Application for Texas Title (Form 130 U) – Guide & Overview

Form 130 u is the most common form used when purchasing or transferring ownership of a car in Texas. There are various justifications for why you might need to complete this form, such as if your car was stolen or wrecked, you want insurance reimbursement, bought at an auction, and need to get it registered.


The Department of Motor Vehicles Texas (TXDMV) requires the following information to complete the process:

  • Applicant’s name and contact information
  • Title number
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • The type of vehicle
  • Sale price and date of sale
  • The purchase price, date, and odometer reading from an earlier title application or a previous registered owner.

The (TXDMV) Texas Department of Motor Vehicles provides a printable version of this form on its website. As an owner or purchaser of a vehicle, you can electronically file form 130 u with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Download Forms

Editable Application for Texas Title (Form 130 U) 01 in PDF

Free Application for Texas Title (Form 130 U) 02 in PDF

    What is it and How is it Used?

    Form 130 u is a short form that can apply for the title and registration of a vehicle, trailer, or boat at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Thus, this form is often used during the purchase or sale of motor vehicles, and the buyer wants to transfer the title from the seller to himself (the new owner of the vehicle). Therefore, the document is also called an Application for Texas Title/Registration.

    This form transfers complete ownership of a vehicle from one party to another. If a seller is transferring the title of a vehicle to a buyer, the buyer would fill out the form and submit it with the certificate of title (if the seller still has it) and form 130 u to transfer the ownership. However, for dealership purchases, the dealer should complete this form on behalf of the buyer.

    Sections of Form 130 U

    Form 130 u ought to have standard sections to be executed by the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicle). The applicant must fill these sections with specifics regarding the particular title transfer or registration.

    These sections include:

    Purpose of the application

    The form indicates the purpose of the application. It can be used for different purposes, including title and registration, registration purposes only, or non-title registration. The application can also be made to correct a title or registration. In addition, the applicant can use the form to change the vehicle description, add or remove the lien, or any other.

    Vehicle information

    The form applicant must include all the required information, such as the Texas license plate number, make, type, color, and vehicle model. This section should also provide the year, odometer reading, and carrying capacity. You also need to know the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from your vehicle. VINs are on the car’s dashboard near the steering wheel in small numbers and letters. A description of the motor vehicle accessories also needs to be filled in.

    Applicant information

    This section of the form should first identify the applicant type (individual, business/company, government, trust, or non-profit). The applicant’s information includes the name, residence, identification number (US driver’s license number, passport, ID number, military ID, state dept. number, or any other), and an applicant’s address. It also includes other contact information like phone numbers, email addresses, etc. The applicant can also provide a power of attorney to a third party if they want to appoint someone else to complete the process on their behalf. This section should cover the exact details of the previous owner and the vehicle location.

    Lien information

    The details regarding the lien are included in this form, such as the lienholder’s name and contact information, the type of loan and its specific details, and any other liens registered against the vehicle (if already registered), among other information.

    Motor vehicle tax statement

    A motor vehicle tax statement is required for any registration of a vehicle. Tax obligations will vary based on the car’s value, whether it’s a private purchase or a dealership or whether there was a trade-in vehicle. In the case of trade-in, it requires further information such as make, model, etc.

    Sales and tax computation

    The applicant should include the total purchase price of the car, the dealer’s acquisition cost, sales tax paid on the vehicle, and any other fees. All these fees are then calculated and included in the tax computation section. Computation begins with the sales price, less trade-in amount (if applicable), less fair market value deduction (for dealers and lessors), taxable amount, percentage rate of tax, applicable late tax payment penalty, tax recipient, and lastly, total tax amount due. This section highlights the associated tax amounts and percentages. Examples of taxes include sales tax, late tax payment penalty, trade tax, rebuilt salvage fee, etc.

    Certification 

    This section explains what the applicant understands the stipulations of form 130 u. This section is often used if the applicant sells a car or transfers ownership of a car title to another party. Each signatory must also sign their name at the bottom of this section (or provide their written authorization) and present their identification card for verification purposes.

    Final Thoughts

    Form 130 u is required for changing the ownership of a car title and registration. With this form, each driver and owner of a vehicle has to complete some essential tasks, including filling in the title application, payment, and lien release. The DMV requires the vehicle history and complete details about the car to be submitted for each application.

    The form must be completed correctly and signed by every person who has an actual or legal interest in that particular vehicle. The Texas DMV will complete the transfer of ownership and issue a new title on behalf of the applicant. Therefore, filling in the form correctly is essential to avoid errors when submitting it for processing.

    About This Article

    Melissa Horton
    Authored by:
    Legal Writing | M.A Marketing, B.A. Finance
    Melissa Horton is a highly skilled legal writer and co-owner of a leading financial planning firm in Washington, D.C. With over a decade of experience in the financial services and planning industry, Melissa's expertise lies in teaching clients how to maintain sustainable financial health. She holds a JD degree and possesses a deep understanding of legal principles and regulations, enabling her to deliver exceptional legal writing that is both informative and accessible. Melissa's passion for helping individuals navigate complex legal matters shines through in her work, making her a trusted authority in the field of legal writing.

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