Selling A Vehicle In Texas
As it is in most other states, selling a car in Texas requires an official title transfer. To make the transfer, you simply need to fill out the title assignment located on the back of your official car title certificate.
Failure to meet the standards of a legal title transfer can have dire consequences, including being held responsible for violations and crimes committed in the vehicle. The Texas DMV recommends going with the buyer to your local county tax office to ensure that the application for a new car title has officially been filed.
For additional tips on protecting yourself and securing a safe and profitable sale, our Guide to Selling Your Car offers answers from the first step to the last.
What Happens If You Fail To Properly Transfer A Vehicle Title
Failing to properly transfer a vehicle into the buyers name can result in you being held responsible for tickets, toll violations, or even crimes associated with the vehicle. For sure, you dont want that. To avoid any inconveniences, accompany the buyer to your country tax office and ensure that he files the vehicle title application.
On the other hand, this rule is slightly different if youre selling or trading-in your car to a local licensed motor vehicle dealer. In this case, youre not required to title your car in the dealerships name, rather it stays in your name until someone buys it, which may take months.
However, you still need to protect yourself and you can do so by filing a Vehicle Transfer Notification. And when the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle receives your vehicle transfer notification, they will update the vehicle record showing your vehicle as sold.
When you file the vehicle transfer notification within 30 days from the date of sale, youll no longer be responsible for any tickets, toll violations, or crimes committed with your vehicle.
How To Sell A Car In Texas Regardless Of Its Condition
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Transferring Ownership And Removing Insurance
Your car should remain insured until you sign over the title and move on. Texas title/registration application is the way to get started. You can transfer the license plates, and if you decide to dispose of them, they must be defaced with permanent ink or paint to prevent fraudulent use. You’ll also want to make sure that all vehicle subscriptions and extended warranties are canceled before you hand over the car.
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You Will Also Need To Provide The Buyer With A Signed Statement Releasing You From Liability For The Vehicle
If youre selling a car, youll need to provide the buyer with a signed statement releasing you from liability for the vehicle. This is sometimes called a release of liability or a letter of release.The release of liability is important because it protects the seller if the buyer has an accident or gets into some other kind of trouble with the car. Without a release of liability, the seller could be held responsible.A release of liability should include: The date of the sale The make, model and year of the car being sold The name and address of the buyer
How Can You Get A Guaranteed Offer
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Sell Your Car Or Truck To Motors On Wheels
Texas has nuanced laws concerning vehicle safety and ownership. As a seller, you must provide specific documents including a valid vehicle title, history and records of your vehicle, transfer notification and bill of sale.
Keep copies of these documents because you never know if any legal or technical challenges will pop up in the future. Also, keep the buyers details, the amount and date of sale, and the Vehicle Identification Number .
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Vehicle History And Service Records
Besides having the paperwork you need to sell your car in Texas, its important to have the service records and history ready. Most potential buyers will want to see them to know more about the car that theyre about to buy. Keeping your service records can also be convenient for the buyer when they want to check the VIN for recalls.
The idea here is to boost the buyers confidence as they know youve maintained the car according to the manufacturers standards.
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How To List Price Negotiate And Close The Deal In Texas
Here are 10 simple steps that will help you turn your used car into cash in Texas. Everything from pricing to advertising and negotiating is covered in this short, easy-to-follow process.
Steps to Selling Your Vehicle in Texas
Dont Forget To Remove Your Plates And Notify Your Insurance Company
Those license plates are your own and can be transferred to your next vehicle. Given that these plates are registered in YOUR name, you never want to let a buyer leave with them.
Similarly, you donât want to be paying for insurance on a car you no longer own. Contact your Texas car insurance company and make sure to inform them of the date the vehicle is no longer legally in your name.
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Secure A Vehicle History Report
One more document that deserves a little more attention is the vehicle report. This is essentially a complete history of your vehicle that helps to set the buyers mind at ease. If the buyer is concerned or skeptical that you have been looking after the car properly in the time youve had it, then you can prove them wrong with this record. If you have kept service receipts and other records yourself, then bravo. You can use these directly, but for a real authoritative source, you can get a more official-looking one. One thing you can do, or invite the buyer to do, is to visit the Texas DMV website and perform a Title Check. You could also do that in person at the Texas DMV office. You could also use a third-party or other site like US Vehicle Reports , or FAXVIN , among others.
Make A Great First Impression
Unless youre looking for a project-car, would you want to buy something held together by duct tape? Would you even want to drive it if the steering wheel and controls were sticky? Neither would your buyer. Take the time to prepare your vehicle. Clean it up. Take out any personal effects that you might not want to lose if your buyer takes the car on the spot. You dont have to detail it for every showing, but keep her clean and ready to go.
Once your qualified buyer shows up, lead with good faith. Your energy will determine a lot. Have respect for them, and youll be surprised by the return on your kindness.
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Can You File A Mechanics Lien Without A Contract
In most states , contractors and suppliers are generally allowed to file a lien even if they dont have a written contract. In other words, the contractor could be working off on a verbal agreement, and yet still have the ability to file a lien claim.
How long is a lien good for in Texas?
ten yearsA judgment lien lasts for ten years. According to Section 52.001 of the Texas Property Code, a judgment lien cannot attach to any real property that is exempt from seizure or forced sale under Chapter 41 of the Texas Property Code.
