reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.0235. Personal Identification Information for Obtaining Title

Sec. 501.0235.  PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION FOR OBTAINING TITLE.  (a)  The department may require an applicant for a title to provide current personal identification as determined by department rule.
(b)  Any identification number required by the department under this section may be entered in the department's electronic titling system but may not be printed on the title.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 12, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.0236. Issuance of Title and Permits When Dealer Goes Out of Business

Sec. 501.0236.  ISSUANCE OF TITLE AND PERMITS WHEN DEALER GOES OUT OF BUSINESS.  (a)  This section applies only to a person who is the purchaser of a motor vehicle for which the dealer:
(1)  is required to apply for a title for the vehicle under Section 501.0234; and
(2)  does not apply for the title because the dealer has gone out of business.
Text of subsection effective until July 01, 2025
(b)  A purchaser to whom this section applies may apply for:
(1)  a title in the manner prescribed by the department by rule; and
(2)  on expiration of the buyer's tag issued to the purchaser under Section 503.063, a 30-day permit under Section 502.095.
Text of subsection effective on July 01, 2025
(b)  A purchaser to whom this section applies may apply for  a title in the manner prescribed by the department by rule.
(c)  An application for a title under this section must include a release of any recorded lien on the motor vehicle unless the only recorded lienholder is a dealer described by Subsection (a).
Text of subsection effective until July 01, 2025
(d)  The department shall waive the payment of fees for:
(1)  a title issued to a purchaser described by this section, if the purchaser can show that fees for a title were paid to the dealer; and
(2)  one 30-day permit issued to a purchaser described by this section.
Text of subsection effective on July 01, 2025
(d)  The department shall waive the payment of fees for  a title issued to a purchaser described by this section if the purchaser can show that fees for a title were paid to the dealer.
(e)  Notwithstanding Section 503.033(e), the department may recover against the surety bond executed by the dealer under Section 503.033 the amount of any fee waived for a title or permit issued under this section.
(f)  The department shall adopt the rules necessary to implement this section.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1309 (H.B. 3842), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 5, eff. July 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.024. Title Receipt

Sec. 501.024.  TITLE RECEIPT.  (a)  A county assessor-collector who receives an application for a title shall issue a title receipt to the applicant containing the information concerning the motor vehicle required for issuance of a title under Section 501.021 or Subchapter I after:
(1)  the requirements of this chapter are met, including the payment of the fees required under Section 501.138; and
(2)  the information is entered into the department's titling system.
(b)  If a lien is not disclosed on the application for a title, the assessor-collector shall issue a title receipt to the applicant.
(c)  If a lien is disclosed on the application for a title, the assessor-collector shall issue a duplicate title receipt to the lienholder.
(d)  A title receipt with registration or permit authorizes the operation of the motor vehicle on a public highway in this state until the title is issued.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 67, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 13, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.025. Manufacturer's Certificate Required on First Sale

Sec. 501.025.   MANUFACTURER'S CERTIFICATE REQUIRED ON FIRST SALE.  A county assessor-collector may not issue a title receipt on the first sale of a motor vehicle unless the applicant for the title provides the application for a title and a manufacturer's certificate in a manner prescribed by the department.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 14, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.027. Issuance of Title

Sec. 501.027.  ISSUANCE OF TITLE.  (a)  On the day that a county assessor-collector issues a title receipt, a copy of the title receipt and all evidence of title shall be submitted to the department in the period specified in Section 501.023(b).
(b)  Not later than the fifth day after the date the department receives an application for a title and the department determines the requirements of this chapter are met:
(1)  the title shall be issued to the first lienholder or to the applicant if a lien is not disclosed on the application;  or
(2)  the department shall notify the applicant that the department's titling system has established a record of title of the motor vehicle in the applicant's name if a lien is not disclosed.  If a lien is disclosed on the application, the department shall notify the lienholder that the lien has been recorded.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 67, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 15, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.0275. Issuance of Title for Unregistered Vehicle

