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Texas Vehicle Bill of Sale

Texas doesn't require a bill of sale to transfer a vehicle. The paperwork that matters is the signed title and Form 130-U, the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration, which shows the sales price.

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  • Checked against TX rules, September 2026
Page 1 of the vehicle bill of sale

TxDMV still advises sellers to keep detailed written records of the transaction, including the buyer's contact details, the date of sale and the VIN. That is exactly what a bill of sale is.

What Texas requires

  1. Buyer: 30 days to title the vehicle

    The buyer must title the vehicle in their name within 30 days of the sale. Missing it can bring delinquent transfer penalties.

  2. Form 130-U is the core document

    Signed by the seller, with the sales price clearly shown. The buyer takes it, along with the signed negotiable title, to the county tax office.

  3. Seller: file a Vehicle Transfer Notification

    Filed within 30 days of the sale, it means the seller can't be held responsible for parking tickets and toll violations run up by the buyer. It can be filed online with TxDMV.

  4. Vehicle inspection

    A Vehicle Inspection Report may be needed if current inspection records aren't already in the state database.

  5. Notarization: not required

    Texas does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized.

Worth knowing

  • The Vehicle Transfer Notification is the seller's protection, and it's separate from whatever the buyer does about the title.
  • The price on Form 130-U drives the tax. Motor vehicle sales tax is calculated from it, so the number on your bill of sale should match.
  • Allow time for processing. TxDMV asks for a minimum of 20 business days for title applications.
  • Keep your copy. TxDMV specifically recommends written records of the buyer, the date and the VIN.

Questions

Does Texas require a bill of sale?

No. The signed title and Form 130-U handle the transfer. TxDMV still recommends keeping written records of the sale, which is what a bill of sale gives you.

Does a Texas bill of sale need to be notarized?

No, Texas doesn't require notarization for a vehicle bill of sale.

What is Form 130-U?

The Application for Texas Title and/or Registration. The seller signs it and it shows the sales price. The buyer submits it with the signed title at the county tax office.

What happens if the buyer doesn't transfer the title?

Until the title moves, the vehicle is still linked to the seller's name. Filing a Vehicle Transfer Notification within 30 days protects you from the buyer's parking tickets and toll violations.

Checked against Texas’s own motor vehicle agency in September 2026. Rules change — confirm on the official pages listed before you rely on this, and treat it as general information rather than legal advice.