Signing Over A Car
Transp. Code 501.147 — the seller's notice of transfer, and Transp. Code 501.145 — the buyer's 30 days
The buyer's 30 days. Not later than the later of the 30th day after the date of assignment on the documents or the date the Tax Code provides, the purchaser of a used motor vehicle files the certificate of title or other evidence of title with the county assessor-collector. A purchaser on active military duty has until the 60th day.
The seller's notice. On receipt of a written notice of transfer from the seller, or one submitted through the department's website, the department indicates the transfer on its motor vehicle records. The department's form has a place for the purchaser's name, address and telephone number and the date the seller delivered possession.
What the notice ends. A transferor who files the form has no vicarious civil or criminal liability arising out of another person's use, operation, or abandonment of the vehicle afterward, and proof of the filing is a complete defense. A copy of the form filed is proof of filing.
Not filing it. The section does not impose liability on an owner who transfers a vehicle but does not disclose the transfer to the department.
Fees, taxes, odometer statements and the dealer rules are set out in other sections that are not on this page. Whether a particular sale left the seller liable is a question for a licensed Texas attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Transp. Code 501.145 — The buyer files for a title within 30 days
- Transp. Code 501.147 — The seller notice of transfer, and the liability it ends
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Texas attorney.