If the title is lost or damaged
Apply for a certified copy of title with Form VTR-34 (Application for a Certified Copy of Title). You need a photo ID and to be the owner of record; there is a small state fee.
Applying in person at a county tax assessor-collector office or TxDMV regional service center is usually fastest. Mailed requests take longer.
If a lender holds the title
Many Texas loans keep the title with the lienholder, often electronically. You do not need it in hand to sell: get a 10-day payoff quote, and the buyer pays the lender directly.
Once the payoff posts, the lender releases the lien and the title moves to the buyer.
If the title was never put in your name
If you bought the car but never transferred it, you generally need to title it in your name first, using the signed title from the previous owner and Form 130-U.
If the previous owner cannot be found, Texas offers a bonded title process. Ask your county tax office which applies to your situation.
After you sell
- File a Vehicle Transfer Notification with TxDMV within 30 days to protect yourself from tolls, tickets and liability
- Remove your license plates and toll tag
- Cancel insurance only after the transfer is complete
Frequently asked questions
Will VendacarUSA make an offer if I do not have my title yet?
Yes. You can get a written offer now. Payment is issued after the title and ownership paperwork are verified.
Can I sell a car with just a registration or bill of sale in Texas?
Not for a normal titled vehicle. Registration and a bill of sale do not prove ownership; the buyer needs the title to transfer it.
How long does a certified copy of title take?
In-person requests at a county office are often completed the same day. Mailed requests can take a few weeks.
Ready to see a real number on your car?
Tell us the year, make, model, mileage and ZIP and a VendacarUSA buyer follows up with an offer. Already submitted? Track your offer here.