Sec. 501.0275.  ISSUANCE OF TITLE FOR UNREGISTERED VEHICLE.  (a)  The department shall issue a title for a motor vehicle that complies with the other requirements under this chapter unless:
(1)  the vehicle is not registered for a reason other than a reason provided by Section 501.051(a)(6); and
(2)  the applicant does not provide evidence of financial responsibility that complies with Section 502.046.
(b)  On application for a title under this section, the applicant must surrender any license plates issued for the motor vehicle if the plates are not being transferred to another vehicle and any registration insignia for validation of those plates to the department.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1423, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 16, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.0276. Denial of Title Receipt, Title, or Record of Title for Failure to Provide Proof of Emissions Testing

Sec. 501.0276.  DENIAL OF TITLE RECEIPT, TITLE, OR RECORD OF TITLE FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE PROOF OF EMISSIONS TESTING.  A county assessor-collector may not issue a title receipt and the department may not issue a certificate of title for a vehicle subject to Section 548.3011 unless proof that the vehicle has passed a vehicle emissions test as required by that section, in a manner authorized by that section, is presented to the county assessor-collector with the application for a title.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1075, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 17, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.028. Signatures

Sec. 501.028.  SIGNATURES.  (a)  On receipt of a certificate of title, the owner of a motor vehicle shall write the owner's name in ink in the space provided on the certificate.
(b)  Upon transfer of ownership, the seller shall complete assignment of title by signing and printing the seller's name, printing the date of transfer, and printing the purchaser's name and address on the title.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 969 (S.B. 2076), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.029. Acceptable Proof of Ownership

Sec. 501.029.  ACCEPTABLE PROOF OF OWNERSHIP.   The board by rule may provide a list of the documents required for the issuance of a receipt that evidences title to a motor vehicle for registration purposes only.  The fee for application for the receipt is the fee applicable to application for a title.  The title receipt may not be used to transfer an interest in or establish a lien on the vehicle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 67, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 18, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.0301. Certain Off-Highway Vehicles Purchased Outside This State

Sec. 501.0301.  CERTAIN OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES PURCHASED OUTSIDE THIS STATE.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Off-highway vehicle" means:
(A)  an all-terrain vehicle or recreational off-highway vehicle, as those terms are defined by Section 551A.001;
(B)  a motorcycle, as that term is defined by Section 541.201, other than a motorcycle described by Section 521.001, that is designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use only; or
(C)  a utility vehicle, as that term is defined by Section 551A.001.
(2)  "Retailer" has the meaning assigned by Section 151.008, Tax Code.
(b)  A county assessor-collector may not issue a title receipt and the department may not issue a certificate of title for an off-highway vehicle purchased from a retailer located outside this state and designated by the manufacturer as a model year that is not more than one year before the year in which the application for title is made unless the applicant for the title delivers to the assessor-collector or the department, as applicable, satisfactory evidence showing that the applicant:
(1)  has paid to the comptroller the applicable use tax imposed on the vehicle under Subchapter D, Chapter 151, Tax Code; or
(2)  is not required to pay any taxes described by Subdivision (1).
(c)  The comptroller shall promulgate forms to be used by each county assessor-collector for purposes of implementing this section.
(d)  The comptroller may adopt rules as necessary to implement this section, including rules that define "satisfactory evidence" for purposes of this section.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 371 (H.B. 1543), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 915 (H.B. 3607), Sec. 20.003, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.031. Rights of Survivorship Agreement

Sec. 501.031.  RIGHTS OF SURVIVORSHIP AGREEMENT.  (a)  The department shall include on each title an optional rights of survivorship agreement that:
(1)  provides that if the agreement is between two or more eligible persons, the motor vehicle will be owned by the surviving owners when one or more of the owners die; and
(2)  provides for the acknowledgment by signature, either electronically or by hand, of the persons.
(b)  If the vehicle is registered in the name of one or more of the persons who acknowledged the agreement, the title may contain a:
(1)  rights of survivorship agreement acknowledged by all the persons; or
(2)  remark if a rights of survivorship agreement is on file with the department.
(c)  Ownership of the vehicle may be transferred only:
(1)  by all the persons acting jointly, if all the persons are alive; or
(2)  on the death of one of the persons, by the surviving person or persons by transferring ownership of the vehicle, in the manner otherwise required by law, with a copy of the death certificate of the deceased person.
(d)  A rights of survivorship agreement under this section may be revoked only if the persons named in the agreement file a joint application for a new title in the name of the person or persons designated in the application.
(e)  A person is eligible to file a rights of survivorship agreement under this section if the person:
(1)  is married and the spouse of the person is the only other party to the agreement;
(2)  is unmarried and attests to that unmarried status by affidavit; or
(3)  is married and provides the department with an affidavit from the person's spouse that attests that the person's interest in the vehicle is the person's separate property.
(f)  The department may develop an optional electronic rights of survivorship agreement for public use.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.39(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 17.05, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 241, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 20, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 46, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.0315. Beneficiary Designation

