is the titled owner or has valid authority.
- Review the title for liens, brands, alterations, and missing signatures.
- Run a TxDMV-approved NMVTIS title-history check.
- Arrange an independent mechanical inspection.
- Verify insurance cost and lender requirements.
- Calculate taxes, title, registration, and local fees.
Documents to receive
- Properly assigned original title with sale date and odometer disclosure when required.
- Signed Form 130-U with the sales price.
- Original lien release when a lien has been paid but remains recorded.
- Bill of sale and payment receipt.
- Any supporting power-of-attorney, estate, gift, or court documents.
- Latest Vehicle Inspection Report when applicable and available.
Dealer versus individual seller
A licensed dealer normally files the title application for you and should provide a receipt showing the vehicle was titled in your name. In a private sale, the buyer is responsible for filing. TxDMV recommends that buyer and seller visit the county tax office together when possible.
Title and register within 30 days
Take the assigned title, Form 130-U, proof of insurance, identification, inspection evidence when required, lien documents, and payment to the county tax assessor-collector. Delays can create penalties and leave the vehicle recorded in the seller's name.
Walk away when
- The seller will not show ID or is not the titled owner.
- The VIN is altered or does not match.
- The title is missing, open, erased, or reassigned through skipped owners.
- A lien has no acceptable release.
- The seller pressures you to report a false price.
- The deal depends on promises to provide the title later.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to title a vehicle after buying it in Texas?
A buyer generally must apply for title within 30 calendar days after the sale to avoid delinquent-transfer penalties.
Should I buy a vehicle without the original title?
No. TxDMV warns buyers not to leave a private sale without the properly assigned original title. Missing or defective ownership documents can require a bonded-title or court process.
How is sales tax calculated on a private-party purchase?
Texas generally charges 6.25% motor-vehicle sales tax. For many private-party used vehicles, tax is based on the greater of the purchase price or 80% of standard presumptive value unless an exception applies.
Can I drive the car if the seller keeps the plates?
A qualifying buyer may obtain one five-day Vehicle Transit Permit for the sale, but insurance and all permit conditions still apply.