A Texas motor vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that provides evidence for transferring a vehicle from one person to another. This form includes essential information you’ll need to register a vehicle, such as buyer and seller details, mileage information, and vehicle identification number (VIN).
The bill of sale should contain the signature of both parties, and buyers are advised to show up with the seller when they plan to sign over the vehicle’s title at a County Tax Office.
Vehicle Registration
Buyers must register the vehicles in their name within 30 days from the date of sale. For good measure, they can check the title with a tax office representative—to ensure it’s correct and does not have salvage or legal issues—or use Title Check for any issues.
If the purchase were made through a dealership, the dealer would fill out the title application on the buyer’s behalf. Buyers are advised to request the receipt as proof that the vehicle was titled in their name.
Sellers can be held responsible for potential tickets and violations if the vehicle is not titled in the new owner’s name. To avoid unwanted surprises, sellers can file a Vehicle Transfer Notification (Form VTR-346).
To renew your vehicle registration, you must pass an annual inspection at Official Vehicle Inspection Stations licensed by the Department of Public Safety. Renewals can be done online 90 days before the expiration date or 12 months after that—if the owner received a citation for an expired registration.
Where to Register Your Vehicle
To register your vehicle, you must take it to a certified Vehicle Inspection station along with your insurance card and get a passing Texas inspection.
Second, you must visit your local county tax assessor collector’s office for the Texas license plates and registration sticker. You must show the Vehicle Inspection Report, the insurance card, and proof of ownership at this stage.
Documents Required by the DMV Office
- Bill of Sale with an Odometer Disclosure
- Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)
- Application for a Certified Copy of Title (Form VTR-34) if a title is lost or destroyed
- Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR)
- Vehicle Identification Number or License Plate Number if you don’t have a Renewal Notice
- Proof of insurance, according to the minimum requirements:
- $30,000 for each injured person
- $60,000 for each accident
- $25,000 for each property damage
- Additional Liens Statement if there is more than one lien for the vehicle
- Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney, if an agent is acting on the buyer’s behalf
- Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer for gifted vehicles
- All registrations fees, depending on the county of residence
- Valid Driver’s License or State ID
Texas Vehicle Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of a Texas motor vehicle bill of sale. Use our document builder to create your customized form.