Sec. 501.0315.  BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION.  (a)   The owner of a motor vehicle may designate a sole beneficiary to whom the owner's interest in the vehicle transfers on the owner's death as provided by Chapter 115, Estates Code, by submitting an application for title under Section 501.023 with the designation.  To be effective, the designation must state that the transfer of an interest in the vehicle to the designated beneficiary is to occur at the transferor's death.
(b)  The legal name of a beneficiary designated under this section must be included on the title.
(c)  The department shall transfer title of a motor vehicle to a beneficiary designated under this section for the vehicle if the beneficiary submits:
(1)  an application for title under Section 501.023 not later than the 180th day after the date of the owner's death or, if the vehicle is owned by joint owners, the last surviving owner's death, as applicable; and
(2)  satisfactory proof of the death of the owner or owners, as applicable.
(d)  A beneficiary designation may be changed or revoked by submitting a new application for title under Section 501.023.
(e)  A beneficiary designation or a change or revocation of a beneficiary designation made on an application for title of a motor vehicle that has not been submitted to the department before the death of a vehicle's owner or owners who made, changed, or revoked the designation, as applicable, is invalid.
(f)  The department may adopt rules to administer this section.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 586 (S.B. 869), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.032. Identification Number Inspection Required

Sec. 501.032.  IDENTIFICATION NUMBER INSPECTION REQUIRED.  (a)  In addition to any requirement established by department rule, a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer must have an identification number inspection under Section 501.0321 if:
(1)  the department does not have a motor vehicle record for the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer in the department's registration and title system, and the owner of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer is filing a bond with the department under Section 501.053;
(2)  the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer was last titled or registered outside of the United States and imported into the United States; or
(3)  the owner or person claiming ownership requires an assigned or reassigned identification number under Section 501.033.
(b)  An active duty member of a branch of the United States armed forces, or an immediate family member of such a member, returning to Texas with acceptable proof of the active duty status is exempt from an identification number inspection required under Subsection (a)(2).
(c)  Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 969 (S.B. 2076), Sec. 26(1), eff. September 1, 2017.
(d)  Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 969 (S.B. 2076), Sec. 26(1), eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 21, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 47, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 969 (S.B. 2076), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 969 (S.B. 2076), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 969 (S.B. 2076), Sec. 26(1), eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.0321. Identification Number Inspection

Sec. 501.0321.  IDENTIFICATION NUMBER INSPECTION.  (a)  An inspection required under Section 501.032 must verify, as applicable, the identity of:
(1)  a motor vehicle;
(2)  a trailer or semitrailer;
(3)  a frame, body, or motor of a motor vehicle; or
(4)  an item of equipment not required to be titled but that may be registered under Chapter 502 or issued licensed plates under Chapter 504.
(b)  An inspection under this section may not rely solely on the public identification number to verify the identity.
(c)  An inspection under this section may be performed only by a person who has successfully completed an appropriate training program as determined by department rule and is:
(1)  an auto theft investigator who is a law enforcement officer of this state or a political subdivision of this state;
(2)  a person working under the direct supervision of a person described by Subdivision (1);
(3)  an employee of the department authorized by the department to perform an inspection under this section; or
(4)  an employee of the National Insurance Crime Bureau authorized by the department to perform an inspection under this section.
(d)  The department shall prescribe a form on which the identification number inspection is to be recorded.  The department may provide the form only to a person described by Subsection (c).
(e)  The department or another entity that provides an inspection under this section may impose a fee of not more than $40 for the inspection.  The county or municipal treasurer of a county or municipal entity that provides an inspection under this section shall credit the fee to the general fund of the county or municipality, as applicable, to defray the entity's cost associated with the inspection.  If the department provides an inspection under this section, the fee shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund.
(f)  The department may not impose a fee for an inspection requested by the department.  The department shall include a notification of the waiver to the owner at the time the department requests the identification number inspection.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 969 (S.B. 2076), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.0322. Alternative Identification Number Inspection

