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Buying or selling a car in Texas: title and transfer deadlines
- A vehicle must be titled in the buyer's name within 30 days from the date of sale.
- Sellers should file a Vehicle Transfer Notification. Filed within 30 days of the sale, it keeps the seller from being held responsible for parking tickets and toll violations by the buyer.
- When buying from an individual, 6.25 percent motor vehicle sales tax is due on the purchase price or the standard presumptive value, whichever is higher, when the vehicle is titled.
- Allow at least 20 business days for a title application. If you have no title after 30 business days, contact TxDMV.
- A Vehicle Transit Permit is valid for five calendar days, and only one permit may be issued per sale.
(source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles)
Not doing the transfer can leave the seller responsible for tickets, toll violations or even crimes committed with the vehicle. (source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles)
As of November 1, 2026, Bexar County is the 18th Texas emissions county: TxDMV Registration and Title Bulletin RTB 003-26 says Bexar joins the 17 existing emissions counties. Some older TxDMV pages, such as Buying or Selling a Vehicle, still list only 17 counties; the bulletin says existing TxDMV guides and website content will be updated to include Bexar. (source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles) (source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles)
On this site: When is my Texas registration due, and what if it is late? · I just moved to Texas. What are the vehicle deadlines? · Buying or selling a car in Texas: title and transfer deadlines · Do I still need a vehicle inspection in Texas? · Texas emissions test: cost, timing and retests · Bexar County emissions testing: required from November 1, 2026 · Towed from a private lot in Texas: what can they charge? · Texas vehicle storage lot fees and getting your car back · How to challenge a tow in Texas (tow hearing) · Texas Lemon Law: tests, deadline and fee · Texas vehicle fees at a glance · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV): Buying or Selling a Vehicle (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV): Registration and Title Bulletin RTB 003-26: Bexar County Emissions Testing Requirements (PDF) (checked November 1, 2026)
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