Texas · DMV / Title Transfer
Texas DMV Dispute / Title Transfer Letter
Texas vehicle title transfers must be completed within 30 business days of purchase at the county tax assessor-collector's office. Texas expanded its online title transfer options in 2023, but the process still requires both buyer and seller to sign a completed title (Form VTR-130-U for bonds/affidavits). Delays in title transfer lead to penalty fees. A formal demand letter helps resolve disputes with private sellers who fail to sign over the title.
Texas requires title transfer within 30 days of purchase, but the process changed in 2023 with new online title transfer options that many buyers and sellers are still unfamiliar with.
Governing law
Tex. Transp. Code § 501.071 (title transfer) + Tex. Transp. Code § 502.472 (registration disputes)
Start Your Texas DMV Letter
Cites Tex. Transp. Code § 501.071 (title transfer) + Tex. Transp. Code § 502.472 (registration disputes). Formatted for USPS Certified Mail. Instant PDF.
Start My Bill of Sale →Instant PDF download
Texas DMV / Title Transfer FAQs
How long do I have to transfer title in Texas?▾
30 calendar days from the date of purchase. Submit the signed title and Form 130-U to your county tax assessor-collector. After 30 days, a $25 late transfer penalty applies (Tex. Transp. Code § 501.0234). After 90 days, the penalty increases to $50.
What if the seller won't sign the title over to me in Texas?▾
Send a certified mail demand letter documenting the purchase (bill of sale, payment records) and requesting the seller complete the title transfer within a specified deadline. If they refuse, you may be able to obtain a Bonded Title through TxDMV (requires a surety bond equal to 1.5× the vehicle's value) or pursue a court judgment establishing your ownership.
How do I appeal a Texas county tax office title decision?▾
File a written appeal with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles at TxDMV.gov. The DMV's Motor Vehicle Division has authority to review county-level title and registration decisions. Include documentation of your purchase, all communications with the county office, and a clear statement of the issue.
kweldoc is a document drafting tool, not a law firm.