Car Title Transfer Fees in Texas: Exact Costs and How Long It Takes

Here is exactly what you will pay to transfer a car title in Texas — base fee, sales tax, registration, late penalties, and whether you can do it online.

Fee Breakdown

Base Title Fee$33 title application fee

Additional Fees6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on purchase price (or Standard Presumptive Value — whichever is higher), $2.50 registration transfer fee, local county fees ($8–$15)

Total Typical Cost$45–$75 in fixed fees, plus 6.25% motor vehicle tax on purchase price

Transfer Timeline

2–4 weeks by mail; same-day at county tax assessor-collector officeSame-day available

Late Transfer Penalty

File within 30 days to avoid penalties.

$25 penalty for late transfer (0–30 days late); $50 for 31–90 days; $75 for 91 days to 1 year; $250 for over 1 year

Can You Transfer Online in Texas?

Limited — Texas requires in-person title transfer at the county tax assessor-collector

webDEALER is available for dealers. Private party transfers must be done in person at the county office.

Where to File

Your county tax assessor-collector office. Find your county office at txdmv.gov.

Money-Saving Tip

Bring a written bill of sale showing the actual sale price — TxDMV uses Standard Presumptive Value if the declared price is below market, which increases your tax.

Texas-Specific Facts for Car Title Transfer Fees

Texas Vehicle transfer fees and requirements

In Texas, the title transfer fee is $33 and registration costs $50.75 per year. Vehicle sales are subject to 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on purchase price. Texas does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in Texas — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.

Annual safety inspection required; emissions testing in select counties
Title transfer within 30 days at county tax office
Form 130-U required for title transfer
Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) used for tax assessment on private sales

Official Texas bill of sale form

The official Texas bill of sale form is Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Texas requirements and can be used in place of the official form.

Texas sales tax on vehicle purchases

Texas has a 6.25% state sales tax rate. Flat 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax statewide. Private-party vehicle sales in Texas are subject to sales tax. Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher. The title transfer fee is $33.

Texas bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 10,842 bill of sale documents for Texas transactions, with 292 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

More Texas Vehicle Guides

Each guide is written specifically for Texas laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Texas?

The base title transfer fee in Texas is $33 title application fee. Additional costs include 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on purchase price (or Standard Presumptive Value — whichever is higher), $2.50 registration transfer fee, local county fees ($8–$15). Total typical cost: $45–$75 in fixed fees, plus 6.25% motor vehicle tax on purchase price.

How long do I have to transfer a car title in Texas?

Texas requires title transfer within 30 days of the sale. $25 penalty for late transfer (0–30 days late); $50 for 31–90 days; $75 for 91 days to 1 year; $250 for over 1 year

What is the penalty for a late title transfer in Texas?