Selling a Car in Texas: How To Do It & The Bill of Sale
Selling a car in Texas doesn’t have to be as stressful as you think. The process is pretty straightforward if you handle the key steps, like gathering paperwork, knowing how to write up a bill of sale, and finalizing the deal properly. Selling it yourself will usually get you more money, but we’ll also compare whether going through a reputable dealership might make things easier and save you time and energy in the long run.
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How To Sell Your Car in Texas
To successfully sell your car in Texas, start by getting it all cleaned up. Give it a good wash, vacuum the interior, and take care of any small fixes that could improve its value. This could mean replacing worn-out wiper blades, filling low tires, or replacing any burnt out bulbs. Paying to have the inside professionally detailed is also a good idea. Gather any maintenance records or receipts—buyers love seeing proof that a car has been well cared for. Next, take clear, well-lit photos from different angles, including the interior, exterior, and even under the hood.
When setting your price, research similar cars online to see what others are asking for vehicles like yours. Be realistic, but leave a little room for negotiation. If you’re selling privately, list your car on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local car sales groups. Be specific in your ad about your car’s features, mileage, and condition to attract serious buyers. Finally, be ready to answer questions honestly and negotiate without pressure.
Steps of Selling a Car in Texas
1: Have the Buyer Inspect the Car
Any serious buyer is going to want to inspect the car first thing. This step is so important because it lets the buyer assess the car’s condition, test its features, and make sure it’s what they’re looking for. Encourage them to ask questions and be transparent about the car’s history, including maintenance records and any previous issues. If they request a test drive, ride along to provide insights about how the car handles or highlight any features.
2: Carefully Fill Out and Sign the Title
If the buyer decides to move forward, the next step is transferring ownership. Locate the title for the car and fill out the back section. Enter all required details, such as the buyer’s name, sale price, and the car’s odometer reading at the time of sale. Both you and the buyer need to sign in the appropriate spots. Double-check to make sure everything is filled out correctly. If the title is damaged or missing, apply for a duplicate before selling.
3: Complete the Buyer’s Title Application
In Texas, the buyer must complete a Vehicle Title Application (Form 130-U) to transfer ownership officially. This form requires basic details, including the vehicle’s identification number (VIN), the sale price, and the names of both buyer and seller. It’s important for both parties to review and sign the form together. Be sure the information matches what’s on the title to avoid complications. Assisting the buyer with this step shows professionalism and helps the sale move forward without issues.
4: Remove Your License Plates
After signing the paperwork, take your license plates off the car. In Texas, the plates belong to the seller, not the vehicle. This means you can either transfer them to another car you own or turn them in at the DMV. Removing the plates is important because leaving them on could make you responsible for tolls or traffic violations the new owner incurs. Double-check that you’ve removed both the front and back plates before handing over the keys.
5: Peel Off the Registration Sticker
Before the car leaves your hands, remove the registration sticker from the windshield. This sticker is tied to your name and needs to come off to complete the sale. Use a scraper or your fingernails to carefully peel it without damaging the glass. If you plan to transfer the sticker to another vehicle, keep it in a safe place to avoid losing it. This step makes sure the vehicle isn’t tied to your name in any way after the sale is complete.
6: Visit the County Tax Office with the Buyer
To finalize the transaction, go with the buyer to the local county tax office. This step ensures that the buyer completes the transfer of ownership and pays any applicable taxes and fees. It’s also your opportunity to confirm that the vehicle is no longer in your name. Once the process is complete, request a receipt or proof of sale for your records. This provides peace of mind that the sale has been finalized properly and protects you from future liability related to the car.
Bill of Sale For Cars In Texas: What Needs To Be Included
A Bill of Sale is a fairly simple but important document when selling a car in Texas. It serves as proof of the transaction and outlines the terms of the sale. While it’s not necessarily required by law, it protects both the buyer and seller by clarifying the details and providing a record in case of disputes or legal issues.
What to Include in a Bill of Sale
- Names and addresses of buyer and seller
- Vehicle details: make, model, year, VIN, and license plate number
- Odometer reading at the time of sale
- Sale price
- Date of the transaction
- Payment method or terms
- Disclosure of vehicle condition (e.g., “as-is”)
- Signatures of both parties
- Notarization (optional)
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling
One of the most common mistakes people make when selling a car is pricing it incorrectly. Setting the price too high can scare off potential buyers, while pricing it too low means you’ll miss out on money. Research tools like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to find a fair market value based on your car’s make, model, condition, and mileage. A realistic price attracts more serious buyers and helps your car sell much faster.
Another mistake is neglecting to prepare the car before listing it. We all know how important a first impression is. A dirty car or one with small, easily fixable issues can turn buyers away. It’s totally worth your while to make it look as good as possible before listing it. You’ll be surprised how much more you can get out of a car that looks clean and well taken care of. Finally, don’t let paperwork or safety slip through the cracks. Failing to fill out the title properly or forgetting a Bill of Sale can lead to legal or financial headaches later. Always double-check the required documents and make sure the buyer knows their responsibilities. When meeting with potential buyers, prioritize your safety by choosing a public location and bringing someone along if possible.
What Happens if I Trade It Into a Dealership?
Opting to trade in your car at a dealership is one of the easiest ways to part with your old vehicle. The dealership handles the entire process, from evaluating your car’s value to applying it toward the price of your next purchase. This means you can skip the hassle of finding a private buyer, negotiating, and waiting for the right offer. It’s quick, convenient, and saves you time, often wrapping up the deal in a single day.
That said, dealerships usually pay less for trade-ins compared to what you could earn by selling privately. They need to resell the car at a profit, which means offering you a lower price. Still, trading in comes with a significant advantage: tax savings. In Texas, the value of your trade-in is deducted from the cost of your new car before taxes are calculated. This can save you a good chunk of money, making a trade-in a smart choice for those who value simplicity and speed over squeezing out every dollar.
Selling a Car in Texas Conclusion
Knowing how to sell a car privately in Texas is great if you want to maximize your profit, but it does require more time and effort. If handling everything yourself feels overwhelming, come see us at Boggus Tipton. We’ll take the hassle off your plate by offering a fair trade-in value and handling all the details for you, from paperwork to the final transaction. Whether you sell privately or let us help, we’re here to make the process as easy as possible. We’re in Brownsville but we serve the entire state including Pharr, Weslaco, McAllen, and even San Antonio and Austin. Whether you need a new car, an oil change, or something else, we can help! We have plenty of new and used Jeep Wranglers, Gladiators, and Ram 1500s for you to choose from.
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