How to Transfer a Car Title in Texas: A Complete Guide by Swift Auto Title Services

Transferring a car title might sound like a small step, but it’s one of the most critical parts of buying, selling, or gifting a vehicle. Whether you’re handing your car off to a new owner or receiving one from someone else, a proper title transfer ensures legal ownership and protects you from future disputes, fines, or fraud.

At Swift Auto Title Services in Houston, we’ve helped thousands of Texans successfully complete vehicle title transfers. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, whether you’re selling your car, gifting it to a family member, or finalizing a dealership trade-in.

What Is a Title Transfer?

A title transfer is the legal process of changing ownership of a vehicle from one person or entity to another. The vehicle title (sometimes called a pink slip) is the official document issued by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) that proves who owns the vehicle.

When you buy, sell, gift, inherit, or donate a car, the title must be officially transferred. Failing to do so can result in legal issues, fines, or a buyer driving around in a car still registered in your name — which could come back to haunt you.

When Is a Title Transfer Required?

You’ll need to transfer a title any time a vehicle changes ownership. Common situations include:

• Selling or buying a car privately

• Gifting a car to a friend or family member

• Donating a car to a nonprofit or church

• Inheriting a vehicle after a loved one’s death

• Trading in a vehicle at a dealership

• Paying off a car loan and receiving the title from the lienholder

Each of these situations has slightly different steps, but Swift Auto Title Services is here to help you navigate them all with ease.

How to Transfer a Title in Texas: Step-by-Step

Here’s a simplified breakdown of how the title transfer process works in Texas. Our team at Swift Auto Title can help with each step:

Step 1: Complete the Title

The seller (or previous owner) must sign the title and fill in the buyer’s information. This includes:

• Seller’s signature and printed name (must match what appears on the title)

• Buyer’s full name and address

• Sale date

• Odometer reading (if the vehicle is under 10 years old)

Tip: Use blue or black ink only, and avoid white-outs or crossed-out information, which could void the title.

Step 2: Complete Form 130-U

This is the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration. It’s required for all title transfers. Swift Auto Title Services can provide and help fill this out correctly to avoid delays.

Step 3: Pay the Required Fees

Texas charges fees for transferring a title. Typical fees include:

• Title transfer fee: $28–$33 (depending on the county)

• Sales tax: 6.25% of the vehicle’s purchase price (unless exempt, like for gifts)

• Local or processing fees

We’ll calculate the exact amount based on your vehicle and location.

Step 4: Submit to the DMV or Let Swift Auto Title Handle It

You can take the completed title, Form 130-U, and payment to your local County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office, or you can save time and let Swift Auto Title handle everything for you.

Special Scenarios for Title Transfers

1. Gifting a Car

When gifting a vehicle, write “gift” in the sales price section. You’ll also need to complete the Gift Transfer Affidavit (Form 14-317) if the recipient is an immediate family member (spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild).

Texas typically waives sales tax for eligible family gifts.

2. Inherited Vehicles

If you’re inheriting a car:

• You’ll need a death certificate and either probate documents or a Transfer on Death (TOD) title (if applicable).

• If no probate is involved, you may qualify for a simplified affidavit process.

Our experts can review your documents and help complete the process smoothly.

3. Vehicles with a Loan or Lien

If the vehicle has a loan:

• You can’t transfer the title until the lien is released.

• Once paid off, the lender will send a lien release letter or send the title directly to you.

• Submit the lien release to the DMV, and then complete the title transfer.

How Long Do You Have to Transfer a Title in Texas?

Texas law requires you to transfer the title within 30 days of the date of sale or transfer. If you wait too long, you could face penalties or late fees. For buyers, failing to transfer the title means the vehicle isn’t officially yours in the eyes of the state — which can lead to registration or insurance problems.

Avoid These Common Title Transfer Mistakes

Never leave the buyer’s name blank — this is known as an “open title” and is illegal.

Avoid erasures or white-out — this can invalidate the title.

Double-check VIN and odometer readings — errors cause delays and require corrections.

Always keep a Bill of Sale — it protects both parties in case of disputes.

Notify the DMV if you’re the seller — file a Vehicle Transfer Notification to protect yourself from liability if the buyer doesn’t register the vehicle.

Why Choose Swift Auto Title Services in Houston?

At Swift Auto Title Services, we know time is valuable. That’s why we handle your title transfer quickly, accurately, and with zero stress. Whether you’re buying, selling, gifting, or inheriting a vehicle, our team helps you:

• Complete all forms and paperwork

• Avoid DMV lines and confusion

• Calculate your exact fees and taxes

• Fix title issues like errors, lien releases, or missing documents

With years of experience in the Texas title process, we’re your trusted partner for all title services.

Final Thoughts

Transferring a title may seem simple — just sign and submit — but small mistakes can lead to big delays or legal headaches. Whether you’re transferring a title due to a sale, gift, inheritance, or other reason, it’s best to have a professional by your side.

At Swift Auto Title Services in Houston, we make title transfers smooth, fast, and affordable. From paperwork to submission, we’re with you every step of the way.