Sec. 501.0322.  ALTERNATIVE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER INSPECTION.  The department by rule may establish a process for verifying the identity of an item listed in Section 501.0321(a) as an alternative to an identification number inspection under Section 501.0321.  The rules may include the persons authorized to perform the inspection, when an alternative inspection under this section is required, and any fees that may be assessed.  Any fee authorized must comply with Sections 501.0321(e) and (f).
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 969 (S.B. 2076), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.033. Assignment and Reassignment of Identification Number by Department

Sec. 501.033.  ASSIGNMENT AND REASSIGNMENT OF IDENTIFICATION NUMBER BY DEPARTMENT.  (a)  If the permanent identification number affixed by the manufacturer has been removed, altered, or obliterated, or a permanent identification number was never assigned, the department shall assign an identification number to a motor vehicle, semitrailer, trailer, motor, frame, or body of a motor vehicle, or an item of equipment not required to be titled but that may be registered under Chapter 502 or issued license plates under Chapter 504 on inspection under Section 501.0321 and application to the department.
(b)  An application under this section must be in a manner prescribed by the department and accompanied by valid evidence of ownership in the name of, or properly assigned to, the applicant as required by the department.
(c)  A fee of $2 must accompany each application under this section to be deposited in the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund.
(d)  The assigned identification number shall be die-stamped or otherwise affixed in the manner and location designated by the department.
(e)  The department shall reassign an original manufacturer's identification number only if the person who conducts the inspection under Section 501.0321 determines that the permanent identification number affixed by the manufacturer has been removed, altered, or obliterated.
(f)  If the department reassigns a manufacturer's identification number, a representative of the department shall affix the number in a manner and location designated by the department.
(g)  On affixing an assigned identification number or witnessing the affixing of a reassigned identification number, the owner or the owner's representative shall certify on a form prescribed by the department that the identification number has been affixed in the manner and location designated by the department and shall submit the form in a manner prescribed by the department.
(h)  Only the department may issue an identification number to a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, motor, frame, or body of a motor vehicle, or an item of equipment not required to be titled but that may be registered under Chapter 502 or issued license plates under Chapter 504.  The department may not recognize an identification number assigned by any other agency or political subdivision of this state.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 223 (S.B. 1356), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 22, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 48, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 969 (S.B. 2076), Sec. 11, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.0331. Motor Number Required for Registration

Sec. 501.0331.  MOTOR NUMBER REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION.   A person may not apply to the county assessor-collector for the registration of a motor vehicle from which the original motor number has been removed, erased, or destroyed until the motor vehicle bears the motor number assigned by the department.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 520.011 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 23, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.0332. Application for Motor Number Record

Sec. 501.0332.  APPLICATION FOR MOTOR NUMBER RECORD.  (a)  To obtain a motor number assigned by the department, the owner of a motor vehicle that has had the original motor number removed, erased, or destroyed must file a sworn application with the department.
(b)  The department shall maintain a record of each motor number assigned by the department that includes:
(1)  the motor number assigned by the department;
(2)  the name and address of the owner of the motor vehicle; and
(3)  the make, model, and year of manufacture of the motor vehicle.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 520.012 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 24, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.034. Issuance of Title to Government Agency

Sec. 501.034.  ISSUANCE OF TITLE TO GOVERNMENT AGENCY.  The department may issue a title to a government agency if a vehicle or part of a vehicle is:
(1)  forfeited to the government agency;
(2)  delivered by court order under the Code of Criminal Procedure to a government agency for official purposes; or
(3)  sold as abandoned or unclaimed property under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 25, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.0341. Issuance of Title to Government Agency for Travel Trailer

