| At sometime
in our lives we might want to buy or sell a vehicle. It is important to
understand the procedure that must be followed to complete a title transfer.
This page will walk you through the requirements, fees, and documents
needed. It will also offer thorough instructions and sample forms. You
can file a title transfer at five
tax office locations.
On October 1, 2006, Texas law regarding vehicle sales
price between private parties (not dealers) changed to Standard Presumptive
Value (SPV). SPV is the calculated price of a vehicle's worth based on
similar sales in Texas. Review more information on the SPV
Fact Sheet.
Assuming the title is free of liens and has not been
previously assigned, these are the GENERAL steps to follow. PLEASE NOTE:
Come to the tax office in person (seller and buyer) for assistance in
completing all paperwork. Calling (512) 854-9473
will provide help, however, processing the transaction and exact fees
depend upon visual inspection of documents with a title specialist.
New emission control laws took effect
locally in Travis and Williamson counties on September 1, 2005. To comply
with the law, all vehicles must be tested as part of the annual inspection
process. To learn about exceptions and more about emission control testing,
see the Department
of Public Safety web site.
To know if the vehicle is subject to emissions testing,
check the vehicle record for the last county of registration. If the county
is list "A" below, it is not subject to testing. If the record
shows a county from list "B:" the vehicle MUST BE TESTED before
the title transfer can be completed.
A - counties that have already implemented emission
controls; vehicle does not have to be tested: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas,
Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman,
Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, and Tarrant TRAVIS AND WILLIAMSON.
B - counties that have not implemented - vehicle MUST
be tested: all counties that do not appear in list "A" above
Here are the general steps to transfer title.
Seller assigns title to the buyer on back of title with
signature and date. From the date of the seller's signature, the buyer
has 20 business days to file the title to avoid penalty for late filing.
Seller and buyer sign and date the sales tax affidavit
form130U Application
for Texas Title
The 130U form and title do NOT
need to be notarized.
Proof of liability insurance is required at the time
of transfer. See vehicle
registration page for details. The insurance may be in either the
name of the seller or buyer. If the transfer is filed within 20 working
days of the seller's dated signature, the buyer may satisfy proof of liability
insurance requirements by displaying a Texas insurance card (or declarations
page) showing current coverage on another, similar vehicle (similar meaning
automobile or truck, does not refer to motorcycles).
To transfer a Texas Certificate of Title you need:
TITLE
Seller signs and dates the title on the back. To avoid penalty, the title
must be filed within 20
county business days
LIABILITY INSURANCE
Provide proof of liability insurance at the time of title transfer. Research
here.
TITLE TRANSFER APPLICATION
Seller and Buyer sign and date the transfer application form 130U. Download
here. Download
instructions to complete form here.
EMISSION CONTROL TEST
If applicable, bring proof of emissions control test. Research
emissions testing here.
Fees include: 6.25% sales tax on the
purchase price of the vehicle (be sure to check information on Standard
Presumptive Value described above), $33 title fee and registration renewal
fees if the vehicle renewal month falls within 30 days of the title transfer.
See the chart for a listing of
renewal fees.
|
