How To Transfer Motorcycle Title In Texas (2023 Updated – Step by Step)

Are you buying or selling a motorcycle in Texas? Either way, you’ll need to know how to transfer a motorcycle title in Texas. Failure will make the seller still liable for any violations or tickets incurred with the vehicle.

To transfer a motorcycle title in Texas, the buyer and seller should visit the county tax office and accomplish a vehicle title application, and the required fees and taxes should be paid. The seller must file a vehicle transfer notification within 30 days of the sale date.

Things Needed To Transfer Motorcycle Title in Texas

Need a transfer of ownership for a motorcycle in Texas? You’ll have to transfer the title with the necessary documentation and pay accordingly. Follow these steps:

• Go to your local county tax office and complete a title application or Form 130-U.
• If applicable, submit a lien release and/or power of attorney.
• Settle the title transfer fees and taxes.
• If you’re also applying for vehicle registration, present proof of insurance. You can apply for “title only” if you don’t provide proof of insurance.

Regardless of if a motorcycle is purchased from an individual or a family member, both the seller and buyer are advised to visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) during vehicle title transfers for a smoother process. 

After buying or selling a motorcycle, you have to title the vehicle within one month (30 days) from the date of sale.

This protects the sellers against any liability in case the motorcycle gets toll violations or is involved in an accident. Note that you may be required to provide additional information and documents and other payments during the transfer of the motorcycle title.

If you’re wondering about the cost of transferring the title of a motor vehicle, you should be prepared to pay a sales tax of 6.25% of the standard value or sale price (whichever is higher).

In addition, the title transfer fee can range from $25 to $33, depending on your county.

Keep in mind that the seller should remove the license plates and registration stickers, and the new owner will need to secure new ones.

Accomplishing a Texas Motorcycle Title

To start the motorcycle title transfer, you should fill out the form.

Both the seller and the buyer must sign the title. Before providing the necessary details, take note of the following:

• Only utilize black or blue ink.
• Do not cross out any items on the transfer title, so it won’t be void.
• If applicable, you should have eliminated any information about the old lien holder.
• Settle any name changes prior to the application.
• In case the vehicle is jointly purchased, both buyers should be present and sign the title.

To avoid any complications, make sure to read and follow the instructions in the title. If you have any questions, seek help from the official DMV in your state.

When filling out the motorcycle title in Texas, turn over the Texas title. Then, record the motorcycle buyer’s name and address. Provide the date of sale and current odometer reading.

Indicate the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Then, let the buyer and seller sign on the designated lines.

How To Transfer a Motorcycle Title as a New Resident of Texas

When you become a Texas resident, you’ll have a 30-day period to go to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to secure title and registration for your out-of-state motor vehicle.

Before your vehicle is titled, it is first subjected to a vehicle safety inspection. 

In some Texas counties, an emissions test is likewise conducted. Once you get through the inspection, you then proceed to your local TX DMV office and submit the required documentation:

• The title and registration of your out-of-state motor vehicle
• The completed 130-U Form (Texas Title Application form)
• Proof of existing insurance coverage for your TX vehicle
• Proof of passing the motor vehicle inspection
• For vehicles under a decade old, an odometer status report
• Proof of sales tax payment

After submitting these documents, you’ll also pay for other necessary TX title fees and taxes. After your vehicle is titled, it will simultaneously get registered in the Texas system.

How To Transfer the Title of a Motorcycle Bought From a Private Seller

A motor vehicle bought from a private individual has to be titled within 30 days from the date the sale was made. When you go to your local TX DMV, make sure that you have this paperwork and payments with you:

• The subsisting title of the vehicle with the seller’s signature
• The completed 130-U Form (Texas Title Application form), signed by the seller
• Proof of sales tax payment if the vehicle was not bought from Texas
• Proof of existing Texas motor vehicle insurance policy
• A release of lien by the seller if the vehicle is subject to an encumbrance (Prior to transferring the title, the seller should first obtain a release of lien.)
• A power of attorney, if done through a representative.
• Proof of inspection
• Payment for fees necessary for vehicle title transfer

Take note that if the sale was made on the weekend and the seller opts to remove the licensed plates, you can download a five-day temporary permit for vehicle transit. 

However, you can only be issued a single transit permit, and it only allows you to travel to and from your local TX county tax office.

It also wouldn’t hurt to keep a written record of the following information:

• Seller’s name, address, and contact information
• Date when the sale was perfected
• Relevant vehicle information (model, make, VIN, and others)
• Vehicle’s acquisition cost

Title Transfer of a Motorcycle Purchased From a Dealer

Are you buying from a motor vehicle dealer in the state of Texas? If so, it’s the dealer’s responsibility to send your vehicle title and registration application in your name.

Prepare the payment for the corresponding motorcycle title fees.

The dealer should be able to hand you a receipt. It must identify you as the new owner of the motorcycle.

Title Transfer of Inherited Vehicles in Texas

The process for transferring the title of an inherited vehicle varies according to the manner of distribution of the estate.

If you’re the surviving spouse and there is no will, you can accomplish an Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle to transfer the vehicle.

Title Transfer When the Vehicle’s Owner Is Deceased

When a vehicle owner dies, you need to transfer the title of the vehicle to transfer ownership of the vehicle. Given that you’re the beneficiary, you can gift the motorcycle to immediate family, sell it, or keep it. 

However, before performing the motorcycle transfer, you should first know whether the vehicle is subject to probate proceedings or not.

Transferring the title of a vehicle owned by a deceased person differs per state, but in Texas, you submit these documents to properly transfer the vehicle’s title:

• Death certificate
• Probe Court order to transfer the said vehicle
• Transfer fee
• Disclosure statement for odometer

Final Thoughts

Before cruising along the Texas highway, make sure to transfer the motorcycle title from the previous owner to the current owner.

Doing so will save you from future legal issues. Submit the vehicle title application and other required documents, and pay the transfer fees and taxes. Accomplish the process as early as possible to not delay your journey.

I’ll see you on the road!