The Title That Never Came
Transp. Code 501.0234 — the dealer applies for the title in the buyer's name, and equitable title passes at the sale
The dealer's duty. A licensed dealer who sells a motor vehicle applies, in the name of the purchaser and in the time and manner provided by law, for the vehicle's registration and title, files each document needed to transfer title, and at the same time remits the sales tax.
Only the seller. Each of those duties is solely that of the seller.
Reasonable time. A seller has a reasonable time to comply and is not in violation while making a good faith effort to comply.
Equitable title. Equitable title passes to the purchaser at the time of a sale that is enforceable by either party.
The duty does not cover vehicles declared a total loss, salvage or nonrepairable vehicles, or vehicles over 11,000 pounds. A particular sale is a question for the state's motor vehicle agency, its dealer licensing board, or a licensed Texas attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Transp. Code 501.0234 — Duty of vehicle dealer on sale of certain vehicles
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Texas attorney.