Updated May 31, 2022
A Texas motor vehicle bill of sale is a legal document used to demonstrate that a motor vehicle has been legally sold. A bill of sale will contain information about the buyer and the seller, a description of the vehicle being sold, and information about the transaction, such as price. A bill of sale assists both the buyer and the seller with record-keeping and can serve as important documentation for some applications to be filed with the state.
Odometer Disclosure Statement – The odometer disclosure form is required for an application to title a vehicle.
Signing Requirements – Both parties are required to sign. The state does not require the document to be notarized, but it does suggest1 that both parties jointly visit the county tax office when the seller is signing over the title of the vehicle.
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Registering a Vehicle
Any vehicle purchased by a Texas resident that will be driven on Texas roads must be registered. Purchases made at a dealership generally include the dealer submitting the necessary paperwork on a buyer’s behalf. For purchases of vehicles done between private parties, the buyer has thirty (30) days to shift the title to his or her name and register the vehicle, tasks which are generally handled jointly. Registration of most vehicles lasts a year and, once registered, may be renewed online.
Where to Register
Application and documentation to register a vehicle may be submitted to the buyer’s nearest county tax office.
Required Documents
- A completed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)
- A bill of sale with an odometer disclosure
- Detailed information about the vehicle including the Vehicle Identification Numer
- Proof of auto insurance meeting the state’s minimum requirements
- $30,000 for injuries per person
- $60,000 for injuries per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
- If more than one lien exists for the vehicle, an Additional Liens Statement
- If an agent is acting on the buyer’s behalf, a Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney
- If the vehicle was a gift, an Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer
- Driver’s license or state ID
- All registrations fee, as listed in this schedule