How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Texas

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:

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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?

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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:

1. Record the odometer reading on the title or Odometer Disclosure Statement
2. Fill out the “Assignment of Title” section on the title with both parties’ names and signatures.
3. The recipient completes an Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U)
4. Both parties complete and sign an Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer (Form 14-317) in front of a notary public.
5. 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:

1. Record the odometer reading on the title
2. Fill out the “Assignment of Title” section on the title with both parties’ names and signatures
3. Complete an Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U)
4. Provide a bill of sale stating the purchase price
5. 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/