TxDMV released a new Texas temporary tag design on December 9, ; more information available here. Vehicles are required to be titled in the buyer's name within 30 days from the date of sale. Failing to properly transfer a vehicle into the buyer's name could result in the seller being held responsible for tickets, toll violations or even crimes committed with the vehicle.
To ensure this doesn't happen to you, accompany the buyer to your county tax office to ensure a vehicle title application is filed. The vehicle stays in your name until it is sold to an individual, which may take months or in some cases, years.
To protect yourself, file a Vehicle Transfer Notification. When a vehicle transfer notification is received, TxDMV updates the motor vehicle record to show the vehicle as sold. When you file the notification within 30 days from the date of sale, you cannot be held responsible for parking tickets and toll violations that have been committed by the person who purchased the vehicle. A seller should keep detailed written records of any transaction, including contact information for the buyer, the date of sale and information on the vehicle, including the Vehicle Identification Number VIN.
The seller has the option to remove their license plates and registration sticker from the vehicle. There are three options for removed license plates:. For more information about vehicle title transfers, please call us at or , or send us an e-mail. If you buy your vehicle from a dealer, the dealer is required to file the title application on your behalf, so you will not have to visit the tax office. Make sure the dealer provides you with a receipt showing the vehicle has been titled in your name.
If buying from an individual, have the seller accompany you to the county tax office to avoid unwanted surprises. Before submitting the title application, a tax office representative can tell you if the title being signed over to you is correct and if it has any salvage or legal issues.
