Texas Car Bill of Sale: Form 130-U + Requirements

Texas recommends a bill of sale for private vehicle transfers. The state's primary form is Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title) — both seller and buyer sign sections of it. Texas's structural quirk: sales tax is computed on the higher of (sale price OR Standard Presumptive Value).

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Is a bill of sale required in Texas?

Recommended. Texas's title-transfer process focuses on the title and Form 130-U.

Notarization

Not required.

State-specific form

Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration) is the primary Texas title transfer form. Both seller and buyer sign sections of it. The buyer files at the county tax office. Available at txdmv.gov.

A separate bill of sale is recommended for tax-record and dispute purposes; generic templates are acceptable.

Sales tax / SPV implications

Texas state sales tax: 6.25% of the higher of (sale price OR Standard Presumptive Value). The SPV is a state-published valuation table that prevents underreporting.

For a $15,000 actual sale where SPV is $13,500: tax = 6.25% × $15,000 = $937.50. For a $5,000 reported sale where SPV is $13,500: tax = 6.25% × $13,500 = $843.75.

Underreporting doesn't reduce the buyer's tax bill.

The buyer pays at the county tax assessor-collector's office at title transfer.

State-specific seller disclosures

Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
Vehicle inspection: required in DFW (Tarrant, Dallas, Collin), Harris (Houston), Travis (Austin), El Paso, and a few other counties
Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
Vehicle Transfer Notification: filed by the seller within 30 days at txdmv.gov

Where to file

The buyer files at the county tax assessor-collector's office in their county of residence within 30 days of sale.

For the full state title transfer process, see the Texas title transfer guide, Houston, Dallas, and Austin guides.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a bill of sale in Texas?

Recommended. Form 130-U is the primary title transfer document; a separate bill of sale is recommended for documentation.

Does Texas require a notarized bill of sale?

No.

What's Standard Presumptive Value (SPV)?

Texas-published valuation table for every used car. Sales tax is computed on the higher of (sale price OR SPV) — preventing underreporting.

What's the sales tax on a private car sale in Texas?

6.25% on the higher of (sale price OR SPV). Same in every Texas county; no local sales tax addition for vehicles.

What form do I use?

Form 130-U (Texas Title Application) is the primary; a separate bill of sale is recommended.

Where do I file the bill of sale in Texas?

At the county tax assessor-collector's office in the buyer's county of residence (not at the DMV — Texas titles vehicles through county tax offices).

Does Texas require vehicle inspection?

Yes in DFW, Houston, Austin, El Paso, and a few other counties. ~$25 at any state-certified inspection station.

What if I lost the title in Texas?

Apply for a duplicate using Form VTR-34 at the county tax assessor-collector's office. $2 fee + $5.45 mailing.

Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?

The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt status and major defects.

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