New Texas Titles

• If you move to Texas, you need to have your car inspected at a licensed state inspection station or by a licensed state inspector. You will receive an inspection certification that you need to take to the county tax office along with the current title, proof of liability insurance, proof of payment of sales tax on the most recent transfer and a current odometer reading. You will need to register your car, complete Form 130-U, pay a variable registration fee, pay a title application fee of $28 or $33 and pay a new resident fee of $90 to receive a Texas title.
  
  

Duplicate Titles

• If you lose or damage your title certificate, you must obtain a new one. You will need to complete an application for certified copy of title and sign it. If the car has a lien on it, your lien holder will have to co-sign it. Your lien holder will have to provide a letter of signature authority (verifying the lien holder representative's authority to sign the application) on company letterhead or accompanied by the representative's business card or copy of his employee ID. You will have to pay a fee of $2 (by mail) or $5.45 (in person) by check or money order to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. You can submit the application by mail or in person at the regional office of the Vehicle Titles and Registration Office with a valid photo ID. If your title certificate is merely damaged, you will have to turn in the damaged title certificate.
  
  

Auto Sales

• If you sell your car, you will need to sign the title transfer section of your title certificate, fill out a vehicle title application and sign it, and take the title together with the car's most recent registration receipt to the county tax office. The buyer will have to fill out a new vehicle title application and pay a title transfer fee. You must transfer the title within 30 days of the sale.
  
  

Salvage Titles

• If your car is damaged and you make an insurance claim, the insurance company will inspect your car to find out if it is worth fixing. If they declare your car a total loss, your car will be issued a salvage title, and you will not be able to register, insure or drive it. You will, however, be able to sell it for its salvage value.
  
  

Rebuilt Titles

• If your car has a salvage title and you wish to drive it again, you will need to repair it, have it inspected by a state-authorized inspector and apply for a salvage rebuilt title. When you repair the car, be sure to keep the receipts for any parts purchased so that you can prove that no stolen parts were used in the car. A salvage rebuilt title contains a notation indicating the car's former salvage status.