Car title notarization in Texas

Short answer

For an ordinary private-party sale, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles’ seller instructions do not list a notarization. TxDMV says the seller provides the buyer with:

• a properly signed title, including the date of sale and odometer reading, and
• a signed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) with the sales price clearly shown.

Source: TxDMV: Buying or Selling a Vehicle, checked 2026-10-23. The page does not require a notary for these steps, but it does not say “no notary needed” in so many words.

Deadlines and seller protection (TxDMV)

• The vehicle must be titled in the buyer’s name within 30 days of the sale. Failing to transfer can leave the seller responsible for tickets and toll violations.
• File a Vehicle Transfer Notification within 30 days so you cannot be held responsible for later parking tickets and tolls.
• If the sale happens on a Saturday or Sunday and the seller removes the plates, the buyer needs a Vehicle Transit Permit (valid five calendar days).
• TxDMV suggests the buyer and seller go to the county tax office together so the title application is filed correctly.

Special situations where paperwork is more than the basic title

• Gift to a relative or qualifying 501(c)(3): the signed title, Form 130-U and an Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer (Comptroller Form 14-317), signed by donor and recipient, go to the county tax office.
• Death of a spouse with no will: an Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle (Form VTR-262).
• Divorce: a certified copy of the decree, or a title the ex-spouse properly signed over.

TODO: confirm from the official forms or the county tax office whether the gift affidavit (Form 14-317), the heirship affidavit (VTR-262), or any power-of-attorney or lost-title paperwork must be notarized. TxDMV's page does not say. Also not yet verified: Dallas County, Tarrant County or Collin County tax office specifics and any notary service at those offices.

If a document does need a notary

Pick a free option, a mobile notary or an online notary. Bring government photo ID for every signer. A notary cannot give you legal advice or complete the form for you.

Other numbers

TxDMV title help: (888) 368-4689 or (512) 465-3000, askDMV@txdmv.gov, Monday to Friday 8 AM to 5 PM Central.