Sec. 501.0341.  ISSUANCE OF TITLE TO GOVERNMENT AGENCY FOR TRAVEL TRAILER.  (a)  The department by rule shall establish a process to automatically issue a title to a government agency for a travel trailer used by the government agency to provide temporary housing in response to a natural disaster or other declared emergency.
(b)  Notwithstanding Section 501.004(b)(3), rules adopted under this section may provide for the issuance of a title for a travel trailer described by Subsection (a) that is owned or operated by the United States or transferred to a state agency from the United States.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 811 (H.B. 2315), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.035. Title for Former Military Vehicle

Sec. 501.035.  TITLE FOR FORMER MILITARY VEHICLE.  (a)  Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall issue a title for a former military vehicle if all requirements for issuance of a title are met.
(b)  In this section, "former military vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 502.001.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.40(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 26, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1079 (H.B. 1755), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.036. Title for Farm Trailer or Farm Semitrailer

Sec. 501.036.  TITLE FOR FARM TRAILER OR FARM SEMITRAILER.  (a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the department may issue a title for a farm trailer or farm semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight of not more than 34,000 pounds if all requirements for issuance of a title are met.
(b)  To obtain a title under this section, the owner must:
(1)  apply for the title in the manner required by Section 501.023; and
(2)  pay the fee required by Section 501.138.
(c)  A subsequent purchaser of a farm trailer or farm semitrailer titled previously under this section or in another jurisdiction must obtain a title under this section.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 422, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 280 (H.B. 505), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 27, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 969 (S.B. 2076), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.037. Title for Trailers or Semitrailers

Sec. 501.037.  TITLE FOR TRAILERS OR SEMITRAILERS.  (a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the department may issue a title for a trailer or semitrailer that has a gross vehicle weight of 4,000 pounds or less if all other requirements for issuance of a title are met.
(b)  To obtain a title under this section, the owner of the trailer or semitrailer must:
(1)  apply for the title in the manner required by Section 501.023; and
(2)  pay the fee required by Section 501.138.
(c)  A subsequent purchaser of a trailer or semitrailer titled previously under this section or in another jurisdiction must obtain a title under this section.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 49, eff. September 1, 2013.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 969 (S.B. 2076), Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter B. Certificate of Title Requirements › Section 501.038. Certificate of Title for Custom Vehicle or Street Rod

Sec. 501.038.  CERTIFICATE OF TITLE FOR CUSTOM VEHICLE OR STREET ROD.  (a)  In this section, "custom vehicle" and "street rod" have the meanings assigned by Section 504.501.
(b)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if the department issues a certificate of title for a custom vehicle or street rod, the model year and make of the vehicle must be listed on the certificate of title and must be the model year and make that the body of the vehicle resembles.  The certificate of title must also include the word "replica."
(c)  The owner of the custom vehicle or street rod shall provide the department with documentation identifying the model year and make that the body of the vehicle resembles.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 729 (H.B. 890), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter C. Refusal to Issue, Revocation, Suspension, or Alteration of Certificate › Section 501.051. Grounds for Refusal to Issue or for Revocation or Suspension of Title

Sec. 501.051.  GROUNDS FOR REFUSAL TO ISSUE OR FOR REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION OF TITLE.  (a)  A title may be refused, canceled, suspended, or revoked by the department if:
(1)  the application contains a false or fraudulent statement;
(2)  the applicant failed to furnish required information requested by the department;
(3)  the applicant is not entitled to a title;
(4)  the department has reason to believe that the motor vehicle is stolen;
(5)  the department has reason to believe that the issuance of a title would defraud the owner or a lienholder of the motor vehicle;
(6)  the registration for the motor vehicle is suspended or revoked; or
(7)  the required fee has not been paid.
(b)  The department may rescind, cancel, or revoke an application for a title if a notarized or county-stamped affidavit is presented containing:
(1)  a statement that the vehicle involved was a new motor vehicle in the process of a first sale;
(2)  a statement that the dealer, the applicant, and any lienholder have canceled the sale;
(3)  a statement that the vehicle:
(A)  was never in the possession of the title applicant; or
(B)  was in the possession of the title applicant; and
(4)  the signatures of the dealer, the applicant, and any lienholder.
(c)  A rescission, cancellation, or revocation containing the statement authorized under Subsection (b)(3)(B) does not negate the fact that the vehicle has been the subject of a previous retail sale.
(d)  The department shall place a hold on processing a title application for a motor vehicle if the department receives a request for a hold accompanied by evidence of a legal action regarding ownership of or a lien interest in the motor vehicle.  The hold shall continue until a final, nonappealable judgment is entered in the action or the party requesting the hold requests that the hold be removed.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 28, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 51, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 959 (S.B. 1817), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter C. Refusal to Issue, Revocation, Suspension, or Alteration of Certificate › Section 501.052. Hearing on Refusal to Issue or Revocation or Suspension of Title; Appeal

