Individuals

Selling A Vehicle?

When you sell a vehicle, Texas law requires the buyer to title it in their name within 30 calendar days.


If the buyer fails to transfer the title in time, you—the seller—could still be held liable for tickets, toll violations, or even property seizure if the vehicle is later used in unlawful activities. To avoid these risks, we recommend that you accompany the buyer to TX Title Connection, where we’ll help ensure the Vehicle Title Application is properly filed.

If your vehicle is sold or traded to a licensed motor vehicle dealer, be aware that the dealer is not required to title it in the dealership’s name. The vehicle remains under your name until sold to a private buyer, which can take months or even years. To safeguard against any future issues, we encourage you to file a Vehicle Transfer Notification with TX Title Connection. This notification legally removes you from liability for the vehicle after the sale, protecting you from any unintended responsibilities.

When completing a private sale, remember to provide the buyer with:

- A properly signed title, including the sale date and odometer reading.

- A completed and signed Vehicle Title Application with the sales price clearly indicated.

For added protection, we suggest keeping a detailed record of the transaction, including:

- Buyer’s contact information.

- Date of sale.

- Key vehicle details, such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Buying A Vehicle?

When purchasing a vehicle, it’s essential to ensure all paperwork is handled accurately to avoid unexpected issues.

Be aware that failing to title a vehicle within 30 days may result in fines and penalties for the buyer.

Proof of Liability Insurance and Title Transfer Requirements

When titling and registering your vehicle, you must provide proof of liability insurance or apply for a title-only transfer if insurance is unavailable. For out-of-state title transfers, Texas requires a Vehicle Identification Certificate (Form VI-30) and an Out of State Certificate from an approved safety inspection station.

At TX Title Connection, our team is dedicated to ensuring that your vehicle purchase is smooth, secure, and compliant with Texas regulations. Contact us to simplify your buying experience and avoid unnecessary complications.

If You’re Buying from an Individual

Whenever possible, bring the seller with you to our office. One of our representatives will verify that the title being signed over to you is accurate and free from legal or salvage issues before you submit the title application, helping you avoid costly surprises.

If You’re Buying from a Dealer

In Texas, dealers are responsible for filing the title documents for you. However, make sure the dealer provides you with a receipt confirming the vehicle has been titled in your name within 30 calendar days. This proof protects you and confirms the dealer has met their obligations.

Documents to Collect from the Seller

For private purchases, ensure the seller provides:

  • A signed Vehicle Title Application.

  • Supporting documents like a Release of Lien, Power of Attorney, or Bill of Sale if applicable.

Keep a detailed record of the transaction, including:

  • The seller’s name and address.

  • Date of sale.

  • Vehicle information, such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Fees

When purchasing a vehicle from an individual, there are specific fees that must be paid when applying for a vehicle title.

For a smooth, hassle-free experience, contact us at TX Title Connection. Our team is here to help you calculate the total cost of titling your vehicle and complete the process efficiently.

Motor Vehicle Sales Tax

Texas requires payment of a **6.25% motor vehicle sales tax**, calculated on either the **purchase price** or the **standard presumptive value** (SPV) of the vehicle—whichever is higher. This tax is mandatory at the time of title application.

Additional Fees

In addition to the sales tax, you’ll need to cover the **standard title, registration, and local fees**. The total amount due can vary, so we recommend reaching out to us for an exact breakdown of these fees and guidance on acceptable forms of payment.

Payment Options

TX Title Connection accepts most forms of payment to simplify the process. While the state of Texas does not accept credit cards for tax payments, we offer this option for our customers, with a **convenience fee** applied for credit card transactions.

Services

  • Expert Guidance:
    TTC experts are knowledgeable about Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) regulations ensure all forms are correctly completed and submitted, reducing the risk of errors that could delay processing.

    Time Savings:
    By handling the administrative tasks, TTC saves individuals from navigating complex procedures and waiting in lines at county tax assessor-collector offices.

