Overview
Sellers have skin in the game too: until the buyer transfers the title, tolls, tickets, and even impound bills can land on you. Texas gives sellers a free defense - file a Vehicle Transfer Notification (Form VTR-346) online within 30 days and the state records that you no longer own it. Use the penalty calculator below if the transfer is already overdue.
01 - Official fees
Texas title transfer fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title application fee | $28 | non-emissions counties |
| Title application fee | $33 | emissions counties |
| Delinquent transfer penalty | $25 + $25/month | capped at $250 |
| Sales tax late penalty (31–60 days) | 5% of tax | |
| Sales tax late penalty (61+ days) | 10% of tax | |
| Vehicle Transfer Notification (seller) | Free | online, VTR-346 |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your county tax assessor-collector's office (TxDMV) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to transfer a title in Texas
- 1
Seller signs the title's assignment section (and the buyer countersigns) - names must match IDs exactly.
- 2
Both parties complete Form 130-U; record the odometer reading for vehicles under 20 model years old.
- 3
Buyer takes title + 130-U + proof of insurance + ID to the county tax assessor-collector within 30 days.
- 4
Buyer pays the title fee, 6.25% sales tax (or SPV-based tax), and registration in one payment.
- 5
Seller files the free Vehicle Transfer Notification online the same day the car changes hands.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Texas vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Texas title transfer FAQ
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Texas?
The title application fee is $28 in most counties, $33 in emissions counties. But budget for the full picture: 6.25% sales tax on the purchase (or SPV basis) plus registration if it's due - the county collects everything in one transaction.
What exactly happens if I transfer the title late?
Two separate meters run. Title penalty: $25 once you're past 30 days, plus $25 per additional month, capped at $250. Tax penalty: 5% of the sales tax owed after 30 days, 10% after 60. Being 3 months late on a $20,000 purchase costs roughly $75 in title penalties plus $125 in tax penalties.
Can I transfer a Texas title online?
No - new-owner title transfers are in-person at the county tax office (some counties offer appointments or drop-off). Only the seller's side, the Vehicle Transfer Notification, is a fully online form.
The seller gave me just a signed title. Is that enough?
A properly signed-over title is the key document, but you'll also need Form 130-U at the counter and, ideally, a bill of sale showing the price - the county uses it for the tax calculation and it's your proof against the SPV presumption.
How do I protect myself as the seller after handing over the keys?
File the Vehicle Transfer Notification (VTR-346) on the TxDMV site within 30 days - it's free and takes five minutes. Once recorded, the state presumes you're not liable for the buyer's tolls, tickets, or crashes from the notification date.
What about transferring a title I inherited?
Inherited vehicles skip sales tax and use different paperwork depending on whether there's a will and probate - commonly an Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle (Form VTR-262) plus the $28/$33 title fee. The county tax office walks heirs through it.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.