How to sell a car in Texas, step by step.

Selling a car in Texas takes less paperwork than most people expect. Whether you sell to a private buyer or to a dealer like us, these are the steps that protect you.

1. Find your title

You'll need the Texas Certificate of Title in your name. If you can't find it, request a certified copy from TxDMV (Form VTR-34). If there's a loan, the lender may hold the title — see selling a car with a loan. More on lost, salvage, and rebuilt titles in our title problems guide.

2. Sign the title over to the buyer

On the back of the title, sign and print your name as the seller, and fill in the sales date, the buyer's name, and the odometer reading (required for most vehicles). Don't leave the buyer section blank — an "open title" can leave you responsible for the car.

3. Sign Form 130-U

The buyer uses the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) to title the car in their name, and it includes a spot for the seller's signature. When you sell to us, we provide and complete this for you.

4. File the Vehicle Transfer Notification — the step most people forget

Within 30 days of the sale, submit a Vehicle Transfer Notification to TxDMV (it can be done online). This records that you sold the car, which helps protect you from tickets, tolls, and liability racked up by the new owner. Keep a copy for your records.

5. Plates, toll tags, and personal items

• License plates: in Texas, standard plates generally stay with the vehicle. Specialty or personalized plates may be transferable — check with your county tax office.
• Toll tags: remove your EZ TAG or TxTag sticker and update your toll account so you aren't billed for someone else's drives on the Westpark, Sam Houston, or Fort Bend tollways.
• Personal items: check the glovebox, trunk, under the seats, and garage-door openers. Unpair your phone and clear saved addresses from the infotainment system.

6. Cancel your insurance — after the sale

Once the car is gone and the transfer notification is filed, call your insurer to cancel or move coverage. Don't cancel before the buyer has the car.

Private sale vs. selling to a dealer

A private sale can bring a higher price, but it comes with listings, test drives, no-shows, payment risk, and strangers at your house. Selling to a licensed dealer means one offer, guaranteed payment, and paperwork handled for you. Many sellers get a dealer offer first so they know their baseline.

Want a no-obligation number to compare? Fill out the form above or call/text (832) 877-6402.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For official requirements, visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website.