Texas — quick answer
In Texas, a bill of sale is not required for a private vehicle sale and notarization is not required. No witnesses are required. The relevant state form is Form 130-U. Ownership is transferred through the TxDMV via the assigned title.
Is a bill of sale required in Texas?
Not required. Transfer is by the assigned title plus Form 130-U showing the sale price; a separate bill of sale is not required but is good practice.
Seller signs the title over and the buyer files Form 130-U at the county tax office within 30 days.
Does a Texas bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. No notarization required for a standard private sale.
Witness requirements
No. Texas does not require witnesses for a standard private bill of sale.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
How to transfer a vehicle title in Texas
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Fill in the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Both parties sign and date the document.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title over and the buyer files Form 130-U at the county tax office within 30 days.
- 3File a notice of sale / release of liability.
As the seller, file Vehicle Transfer Notification (VTR-346) — file to release liability so you are not liable for the vehicle after the sale.
- 4Register with the TxDMV.
The buyer titles and registers the vehicle, bringing Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U). Confirm the current fees and documents on the official TxDMV page.
Official Texas sources
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) — buying & selling a vehicle
- NHTSA — federal odometer disclosure rule
We link to primary government sources and review this page regularly, but requirements change. This is general information, not legal advice.
Texas bill of sale by type
Get requirements and a free template tailored to Texas for each item type — the generator applies the Texas notary and witness rules automatically:
Texas bill of sale — FAQ
Is a bill of sale required in Texas?
In Texas, a separate bill of sale is not required. Transfer is by the assigned title plus Form 130-U showing the sale price; a separate bill of sale is not required but is good practice.
Does a Texas bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. No notarization required for a standard private sale.
Do I need a witness for a bill of sale in Texas?
No. Texas does not require witnesses for a standard private bill of sale.
How do I transfer a vehicle title in Texas?
Seller signs the title over and the buyer files Form 130-U at the county tax office within 30 days. Titling and registration in Texas are handled by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.