It’s actually very easy to transfer a car title to a family member in Texas, whether you are gifting the car or selling it. Below is a guide I created to help you through the steps for each process:
Table of Contents
Relevant Articles To Read:
- Getting A Bonded Title in Texas
- How to Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member
- Can You Transfer a Car Loan to Someone Else
- What Is Title Jumping and How to Avoid It?
Who Qualifies As A Family Member For Title Transfers?
The following relatives qualify as family members for tax-free gifting or reduced sales taxes on car transfers in Texas:
- Spouse
- Parent/Stepparent
- Child/Stepchild
- Sibling
- Grandparent/Stepparent
- Grandchild
Documentation Needed
Regardless if you are gifting or selling the car, you will need to provide:
- The original title was signed over to the family member
- Odometer disclosure statement
- Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U)
- Valid ID for both current and new owner
- Proof of insurance in new owner’s name
Additional Documents Needed When Gifting a Car:
- Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer (Form 14-317)
Additionally, for sales:
- Bill of sale with purchase price
- Release of lien if there is an outstanding loan
Transferring As A Gift
To transfer a car title to a family member as a gift in Texas:
- Record the odometer reading on the title or Odometer Disclosure Statement
- Fill out the “Assignment of Title” section on the title with both parties’ names and signatures.
- The recipient completes an Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U)
- Both parties complete and sign an Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer (Form 14-317) in front of a notary public.
- File the paperwork in person at the county tax office within 30 days along with:
- $33 title transfer fee
- $10 gift tax
- Any applicable registration fees
Transferring As A Sale
To transfer a car title to a family member as a sale in Texas:
- Record the odometer reading on the title
- Fill out the “Assignment of Title” section on the title with both parties’ names and signatures
- Complete an Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U)
- Provide a bill of sale stating the purchase price
- Include release of lien if applicable
Be sure to file your paperwork within 30 days of the sale, along with:
- $33 title transfer fee
- 6.25% sales tax on the purchase price or standard presumptive value, whichever is higher
- Any applicable registration fees
Can You Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Texas Online?
From my research, it doesn’t appear its possible to completely transfer a car title to a family member in Texas online. At some point, there are documents that must be submitted physically by mail or in person.
My Final Thoughts
I hope my guide on how to properly transfer a car title to a family member in Texas helps explain the process and paperwork required in a more simple manner than the state websites. Let me know if you have any other questions in the comment section below!
Sources For This Article
- https://tax-office.traviscountytx.gov/vehicles/titles/titles-options/transfers/gift
- https://tax-office.traviscountytx.gov/vehicles/titles/titles-options/transfers/transfer-fees-penalties
- https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/96-254/gift.php
- https://www.bravonissanvictoria.com/how-much-are-tax-title-and-license-fees-in-texas/