    Comprehensive Services:
    TTC offers a range of services, including:

    Title Transfers:
    Assisting with the transfer of ownership for vehicles, RVs, ATVs, and boats.

    Title Bonds:
    Helping secure a bonded title when the original title is missing or unavailable.

    Salvage Titles:
    Processing titles for vehicles deemed a total loss but repaired for road use.

    Lost Title Replacements:
    Obtaining duplicate titles when originals are lost or destroyed.

    Personalized License Plates:
    Facilitating the application for custom license plates.

    Registration Stickers and License Plates:
    Managing renewals and replacements of registration stickers and plates.

    Notary Public Services:
    Providing notarization for documents requiring official certification.

  • Title Transfers:
    Facilitating the transfer of vehicle ownership by managing the necessary documentation and submissions.

    Title Bonds:
    Assisting in obtaining bonded titles when the original title is missing or unavailable, allowing for legal ownership recognition.

    Salvage Titles:
    Processing titles for vehicles deemed a total loss but repaired for road use, ensuring proper documentation.

    Lost Title Replacements:
    Helping individuals obtain duplicate titles when originals are lost or destroyed.

    Personalized License Plates:
    Facilitating the application process for custom license plates.

    Registration Stickers:
    Managing renewals and replacements of registration stickers to ensure vehicles remain legally registered.

    Notary Public Services:
    Providing notarization for documents requiring official certification.

  • Assessment:
    TTC evaluates your situation to determine eligibility for a bonded title, ensuring all requirements are met.

    Bond Procurement:
    TTC helps you acquire a surety bond, typically valued at 1.5 times the vehicle's appraised value, as mandated by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).

    Documentation Preparation:
    TTC assists in completing and organizing all necessary forms and supporting documents required by the TxDMV.

    Submission and Follow-Up:
    TTC manages the submission of your application to the appropriate county tax office and monitor its progress to address any issues promptly.

  • Application Assistance:
    TTC helps complete and submit the Application for Salvage or Non-repairable Vehicle Title (Form VTR-441) to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).

    Documentation Preparation:
    TTC ensures all required documents, such as proof of ownership and lien releases, are accurately prepared and submitted.

    Inspection Coordination:
    For rebuilt salvage vehicles, TTC coordinates the necessary inspections to verify roadworthiness and compliance with state regulations.

    Title and Registration Processing:
    TTC manages the process of obtaining a rebuilt salvage title and assists with vehicle registration, ensuring all legal requirements are met.

  • Application Assistance:
    TTC helps complete and submit the Application for a Certified Copy of Title (Form VTR-34) to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).

    Documentation Preparation:
    TTC ensures all required documents, such as proof of ownership and lien releases, are accurately prepared and submitted.

    Submission and Follow-Up:
    TTC manages the submission of your application to the appropriate county tax office and monitors its progress to address any issues promptly.

  • TTC assists individuals in Texas with obtaining personalized license plates by guiding them through the necessary procedures to legally title and register such vehicles.

    Application Assistance:
    TTC helps complete and submit the Application for Personalized License Plates to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).

    Documentation Preparation:
    TTC ensures all required documents, such as proof of ownership and lien releases, are accurately prepared and submitted.

    Submission and Follow-Up:
    TTC manages the submission of your application to the appropriate county tax office and monitors its progress to address any issues promptly.

  • Title Transfers:
    Facilitating the transfer of vehicle ownership by managing the necessary documentation and submissions.

    Title Bonds:
    Assisting in obtaining bonded titles when the original title is missing or unavailable, allowing for legal ownership recognition.

    Salvage Titles:
    Processing titles for vehicles deemed a total loss but repaired for road use, ensuring proper documentation.

    Lost Title Replacements:
    Helping individuals obtain duplicate titles when originals are lost or destroyed.

    Personalized License Plates:
    Facilitating the application process for custom license plates.

    Registration Stickers:
    Managing renewals and replacements of registration stickers to ensure vehicles remain legally registered.

    Notary Public Services:
    Providing notarization for documents requiring official certification.