Free Texas Car Bill of Sale
Texas vehicle sales revolve around one number: the Standard Presumptive Value (SPV). The TxDMV taxes the buyer on the greater of the sale price or 80% of SPV, so an artificially low bill of sale doesn't reduce taxes unless paired with a licensed appraisal. Form 130-U is the core document, and you have 30 days to transfer after sale.
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Texas Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Texas charges 6.25% Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) calculated on the greater of the sale price or 80% of the Standard Presumptive Value (SPV). This is critical — selling under SPV doesn't reduce the buyer's tax bill unless they file a Motor Vehicle Appraisal Form (Form 14-128).
Inspection Requirements
Texas requires a valid safety inspection (plus emissions in 17 metro counties: Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, etc.) before title transfer. Inspection cost: $7–$25 depending on type. Certificate must be current at transfer.
Texas Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Seller ensures the vehicle has a current safety inspection (and emissions test in metro counties) — required for title transfer.
- Both parties complete a bill of sale with VIN, odometer, sale price, and signatures.
- Seller signs the Texas title over to buyer, completing the odometer disclosure section.
- Buyer completes Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title) — it's the single most important Texas form.
- Seller files Vehicle Transfer Notification online at txdmv.gov within 30 days to release liability.
- Buyer takes title, 130-U, bill of sale, valid ID, and proof of TX liability insurance to any county tax office within 30 days.
- Buyer pays 6.25% MVST based on greater of sale price or 80% SPV, plus $33 title fee and local registration fees.
- If sale price is <80% SPV and buyer wants to tax on actual price: file Form 14-128 (Motor Vehicle Appraisal) from a licensed dealer or insurance appraiser.
Common Pitfalls
- Ignoring the SPV rule: a $3,000 sale on a $6,000 SPV car still gets taxed on $4,800 (80% of SPV) unless Form 14-128 is filed.
- Skipping Vehicle Transfer Notification: Texas sellers have been billed for toll violations for years after selling without this filing.
- Selling without a current inspection: most Texas counties reject title transfer without a valid inspection sticker.
- Using a Texas title with a missing or incorrect signature — the TxDMV requires the printed name and date to match exactly.
Pro Tip
Three numbers define a Texas car sale: the sale price, 80% of SPV, and the greater of the two. Know your SPV before negotiating, file Vehicle Transfer Notification the day you sell, and the rest is just paperwork at the county tax office.