Selling or junking a car in Texas

How do I sign over a car title in Texas?

Give the buyer a properly signed title with the date of sale and odometer reading, plus a signed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) with the sales price clearly shown. The vehicle must be titled in the buyer's name within 30 days of the sale. TxDMV recommends going with the buyer to the county tax office to make sure the title application is filed.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Texas?

TxDMV expects a signed title for a sale. If it is lost, get a certified copy (VTR-34) first. To send a vehicle to a demolisher without a normal title transfer, the recorded owner, a person who has been transferred ownership, or a property owner holding an abandoned vehicle can apply for a Certificate of Authority (Form VTR-71-2, $2 fee). If the applicant is not the owner of record, TxDMV notifies owners and lienholders, who have 20 days to claim the vehicle, and the certificate issues on day 21. A Texas title is not required if TxDMV can verify the applicant is the owner.

How do I get a duplicate title in Texas?

Application for a Certified Copy of Title (Form VTR-34). All recorded owners sign and include photo ID. The fee is $2 by mail (check, cashier's check or money order to TxDMV) or $5.45 in person. You must wait 30 days after the last certified copy was issued. If a lien is still recorded, the lienholder applies or you include an original lien release (no fax or photocopy).

Do I need to file a release of liability in Texas?

Yes. File a Vehicle Transfer Notification with TxDMV. If you file within 30 days of the sale, you can't be held responsible for the buyer's parking tickets and toll violations.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Texas?

You may remove your plates and registration sticker. You can move the plates to a vehicle of the same classification, keep them for a future vehicle (the sticker does not transfer), or deface the front with permanent black ink so they can't be misused. If you remove plates on a weekend sale, the buyer needs a Vehicle Transit Permit, valid for five calendar days.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Texas?

A Certificate of Authority lets the vehicle go to a demolisher to be crushed. Licensed dealers and used auto parts recyclers that buy a salvage or nonrepairable vehicle to dismantle, scrap or destroy it must submit the assigned ownership document to TxDMV on Form VTR-340 before the 31st day after acquiring it (Transp. Code §501.1003). Metal recyclers file Form VTR-340-M before the 61st day after destroying the vehicle (43 TAC §217.86), and any removed plates and stickers must be destroyed.

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Texas?

A vehicle left on private property for more than 48 hours without the consent of the owner or person in charge of the property is abandoned. The property owner can apply for a Certificate of Authority (VTR-71-2, $2) to dispose of it to a demolisher after the 20-day owner and lienholder claim period.

Official sources

1. TxDMV - Buying or Selling a Vehicle
2. TxDMV - Get a Copy of Your Title
3. TxDMV - Abandoned Vehicles (Certificate of Authority)
4. TxDMV Form VTR-71-2
5. TxDMV Form VTR-340 Surrendered Ownership Evidence for Vehicles to be Dismantled, Scrapped, or Destroyed
6. TxDMV Form VTR-340-M Surrendered Ownership Evidence for Vehicles Permanently Destroyed

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), with county tax assessor-collector offices before you sell.