Texas
Title Fee
$33.00/$28.00
Sales Tax Rate
6.25%
Other Tax Rate
Who must title a vehicle in Texas?
All vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, trailers, off-highway vehicles, motorized vessels, non-motorized vessels ≥14 ft, and internal combustion outboard motors must be titled unless exempt.
Exempt: Trailers/semitrailers ≤4,000 lbs., farm trailers ≤34,000 lbs. (optional), US government vehicles, snowmobiles, golf carts, implements of husbandry, unconventional machinery, well drilling units, oil well service vehicles, USCG-documented vessels.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), via County Tax Assessor-Collector.
Application: Texas Title and/or Registration (130-U), county of residence/purchase/encumbrance/any county.
Fee: $33.00 (major counties), $28.00 (others); vessels: $27.00 + $11.00 transfer at TPWD; manufactured homes: $55.00 (Statement of Ownership).
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Registration receipt (+ bill of sale if no transfer section).
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, Law Enforcement VIN Inspection (VTR-68-A), NHTSA HS-7, US entry/clearance, bond release if imported under bond, English/certified translation.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Bonded Title: If ownership is unclear, Bonded Title Application (VTR-130-SOF), $15.00 fee, bond = 1.5x value, valid 3 years, VIN inspection if no TX record.
Brands: Actual Mileage, Beneficiary, Bonded Title, Diesel, Flood Damaged, Manufacturer Buyback, Mileage Exceeds Mechanical Limits, Not Actual Mileage, Not for Dealer Resale, Off-Highway Use Only, Rebuilt Salvage (various), Reconditioned, Reconstructed, Replica, Survivorship Rights, VIN Certification Waived, and more. Out-of-state brands carried forward (not Bonded Title).
Salvage/Nonrepairable: Salvage = repair cost > value or insurance total loss; Nonrepairable = only value is parts/scrap. Application (VTR-441), $8.00 fee ($10.00 if no TX title).
Rebuilt: After salvage, submit rebuilt fee ($65.00), Rebuilt Vehicle Statement (VTR-61), application, and fees.
Junk: Application for Authority to Dispose (VTR-71-2), $2.00 fee; title must be assigned to demolisher; vehicle destroyed, cannot be retitled.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Duplicate: Certified Copy of Title (VTR-34), $2.00 by mail/$5.45 in person; photo ID required; 14–30 day wait after original/replacement issuance.
Vessels: PWD 143M (vessels), $27.00; $64.00 expedited.
Corrected: Application for title, check corrected title box, fee applies.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN inspection required for out-of-state/foreign vehicles (VTR-68-A or inspection report).
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Yes, via webDEALER/webSALVAGE for secure docs; non-secure docs accepted on paper or electronically; must be identified as e-signature.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Motor Vehicle Sales/Use Tax: 6.25% of total consideration (SPV applies for private sales).Trade-in credit allowed.
Credit for taxes paid to another state/U.S. territory (not foreign country).
Exemptions: IRP vehicles, OHVs, farm/timber machines, manufactured homes, vehicles for out-of-state use, gifts, even trades, and more.
Boat/Outboard Motor Sales/Use Tax: 6.25% (max $18,750 per boat/motor); $15 new resident tax for boats/motors brought in by new residents.
Manufactured Housing Sales/Use Tax: 3.25% on first sale of new home.
TERP Surcharge: 1.0%–2.5% for certain diesel vehicles/equipment.
Property Tax: None statewide; counties may levy, but not required for registration.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Application (130-U) + title + fee; additional liens: VTR-267; perfected as of application acceptance by County Tax Assessor-Collector.
ELT (Electronic Lien & Title) program available; electronic record for lienholder.
How are liens released or assigned?
Lienholder must release within 10 days of payment; release on title, VTR-266, or company letterhead; notarized for vessels.
Assignment: New lienholder submits application with Lien Transfer/No Change in Ownership indicated.
How does repossession work in Texas?
Lienholder may repossess if peaceful; submit Repossessed Motor Vehicle Affidavit (VTR-264), application, title, and fee; repo title required before transfer.
Out-of-state repos: Must provide out-of-state title + affidavit or get repo title in that state if required.
Other notes:
Foreclosure liens: Various forms (VTR-265-M, VTR-265-VSF, etc.); notice to owners/lienholders required.
Enforcement Agency:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles4000 Jackson Ave, Austin, TX 78731
888.368.4689 | TxDMV
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Texas DPS Highway Patrol, PO Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773
Key Regulations:
Insurance required: $30,000/$60,000/$25,000 minimum; higher for hazmat, household goods, buses.
Proof required at registration and must be carried.
Safety inspection required for commercial/assembled vehicles; emissions in 17 counties.
Two plates for most vehicles; one for motorcycles, antique, trailers, and others. Plates usually transferable.
Title records kept 10 years.