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 answer
Texas sellers must sign the back of the title and complete Form 130-U (Application for Texas Certificate of Title) with the buyer. The buyer applies for a new title at the county tax assessor-collector's office (not at TxDMV) within 30 days and pays a $33 title fee plus 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on the sale price or Standard Presumptive Value, whichever is higher.
Key facts
- State
- Texas
- Agency
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
- Process
- Sell a 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
Form 130-U (Application for Texas Certificate of Title) is required for all title transfers.
TxDMV — Motorist Forms List ↗Motor vehicle sales tax is 6.25% of the sale price or Standard Presumptive Value (SPV), whichever is higher.
TxDMV — Title Transfers ↗Title applications are submitted to the county tax assessor-collector, not directly to TxDMV.
TxDMV — Title Transfers ↗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 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on 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. Form 130-U serves as the primary 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
Source verification
This page covers 6 researched claims about Texas sell a 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
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.
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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