Whether upgrading to a new car, making space in your garage, or just moving on from your current ride, selling your vehicle in a private sale in Texas involves a few key steps. You will need to collect documentation, complete a title transfer, and notify the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) once the sale is complete.
This guide walks you through these steps, and how to complete the necessary paperwork, to help make your car sales experience smooth and hassle-free — whether in Dallas or anywhere else in the state.
How To Sell Your Car in Texas
- Collect Your Required Paperwork
- Transfer the Title
- Remove Your License Plates
- Notify the Texas DMV
- Update Your Insurance
- Consider Selling Via CarGurus
Collect Your Required Paperwork
Before listing your vehicle, it is a good idea to gather the following documents:
Vehicle Title (Car Title)
The vehicle title must be in your name. If a lienholder is listed, the lien must be released. If the title is lost or damaged, request a certified copy through the TxDMV or your local county tax office using Form VTR-34.
Odometer Disclosure
You will need the odometer reading for vehicles from the model year 2011 and later for 20 years after the vehicle's first sale. Vehicles model year 2010 or older are exempt. This information is recorded on the back of the signed title. Both the seller and the buyer must sign to certify mileage accuracy.
Bill of Sale
While not required in Texas, a bill of sale is strongly recommended. It should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), sales price, date of sale, and contact information for both parties. It’s a useful document to keep in case any disputes arise.
Application for Texas Title and/or Registration
Both you and the buyer are responsible for completing portions of Form 130-U, also known as the Application for Texas Title. The buyer will submit it to the county tax office to complete the transfer.
Driver’s License
Bring a valid driver’s license when meeting with the buyer. It helps verify identity and adds a layer of security for both parties.
Transfer the Title
When you’re ready to complete the sale, you will need to transfer ownership to the buyer. Fill out the back of the vehicle title with the sales price, odometer reading (if applicable), and the date of sale. Be sure to sign your name exactly as it appears on the title. If more than one owner is listed, all owners must sign.
As the seller, you must complete your section of the Application for Texas Title, form 130-U. The buyer will be the one submitting it to the county tax office.
It is a good idea to keep copies of all documents for your records and don’t hand over the keys until everything is signed and ready.
Remove Your License Plates
In Texas, license plates stay with you — not the car. After you remove your plates, you can transfer them to another motor vehicle you own, return them to the TxDMV, or safely destroy them if they won’t be reused.
Make sure to remove the registration sticker from the windshield, as it’s tied to your plates — not the vehicle. Disclaimer: failing to remove plates or the sticker could result in toll charges or violations tied to your name if the new owner delays registration.
Notify the Texas DMV
Although it’s not legally required, it’s highly recommended that you file a Vehicle Transfer Notification (Form VTR-346) with the TxDMV after the sale. It’s a quick online form that alerts the state you no longer own the car.
You will need to provide the VIN, sales price, date of sale, and the buyer’s name and address. Submitting this form helps ensure you are not held responsible for any tickets, tolls, or incidents that occur after the vehicle leaves your hands.
Update Your Insurance
Once the vehicle sale is complete, contact your insurance company and remove the car from your insurance policy. Be ready to provide the VIN, the date of sale, and possibly the buyer’s information. If you are replacing the vehicle with a new car, you can transfer the coverage at the same time.
Consider Selling Via CarGurus
CarGurus makes it easy to sell your car in Texas. You only need to provide some basic information about your vehicle to receive up to five offers from local dealerships. Simply choose the best offer and we'll put you in touch with the dealership to appraise your vehicle and finalize the sale. If you don’t want to sell it immediately, you have the opportunity to subscribe to a CarGurus vehicle market value tracker that will update you on your car’s approximate worth once a month via email.