Determine Your Car’s Worth And Place An Ad
Before doing anything else, youll need to have a good idea of how much your vehicle is worth. That way, youll be able to determine a fair asking price. The best resource for this is Kelley Blue Book, which is the same publisher dealers use to set their pricing.
Alternatively, you can take the old-fashioned approach and park your car with a For Sale sign in the window. However, before employing this approach, ensure that this is legal in your town and wont fall afoul of any homeowners association bylaws.
When you place your ad, it should include all the essential information a buyer will need to make an educated, informed purchase. Accurately list the make, model, year, and condition, and make sure to include your contact information. This may seem like a given, but all too often, it is an overlooked step that could cost you an offer on your vehicle.
Speaking of offers, dont simply accept the first reasonable proposal you receive. Best practice is to wait until you have at least three or four offers. In that case, youll have a strong idea of the interest in your vehicle, and you can then begin to see whos willing to negotiate. Once youve received your best offer, its time to make an appointment with the buyer to test drive your car.
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Remove The License Plate And Registration Sticker
One thing you dont want to forget about before selling a car privately in Texas is removing the license plates before the new owner takes possession. You can keep your plates and transfer them onto your new vehicle in and when you get one. Another item to remove is the registration sticker thats up in your window. It may seem stubborn at first — its designed to stay on there good and tight — but if you apply some force and use a razor blade or similarly thin, flat object to pry underneath, it will give way.
The Bill Of Sale Should Include The Buyers Name And Address The Purchase Price And Any Other Terms Of The Sale That You Agree Upon
When you sell a car, motorcycle, boat, or other vehicle in private party sale, you need to document the details of the transaction with a bill of sale. This written record serves as proof of ownership for the buyer and protects both parties from future legal issues that could arise from the sale.A bill of sale should include:-The name and address of the buyer -The purchase price -Any other terms of the sale that you agree upon If youre selling a car, youll also need to sign over the title to the new owner. The buyer will then take care of registering the vehicle in their name.
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Transfer The Texas Vehicle Title
Texas law states that a vehicle title certificate must be transferred officially. This includes you as the seller completing all necessary fields on the form.
Additionally, you are required to submit an odometer disclosure and a valid car title. Its important that you keep good records and copies of all of these documents. You may be called on to submit them in the future during a legal proceeding or some other instance.
How Do I Remove A Mechanics Lien In Texas
Under Section 53.171 of the Texas Property Code, a mechanics lien can be discharged with a bond even after the dispute has arisen and the lien has been filed. The bond must be substantially higher than the lien amounts.
Can a mechanic sell your car in Texas?
PUBLIC SALE If charges remain unpaid, the mechanic may sell the vehicle at public sale anytime on or after the 31st day after a copy of the notice or publication was filed with the county tax assessor-collectors office.
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What About A Vehicle History Report
Providing your buyer a vehicle history report, is a great idea. Not only does it help them, but it helps you.
The vehicle history report will help you with your used car selling process, because your buyer will be more comfortable and confident during the transaction. Your vehicle history report says to the buyer that you are straightforward, truthful and you have nothing to hide about the vehicle you are looking to sell. Click hereto learn more and obtain a vehicle history report.
New Texas Resident Title Transfers
After moving to Texas, you have 30 days to title and register your out-of-state vehicle with the TX Department of Motor Vehicles.
You’ll first need to have your car inspected at your closest inspection station. This inspection will consist of a safety check for all vehicles, and an emissions check for specific counties. Your vehicle must pass inspection before it can be titled in Texas.
After your inspection, submit to your local DMV office:
- Your out-of-state vehicle title and registration.
Titling and registration is typically completed at the same time in Texas. Visit our guide to TX Car Registration for details on registering your vehicle in your new state.
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What Paperwork Do I Need To Sell My Car In Houston Texas
Texas is home to the second-largest number of vehicles among US states with more than 14 million registered cars and trucks. If you are planning on selling your car, you need to submit some paperwork to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to officially transfer the ownership of your vehicle.
Luckily, the process is fairly simple if you do your research beforehand. We did the leg work for you and compiled this article to discuss all the paperwork you need to sell a car in Texas.
Please note, we are not lawyers and this is not legal advice. Its for informational purposes only.
What To Do If A Mechanic Rips You Off
Heres what to say and to expect:
Can a mechanic put a lien on a car in Texas?
The state of Texas allows for the acquisition of a mechanics lien on a motor vehicle under Chapter 70 of the Property Code when a worker repairs a vehicle and is not compensated for their labor. For its part, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has relatively limited involvement in the actual mechanics lien process.
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The Ultimate Guide To Selling A Car In Texas
No matter your reasoning, selling a car in Texas will come with many things to consider. There is paperwork and processes that youll need to make sure is in order. This can mean everything from titles to auto insurance and more. Due diligence is always essential whether you are buying or selling a vehicle. If youre in the process, no matter which party you represent, here are some crucial points youll want to mull over before completing the transaction.
Preparing Your Vehicle For Sale
You may feel like youre unloading a problem or burden onto another person when you sell your car, but you should take as much care as possible to make sure its clean and exactly as you described. Give it a wash and vacuum the interior. Try to remove stains and make sure there are no foul odors. If your buyer is doing their homework, theyll take the vehicle for a mechanical inspection prior to purchase, but you should make sure you understand whats going on under the hood yourself. That leads us to the next recommendation, get a vehicle inspection.
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