Sec. 501.052.  HEARING ON REFUSAL TO ISSUE OR REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION OF TITLE;  APPEAL.  (a)  An interested person aggrieved by a refusal, rescission, cancellation, suspension, or revocation under Section 501.051 may apply for a hearing to the county assessor-collector for the county in which the person is a resident.  On the day an assessor-collector receives the application, the assessor-collector shall notify the department of the date of the hearing.
(b)  The assessor-collector shall hold the hearing not earlier than the 11th day and not later than the 15th day after the date the assessor-collector receives the application for a hearing.
(c)  At the hearing, the applicant and the department may submit evidence.
(d)  A determination of the assessor-collector is binding on the applicant and the department as to whether the department correctly refused to issue or correctly rescinded, canceled, revoked, or suspended the title.
(e)  An applicant aggrieved by the determination under Subsection (d) may appeal only to the county or district court of the county of the applicant's residence.  An applicant must file an appeal not later than the fifth day after receipt of the assessor-collector's determination.  The judge shall try the appeal in the manner of other civil cases.  All rights and immunities granted in the trial of a civil case are available to the interested parties.  If the department's action is not sustained, the department shall promptly issue a title for the vehicle.
(f)  A person may not apply for a hearing under this section if the department's decision under Section 501.051 is related to a title for a salvage motor vehicle or a nonrepairable motor vehicle, as defined by Section 501.091.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 29, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 30, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 52, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 959 (S.B. 1817), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter C. Refusal to Issue, Revocation, Suspension, or Alteration of Certificate › Section 501.0521. Court Ordered Title Changes

Sec. 501.0521.  COURT ORDERED TITLE CHANGES.  (a) A justice of the peace or municipal court judge may not issue an order related to a title except as provided by Chapter 47, Code of Criminal Procedure, or Section 27.031(a)(3), Government Code.
(b)  A county or district court judge may not order the department to change the type of title for:
(1)  a nonrepairable vehicle titled after September 1, 2003; or
(2)  a vehicle for which the department has issued a certificate of authority under Section 683.054.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 53, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter C. Refusal to Issue, Revocation, Suspension, or Alteration of Certificate › Section 501.053. Filing of Bond as Alternative to Hearing

Sec. 501.053.  FILING OF BOND AS ALTERNATIVE TO HEARING.  (a)  As an alternative to the procedure provided by Section 501.052, the person may obtain a title by filing a bond with the department if the vehicle is in the possession of the applicant and:
(1)  there is no security interest on the vehicle;
(2)  any lien on the vehicle is at least 10 years old; or
(3)  the person provides a release of all liens with bond.
(b)  The bond must be:
(1)  in the manner prescribed by the department;
(2)  executed by the applicant;
(3)  issued by a person authorized to conduct a surety business in this state;
(4)  in an amount equal to one and one-half times the value of the vehicle as determined by the department, which may set an appraisal system by rule if it is unable to determine that value; and
(5)  conditioned to indemnify all prior owners and lienholders and all subsequent purchasers of the vehicle or persons who acquire a security interest in the vehicle, and their successors in interest, against any expense, loss, or damage, including reasonable attorney's fees, occurring because of the issuance of the title for the vehicle or for a defect in or undisclosed security interest on the right, title, or interest of the applicant to the vehicle.
(c)  An interested person has a right of action to recover on the bond for a breach of the bond's condition.  The aggregate liability of the surety to all persons may not exceed the amount of the bond.
(d)  A bond under this section expires on the third anniversary of the date the bond became effective.
(e)  The board by rule may establish a fee to cover the cost of administering this section.
(f)  A person may not obtain a title under this section for a salvage motor vehicle or a nonrepairable motor vehicle, as defined by Section 501.091.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 31, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 54, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 959 (S.B. 1817), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter D. Sales of Motor Vehicles and Transfers of Title › Section 501.071. Sale of Vehicle; Transfer of Title

