Texas title transfer cost
Transferring a car title in Texas costs $33.00 in title fees, but the sales tax is the big part: on a $15,000 private sale you pay about $1,066 in tax and fees.
Title fees
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title application fee | $33 or $28 | $33 in nonattainment or affected counties (including the 17 emissions-inspection counties) and $28 elsewhere. Title within 30 days of sale. |
| Registration transfer fee | $2.50 | When the current registration stays with the car |
What to know about a title transfer in Texas
- The buyer files the title application (Form 130-U) at the county tax office within 30 days of the sale and pays the $33.00 title fee ($28.00 outside emissions counties) plus the 6.25% sales tax.
- Tax in a private sale is based on the higher of the price or 80% of the standard presumptive value, so a very low price on the bill of sale does not lower the tax unless a certified appraisal backs it.
- Titling late can bring delinquent transfer penalties, and paying the tax late adds 5% (1–30 days) or 10% (over 30 days).
- A car received as a gift from a qualifying relative is taxed a flat $10 instead of the sales tax.
Total cost of a private-party purchase
Sales tax, title, registration and plate fees.
| Price | Sales tax | Title & registration | Total due |
|---|---|---|---|
| $8,000 | $500.00 | $128.50 | $628.50 |
| $15,000 | $937.50 | $128.50 | $1,066.00 |
| $25,000 | $1,562.50 | $128.50 | $1,691.00 |
Title transfer costs in other states
Title fee alone, and the total tax and fees on a $15,000 car bought from a private seller.
| State | Title fee | Tax + fees, $15,000 private sale |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $72.00 | $1,020.00 |
| Texas | $33.00 | $1,066.00 |
| Florida | $75.25 | $1,323.85 |
| New York | $50.00 | $1,542.75 |
| California | $15.00 | $1,846.00 |
Texas title transfer and tax calculator
Estimate based on Texas rules checked 2026-10-26. Your dealer or county office has the final figure.
See also: Texas car sales tax calculator · Texas registration fees
Questions
How long do I have to transfer a title in Texas?
30 days from the date of sale. Late titling can bring delinquent transfer penalties, and late tax adds 5% (1–30 days late) or 10% (more than 30 days).
How is sales tax figured on a private car sale in Texas?
6.25% of the price or of 80% of the standard presumptive value, whichever is higher. A certified appraisal can show a lower value.
How much is the tax on a car gifted by a family member?
A flat $10 gift tax instead of the 6.25% sales tax, for gifts from qualifying relatives, estates and 501(c)(3) organizations.
What form do I need?
Form 130-U, Application for Texas Title and/or Registration, filed with the county tax assessor-collector.
Sources
Rates and fees checked on 2026-10-26. Official pages for Texas:
- Texas Comptroller — Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax
- TxDMV — Register your vehicle (fees)
- texas.public.law — tex._tax_code_section_152.0412
- codes.findlaw.com — transp-sect-501-138
- tarrantcountytx.gov — title-fees.html
- txdmv.gov — buying-or-selling-a-vehicle
Spotted an outdated number? Email hi@carsalestax.com — corrections are checked against the official source and published within a few days.