How to Remove a Car Title From Your Name in Texas

Getting a car title removed from your name is a tricky process, and it can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.

Luckily, here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a car title removed from your name. Whether it’s for scrapping the car, reselling it, or because you just don’t want to see it in your garage anymore – we’ll guide you on how to get rid of it safely and legally.

First things first, we have to start at the why. 

Reasons For Removal

So, if you end up putting your car up for a sale, or if after an accident you end up scrapping it, you must remove your name from the car title before you can do so. The method for this can change depending on whether you’re looking to sell or just to send it to dispose of it.

The Proper Papers

Assuming your car has no liens on it, you want to get your documents in order. Nobody likes making three trips to the DMV!

First, you’ll need:

•  Your Texas Car Title Certificate, the original vehicle title that’s been given to you.
• Form VTR – 346 – in case you’re selling, you’ll need the Texas Bill of Sale too.
• Odometer Disclosure Statement: If your vehicle is under ten years old, this is a form you’ll need to fill out and attach to the Bill of Sale. This basically is for full transparency as far as the vehicle’s mileage is considered for both the seller and the buyer.
• Form 130-U – Registration Application. This will be required if you wish to transfer the title.
• Lien Release – In the case of any liens on the car, you will need this if it is applicable.

And last but not least, just your driver’s license!

Seal The Deal

On the back of the Texas car title, you’ll find a section outlined as “Assignment of Title”. In this, you need to fill in the buyer’s name and address along with the odometer reading. All that’s left after that is just removing the license plates and registration sticker, sign and date the title as the seller and have the buyer do the same.

It’s really important to fill that last bit completely, because the Texas DMC rejects open titles. These are titles that were signed by the seller but then left blank, so your transfer would get rejected, and thus, your sale/purchase!

Texas Vehicle Transfer Notification 

Form VTR-346 is important to file within 30 days of this process so that you can protect yourself from any future risk. This form is necessary for the removal of your name from the record, as without it, even if all other steps go as planned, the car may remain in your name.

You can file this either online at TxDMV or just go to your local tax office. You may also mail the Texas DMV. 

Making Sure The Buyer Registers

Just because the process is done on your end doesn’t mean you’re in the clear yet. The buyer needs to visit a Texas County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office within 30 days of this entire process and register the car in their name.

Why is this something you need to ensure? Because if this is not done, the car may still remain in your name meaning you may be liable for any future tolls or fines. Don’t worry though, in case you don’t manage to get a hold of the buyer, having a legal proof of sale such as a signed Bill of Sales works too. It’s also wise to notify your local DMV immediately in case you are unable to establish contact with the buyer.

Conclusion

And those are all the steps to getting a car title removed from your name, safely, legally, and thoroughly! Make sure you don’t miss a single step and save yourself a lot of pain. 

And if this makes you think about the importance of car titles in general,  remember that for any auto title registration needs, Swift Auto Title is there to make sure you’re taken care of!