Estimate your exact out-of-pocket cost to transfer a vehicle title in Texas — including county fees, sales tax, inspection, and registration. Updated for 2026.
Tax uses 80% of SPV vs. sale price — whichever is higher.
Texas requires title transfer within 30 days. Late filing adds a penalty.
Select your county to see your fee estimate
Estimates only. Verify exact fees with your county tax assessor-collector. Data sourced from TxDMV Fee Chart 1C (Jan 2026).
What to bring to the county tax office
Signed vehicle title (seller signs the back)
Original — not a copy
Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title)
Download from TxDMV or get at the office
Texas liability insurance
Must be active at time of registration
Photo ID
Valid government-issued ID
Payment for fees & tax
Check or card accepted at most offices
Odometer disclosure
Required for vehicles under 10 years old under 16,000 lbs
⏰ Remember: You have 30 days from the sale date to file.
Active duty military have 60 days. Late filing triggers a financial penalty that cannot be waived.
How Texas Title Transfer Fees Are Calculated
Title Fee
The base title fee is $28 in most Texas counties or $33 in the 17 designated emissions counties (Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and El Paso metro areas). This is paid to TxDMV through your county tax assessor-collector.
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax
Texas charges 6.25% on the greater of the purchase price or the vehicle's Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) — a state-calculated fair market value. On a $20,000 car, you'll owe at least $1,250 in tax.
County Local Fee
Every Texas county charges its own local registration fee ranging from $0 (a handful of rural counties) to $21.50 (Bexar, Cameron). The fee goes to county road and bridge funds and local transportation projects.
The 30-Day Rule — Don't Miss It
Texas law requires the buyer to apply for a title transfer within 30 calendar days of the sale date (60 days for active duty military). Missing this deadline triggers a mandatory financial penalty:
31–60 days:5% of tax owed (minimum $1)
61+ days:10% of tax owed (minimum $1, maximum $250)
The county tax office cannot waive these penalties — they are required by state law.
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