Texas Bill of Sale

What Texas requires for a vehicle sale

• The seller gives the buyer the signed title, showing the sale date and the odometer reading.
• Both sides sign Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration), which shows the sales price.
• The buyer must title the vehicle in their name within 30 days of the sale date. Late titling can bring delinquent-transfer penalties.
• The seller should file the online Vehicle Transfer Notification within 30 days. TxDMV says this protects the seller from parking tickets and toll violations the buyer runs up.
• The buyer shows proof of liability insurance and pays 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on the higher of the price or the standard presumptive value.

Texas bill of sale: what to include

Whatever Texas requires, a signed bill of sale protects both sides. It proves the price, the date and that the car was sold as-is. Include:

• Seller's and buyer's full names and addresses
• Year, make, model, color and VIN
• Odometer reading on the day of sale
• Sale price and date of sale
• As-is wording, plus a statement that the seller owns the vehicle and any lien is paid off
• Signatures and dates for both parties

Sample as-is wording

I, the seller, sell the vehicle described above to the buyer for the price shown, as-is, with no warranty, express or implied. The seller confirms they are the owner and that the odometer reading is correct to the best of their knowledge. This sale is made under the laws of Texas.

Seller checklist (Texas)

• Sign the title and write in the sale date and odometer reading.
• Sign Form 130-U with the sales price.
• Hand over the keys and any lien release.
• File the Vehicle Transfer Notification online within 30 days.
• Keep a signed copy of the bill of sale for your records.

Buyer checklist (Texas)

• Get the signed title and signed Form 130-U.
• Arrange liability insurance.
• Title and register within 30 days of the sale date.
• Be ready to pay 6.25% sales tax on the higher of the price or the standard presumptive value.

Things to watch in Texas

• The sales price on Form 130-U and on your bill of sale should match.
• TxDMV's page does not say whether a notary is needed, so check with your county tax office if you want certainty.

About this page

We checked this page against the TxDMV sources listed below in November 2026. Where an agency page did not say something, we say so and suggest you check with the agency. Rules, forms and fees change, so confirm with TxDMV before you sign. This is general information, not legal advice.