Texas vehicle title transfer cost in 2026
Texas vehicle title transfer costs $28 to $43 per title transfer in 2026, and most people pay about $33.
What moves the price
- The title fee is $28 or $33 depending on the county.
- Motor vehicle sales tax is 6.25% of the price or the standard presumptive value.
- A qualified gift pays a $10 gift tax instead of sales tax.
- Waiting more than 30 days adds late penalties.
- Registration and local fees depend on the county and the vehicle.
- Where you live. Prices in big cities usually run higher than in small towns.
What is included
The range is per title transfer, state fees before sales tax. The title fee covers the new Texas title. Sales tax, registration and local county fees are paid on top. Late penalties apply if the transfer is not done in time.
Texas title transfer fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title application fee | $28 or $33 |
| Registration transfer fee | $2.50 |
| Motor vehicle sales tax | 6.25% of price or standard presumptive value |
| Gift tax (qualified gifts) | $10 |
| Sales tax penalty, days 31 to 60 | 5% of the tax |
| Sales tax penalty, after day 61 | 10% of the tax |
| Delinquent transfer penalty | $25 per 30 days, up to $250 |
| Duplicate title | $2 by mail or $5.45 in person |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: Tarrant County Tax Office.
Ways to pay less
- Transfer the title within 30 days to avoid late penalties.
- Use the gift tax route only if the car comes from a qualified family member or nonprofit.
- Ask the county tax office for a full estimate before the visit.
What price guides say
We checked 4 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- Tarrant County Tax Office: Title Fees and Taxes (modified Jan 2026)
- Williamson County: Titles
- TxDMV: Buying or Selling a Vehicle
- eTags: Texas DMV Title Transfer Guide (2021)
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Texas vehicle title transfer costs $28 to $43 per title transfer in 2026, and most people pay about $33. Most people pay about $33 per title transfer. The low end is $28 and the high end is $43.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: The title fee is $28 or $33 depending on the county; Motor vehicle sales tax is 6.25% of the price or the standard presumptive value; A qualified gift pays a $10 gift tax instead of sales tax.
How can I pay less?
Transfer the title within 30 days to avoid late penalties. Use the gift tax route only if the car comes from a qualified family member or nonprofit. Ask the county tax office for a full estimate before the visit.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 4 named price guides: Tarrant County Tax Office, Williamson County, TxDMV, eTags. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
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