How to Sell a Car in Texas

The steps and process for selling a vehicle online are different in every state. Learn how to sell your used car or truck privately in Texas.

With an estimated 14 million registered trucks and cars in the state of Texas, it is no wonder that thousands of private car owners from the Lone Star state have used Autotrader to sell their car. Below, we’ve outlined the six steps and forms required for how to sell a car in the state of Texas so you can sell your car quickly for the most cash. Remember, most U.S. states consider the vehicle title a legal document which is why it is advised to use the legal names (no nicknames) of both parties involved along with legible handwriting using a black or blue ink. Mistakes, errors and using white out may void the document so be careful and take your time filling it out.

Step 1: The Buyer Inspects the Car
Step 2: Sign the Back of the Title
Step 3: Sign the Buyer's Application for Title
Step 4: Take off your Plates
Step 5: Remove your Registration Window Sticker
Step 6: Accompany the Buyer to the Local Country Tax Office to Finalize the Transaction

Step 1: The Buyer Inspects the Car

Most vehicle shoppers who buy a car privately pay for a pre-purchase vehicle inspection by a qualified and licensed auto mechanic. Although the buyer pays for this inspection, the seller and buyer must agree on when and where the inspection is to be held. If the inspection does find any issues with the car, it is a good idea for you as the seller to keep the report for your records.

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Step 2: Sign the Back of the Title

If the interested party decides to purchase your vehicle, begin the process of transferring ownership. To do this, sign, date and enter the vehicle’s odometer reading on the back of the title. Remember that a title is a legal document, so do your best to write clearly and be careful to avoid making any mistakes. Any errors can void the document. If there is more than one seller named on the title and their names are separated by “or” then only one of the sellers needs to sign vehicle title in order to transfer it to the buyer. If there is more than one seller named on the title and their names are separated by “and” or “and/or” then both sellers need to sign the title before it is transferred to the buyer. If nothing separates the owner names, both must sign. The same applies to multiple buyers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) odometer disclosure requirements were updated in December 2020 impacting certain private vehicle sales in Texas: For a vehicle transfer that occurs from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2030, any vehicle of model year 2011 or newer (2012, 2013, etc.) will require an odometer disclosure. Starting on January 1, 2031, any vehicle that is less than 20 model years old will require an odometer disclosure. Previously, the NHTSA required disclosure was for only the first 10 years. Cars older than 2010 are exempt from odometer disclosures.

The title needs to be released or signed off on by any lienholders as well. Also, if the seller has lost the car title, they’ll need to complete Form VTR-34 Application for a Certified Copy of Title, at their local DMV office. The application requires a signed lien release – if there’s not one currently on record, a valid state ID, and there’s an administrative fee ranging from $2 to $5.45. If the vehicle title transfer is not done properly, then the buyer could be responsible for traffic violations and crimes committed by a driver of the car.

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Step 3: Sign the Buyer's Application for Title

Next, sign the buyer's application for title (Form 130-U) and write in the sales price. The buyer is required to title the vehicle in their name(s) within 30 days of the sale, and your signature on this form allows them to do so.

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Step 4: Take off your Plates

Remove your license plates and keep them - these can be transferred to another vehicle. Never let the buyer leave with your license plates.

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Step 5: Remove your Registration Window Sticker

Next, remove the registration sticker from the inside of the windshield. A razor blade and some elbow grease will be helpful here.

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Step 6: Accompany the Buyer to the Local Country Tax Office to Finalize the Transaction

Go to your local county tax office with the buyer to file the required paperwork. Alternatively, if you do not accompany the buyer to the county tax office, you should file a vehicle transfer notification. When a vehicle transfer notification is filed, the Texas state DMV updates its records to show the vehicle as sold, thus ensuring that you won't be held responsible for tickets or other violations the vehicle may incur while in possession of its new owner. This must be done within 30 days of the vehicle being sold. Texas law requires a vehicle be insured at the time of the sale, so buyers need to make sure their insurance policy is current and up to date with the vehicle they are purchasing. When trading-in or selling your vehicle to a dealership, the vehicle is not required to be titled in that dealerships name and will remain in your name until it is sold to an individual. In this case, you’ll want to be sure to file a vehicle transfer notification as soon as the dealership takes possession of your trade. After the sale is completed, cancel your insurance.

For more information, visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website. Looking for another vehicle form? The Texas DMV list all their vehicle forms on their website.

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Questions about selling your car in Texas? We have answers.

Do I keep my plates when selling a car in Texas?

Do I remove my registration sticker after selling a car in Texas?

Can I transfer a vehicle title online in Texas?

Does a bill of sale have to be notarized in Texas?

Does a vehicle title have to be notarized in Texas?