Sec. 501.071.  SALE OF VEHICLE;  TRANSFER OF TITLE.  (a)  Except as provided by Sections 503.036 and 503.039, a motor vehicle may not be the subject of a subsequent sale unless the owner designated on the title submits a transfer of ownership of the title.
(b)  The transfer of the title must be in a manner prescribed by the department that:
(1)  certifies the purchaser is the owner of the vehicle;  and
(2)  certifies there are no liens on the vehicle or provides a release of each lien on the vehicle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1127 (H.B. 2495), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 32, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 969 (S.B. 2076), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter D. Sales of Motor Vehicles and Transfers of Title › Section 501.072. Odometer Disclosure Statement

Sec. 501.072.  ODOMETER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the transferor of a motor vehicle transferred in this state shall provide to the transferee a disclosure of the vehicle's odometer reading at the time of the transfer in compliance with 49 U.S.C. Section 32705.
(b)  When application for a title is made, the transferee shall record the odometer reading on the application.  The disclosure required by Subsection (a) must accompany the application.
(c)  An odometer disclosure statement is not required for the transfer of a motor vehicle that is exempt from odometer disclosure requirements under 49 C.F.R. Part 580.
(d)  The department shall provide for use consistent with 49 C.F.R. Part 580:
(1)  a secure power of attorney form; and
(2)  a secure reassignment form for licensed motor vehicle dealers.
(e)  In this section, "transferee" and "transferor" have the meanings assigned by 49 C.F.R. Section 580.3.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 395 (S.B. 1062), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2018.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 969 (S.B. 2076), Sec. 15, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 467 (H.B. 4170), Sec. 15.001, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter D. Sales of Motor Vehicles and Transfers of Title › Section 501.0721. Delivery of Receipt and Title to Purchaser of Used Motor Vehicle

Sec. 501.0721.  DELIVERY OF RECEIPT AND TITLE TO PURCHASER OF USED MOTOR VEHICLE.   A person, whether acting for that person or another, who sells, trades, or otherwise transfers a used motor vehicle shall deliver to the purchaser at the time of delivery of the vehicle  a properly assigned title or other evidence of title as required under this chapter.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 520.022 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 33, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter D. Sales of Motor Vehicles and Transfers of Title › Section 501.073. Sales in Violation of Chapter

Sec. 501.073.  SALES IN VIOLATION OF CHAPTER.  A sale made in violation of this chapter is void and title may not pass until the requirements of this chapter are satisfied.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter D. Sales of Motor Vehicles and Transfers of Title › Section 501.074. Transfer of Vehicle by Operation of Law

Sec. 501.074.  TRANSFER OF VEHICLE BY OPERATION OF LAW.  (a)  The department shall issue a new title for a motor vehicle registered in this state for which the ownership is transferred by operation of law or other involuntary divestiture of ownership after receiving:
(1)  a certified copy of an order appointing a temporary administrator or of the probate proceedings;
(2)  letters testamentary or letters of administration;
(3)  if administration of an estate is not necessary, an affidavit showing that administration is not necessary, identifying all heirs, and including a statement by the heirs of the name in which the certificate shall be issued;
(4)  a court order;  or
(5)  the bill of sale from an officer making a judicial sale.
(b)  If a lien is foreclosed by nonjudicial means, the department may issue a new title in the name of the purchaser at the foreclosure sale on receiving the affidavit of the lienholder of the fact of the nonjudicial foreclosure.
(c)  If a constitutional or statutory lien is foreclosed, the department may issue a new title in the name of the purchaser at the foreclosure sale on receiving:
(1)  the affidavit of the lienholder of the fact of the creation of the lien and of the divestiture of title according to law; and
(2)  proof of notice as required by Sections 70.004 and 70.006, Property Code, or by Section 59.0445, Property Code.
(d)  Notwithstanding the terms of Section 501.005, in the event of a conflict between this section and other law, this section controls.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.41, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 2, eff. May 14, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 405 (S.B. 690), Sec. 8, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 34, eff. January 1, 2012.