Texas Private Car Sale Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for a private vehicle sale in Texas. Requirements can vary by vehicle type, lien status, and situation, so always confirm with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) before completing the transaction.
Quick reference
Notary required?
✗NoBill of sale?
◆ConditionalOdometer disclosure?
✓Yes⏱ Important Deadlines
- 30-day deadline: Buyer must apply for title within 30 days of purchaseOfficial source ↗
Seller Checklist
Items the seller typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Fees
Title application fee
Plus applicable sales tax (6.25% of vehicle's sale price or Standard Presumptive Value, whichever is higher).
Special requirements
Notarization is generally not required for private vehicle sales in Texas.
Not mandated but strongly recommended. Texas has an Application for Texas Certificate of Title (Form 130-U) which serves as the transfer document.
Required by federal law and completed on Form 130-U for vehicles under 10 years old.
Step-by-step process
- 1Seller signs the back of the title, filling in the buyer's name, sale price, date, and odometer reading.
- 2Seller and buyer complete Form 130-U (Application for Texas Certificate of Title).
- 3Seller gives the buyer the signed title and Form 130-U.
- 4Buyer submits Form 130-U, the signed title, proof of insurance, and fees to the county tax office within 30 days.
- 5Buyer pays 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax based on the sale price or Standard Presumptive Value.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Missing the 30-day deadline for title application — daily penalty fees apply.
- ✗Not paying the correct amount of sales tax (use SPV if sale price is below it).
- ✗Seller not giving buyer a copy of Form 130-U.
- ✗Odometer disclosure missing from title or Form 130-U.
Official links
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car privately?
Requirements vary by state. In Texas, check with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) for the current requirement. A bill of sale is always recommended as a record of the transaction.
What happens if the buyer doesn't transfer the title?
You could remain liable for tickets, tolls, and accidents. File a release of liability or notice of sale with your state agency as soon as the sale is complete.
Can I sell a car with a lien?
Yes, but the lien must be satisfied at or before closing. The lienholder must release the lien before a clean title can be issued to the buyer.
Other Texas vehicle tasks
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Compare all 50 states →Last reviewed: 2026-01-01 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice