A Texas bill of sale is a form that acts as a receipt for a sale or trade of personal property between private individuals— a buyer and a seller. It documents the transfer of ownership of an item from one person to another, proving that the transfer was legal and agreed upon.
How to Register a Vehicle in Texas
You must visit a certified vehicle inspection station and acquire a passing inspection. You must also visit your local county tax-assessor collector office, ensuring you bring your insurance card and proof that you own the vehicle, such as a title or registration from your former state.
Bill of Sale – By Type (5)
A form to buy or sell a motor vehicle in Texas. In many states, a bill of sale is required to register a vehicle at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Vehicle Bill of Sale
A document to transfer ownership of recreational water vehicles (motorboats, sailboats, yachts, and jet skis) in Texas.
Boat Bill of Sale
A form to buy or sell a trailer (or any non-motorized vehicle pulled by another vehicle) in Texas and register it at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Trailer Bill of Sale
A document to transfer ownership of a gun (such as a handgun, rifle, or shotgun) in Texas and avoid legal or criminal issues involving the weapon after it is sold.
Firearm Bill of Sale
A form to transfer ownership of a motorcycle in the state of Texas. Use this document as a buyer or seller.
Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Requirements
Even though a bill of sale isn’t legally required for vehicle transactions in Texas, it’s highly recommended. It records the sales transaction taking place and confirms that the new buyer is the true owner.
Language and Copy Requirements
- Language: In Texas, it is legal to prepare a bill of sale in another language as long as you include the pertinent details.
- Number of Copies: The buyer and the seller should each receive identical copies of the bill of sale. Issue a third copy to the DMV (for vehicles) or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (for vessels).
Vehicle Registration Forms
- Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)
- Bill of Sale with an odometer disclosure
- Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR)
- Application for a Certified Copy of Title (Form VTR-34) if a title is lost or destroyed
- All registrations fees [1]
- Valid driver’s license or state ID [2]
- Proof of liability insurance: [3]
- $30,000 per person per accident
- $60,000 in total bodily injury coverage per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
- If the sale takes place on a day when the county tax office is closed, and the seller has removed the license plate and/or sticker, a Vehicle Transfer Permit is required for you to drive the vehicle legally. It is only valid for five calendar days [4]
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Additional Liens Statement (Form VTR-267)
- Only if the vehicle has more than one existing lien
- Vehicle power of attorney (if applicable)
Boat Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- Boat Title and Registration Application (Form PWD 143)
- Proof of payment of all taxes and registration fees [5]
- Release of Lien (Form PWD 231) (if the vessel is subject to lien)
- Manufacturer’s certificate of origin (for new boats)
- Original title (if purchasing used)
- Verification of Vessel or Outboard Motor Serial Number (Form PWD 504) (if the vessel was previously registered out of state)
Sample
