Texas vehicle — quick answer
In Texas, a vehicle bill of sale is not required and notarization of the title transfer is not required. The state form used for titled vehicles is Form 130-U. Titling and registration are handled by the TxDMV.
Is a vehicle 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 vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. No notarization required for a standard private sale.
What to include on a Texas vehicle bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses of the buyer and seller
- Year, make, model, color, and body style
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — 17 characters
- Exact odometer reading on the date of sale
- Sale price (or "gift") and payment method
- Date of sale and signatures of both parties
How to transfer a vehicle in Texas
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Both parties sign and date.
- 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.
The seller files Vehicle Transfer Notification (VTR-346) — file to release liability to remove liability.
- 4Register with the TxDMV.
The buyer titles and registers the vehicle, bringing Application for Texas Title and/or Registration. Confirm current fees on the official page.
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.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the TxDMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Texas Vehicle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a vehicle bill of sale required in Texas?
A bill of sale is not required in Texas. 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 vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. No notarization required for a standard private sale.
Do I need a bill of sale to register a car?
It depends on your state. Many states accept the signed-over title alone, while others require a bill of sale to confirm the purchase price for sales tax. Our state pages tell you exactly what your DMV expects.
Does a vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
In most states, no. A handful of states require the title assignment to be notarized for a private sale: Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Kentucky. A few others require notarization only in specific tax situations.
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.