Texas Used Car Buyer's Paperwork Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for buying a used vehicle from a private seller in Texas. Confirm the latest requirements with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) before completing your transaction.
Quick answer
Texas buyers must apply for a new title at the county tax assessor-collector's office within 30 days of purchase — not at a TxDMV branch. Bring the signed title, completed Form 130-U, proof of Texas insurance, and payment for the $33 title fee plus 6.25% sales tax based on the sale price or Standard Presumptive Value (whichever is higher).
Key facts
- State
- Texas
- Agency
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
- Process
- Buy a Used Car
- Notary required
- No
- Bill of sale
- Conditional
- Odometer disclosure
- Yes
- Filing deadline
- 30 days
- Last verified
- 2026-05-10
- Official source
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles ↗
Key facts from official sources
Apply for title at county tax assessor-collector within 30 days of purchase.
TxDMV — Title Transfers ↗Form 130-U (Application for Texas Certificate of Title) is required.
TxDMV — Motorist Forms List ↗Motor vehicle sales tax is 6.25% of the sale price or Standard Presumptive Value, whichever is higher.
TxDMV — Title Transfers ↗Submit Form 130-U and fees to the county tax assessor-collector within 30 days of purchase.
TxDMV — Title Transfers ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
✗NoBill of sale?
◆ConditionalOdometer disclosure?
✓YesInspection required?
?Verify⏱ Important Deadlines
- 30-day deadline: Apply for title at county tax assessor-collector within 30 days of purchaseOfficial source ↗
Buyer Checklist
Items the buyer typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Fees
Title application fee $33 + 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax
If the sale price is below the Standard Presumptive Value, tax is calculated on the SPV.
Special requirements
Texas does not require notarization to buy a used car from a private seller.
Not required by law but strongly recommended. Form 130-U is the primary title transfer document.
Completed on Form 130-U for vehicles under 10 years old.
Inspection requirements vary by state and vehicle type. Check your state agency.
Step-by-step process
- 1Verify the seller's name matches the title and check for outstanding liens.
- 2Seller signs the back of the title and fills in buyer info, sale price, date, and odometer.
- 3Both parties complete Form 130-U (Application for Texas Certificate of Title).
- 4Submit Form 130-U, signed title, proof of insurance, and payment to the county tax assessor-collector within 30 days.
- 5Pay 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax based on sale price or Standard Presumptive Value.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Missing the 30-day title application deadline — daily penalty fees apply.
- ✗Paying tax on a price below SPV — the tax office will calculate tax on the higher value.
- ✗Not verifying the VIN on the title matches the vehicle.
- ✗Accepting a title with whiteout or alterations.
Official links
Source verification
This page covers 5 researched claims about Texas buy a used car:
Directly cited from official sources
Inferred — confirm with agency before acting
Researched from Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). Requirements can change — always verify with the official agency before submitting documents.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to register after buying a used car?
Deadlines vary by state. In Texas, confirm the registration deadline with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to avoid late fees.
What if the title has errors?
Do not accept a title with correction fluid or scratched-out information. Ask the seller to obtain a corrected title from the DMV before completing the sale.
Can I drive the car home before registering it?
Many states offer a short window or allow a temporary permit. Check your state agency for guidance.
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Last reviewed: 2026-05-10 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice