The Bonded Title Application or Tax Collector Hearing Statement of Fact (Form VTR-130-SOF) is the document Texas drivers use to start the process of getting a title for a vehicle when they do not have one. You file it with a TxDMV Regional Service Center to ask the department to review your vehicle and decide if you qualify for a bonded title or a tax assessor-collector hearing. The current version is Rev 11/24, and you can download the official copy directly from the TxDMV form page.
Most people reach for this form after buying a used car with only a bill of sale, inheriting a vehicle with no paperwork, or losing a title that was never properly transferred. Texas issues tens of thousands of bonded titles each year, and the most common reason an application stalls is a missing lien release or a value question that changes the bond amount. The good news is that the form is short, the fee is only $15.00, and you can fix most problems before you ever hand it in if you know what to expect.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📄 What the VTR-130-SOF actually does and who must file it under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 501.
- 🧾 Every document and ID number you need to gather before you open the form.
- ✍️ A line-by-line walkthrough of all 11 questions, the value box, and the felony-level certification.
- 🚗 Three real filer scenarios that show exactly what to write in each section.
- ⚠️ The mistakes that get applications rejected and how to avoid every one of them.
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
The VTR-130-SOF is the starting document in the Texas bonded title process, not the title itself. You complete it to prove to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles that you own or control a vehicle that has no usable title in your name. The form feeds a department review that ends with a Notice of Determination (Form VTR-130-ND), which tells you whether you can buy a surety bond and finish the title at your county tax office.
This form exists because Texas law will not let the state hand out titles based on a verbal claim of ownership. The authority comes from Texas Transportation Code Section 501.053, “Filing of Bond as Alternative to Hearing,” and the rules in Texas Administrative Code Rule 217.9. If you ignore this process and drive an untitled vehicle, you cannot register it, insure it correctly, or sell it, and you risk citations. The bond protects past and future owners by guaranteeing money is set aside if someone proves the vehicle was really theirs.
You must file the VTR-130-SOF if you fit one of these profiles. Daniel bought a 2012 truck at a private sale and got only a bill of sale. Renee inherited her late father’s motorcycle with no title and no will naming the bike. Marcus moved from Oklahoma with a car whose title was lost in a flood. A common misconception is that only buyers of “junk” cars need this form, but heirs, gift recipients, and people who simply lost a title all use the same VTR-130-SOF.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gathering your paperwork first saves you a second trip to the Regional Service Center, because incomplete packets are set aside, not processed on the spot. Texas asks you to prove who you are, what the vehicle is, and how you got it.
- Government-issued photo ID. You need a driver license, ID card, or passport for each signer, and an ID expired no more than 12 months still counts; without it, no one can sign the certification.
- Any evidence of ownership. A bill of sale, canceled check, or old title shows how you got the vehicle, and missing it weakens your explanation and can lead to a hearing instead of a bond.
- Vehicle identification number (VIN). You must read it off the dash or door jamb yourself because you certify a physical inspection; a guessed VIN is a felony-level false statement.
- Year, make, model, body style, and odometer reading. These describe the vehicle and feed the value lookup; a wrong year can change the Standard Presumptive Value and your bond.
- Purchase date and purchase price. These set the timeline and help support your stated value; leaving them blank slows the review.
- Lien information. If the record shows a lien under 10 years old, you must bring the original release of lien or letter of no interest, or the application stops cold.
- VTR-68-A VIN inspection (out-of-state vehicles). A law enforcement VIN inspection on Form VTR-68-A is required when there is no Texas record; without it, the file is incomplete.
- $15.00 processing fee. Pay by check or money order to the TxDMV if mailing, because temporary checks and cash are not accepted and the fee is non-refundable.
- Email or phone number. If you mail the form, a contact method is mandatory, and leaving it off can get a mailed packet returned.
A misconception worth clearing up: many filers think they need the surety bond before filing this form. You do not. The bond amount is set by the department after it values the vehicle, so buying a bond early can mean buying the wrong amount.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The only version you should trust is the official Rev 11/24 copy, because the form changed in late 2024 to handle lien releases differently. Download it free from the TxDMV VTR-130-SOF page, where it appears as a fillable PDF you can type into before printing.
You can complete the PDF on a computer or print it and write by hand in blue or black ink. If you type it, the boxes stay neat and the value figures stay legible, which matters because the department copies your numbers into its own value worksheet. Avoid third-party “fill and pay” sites that repackage the form, since some still host the older revision that does not match the current lien rule and county offices may reject an outdated layout.
The form is two pages, and both pages must be submitted together even though you only fill out page 1. Page 2 holds the official instructions and the “TxDMV Department Use Only” block that staff complete. A common mistake is printing only page 1 to save paper, which leads to a rejected packet because the Bonded Title Procedure requires both pages.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form VTR-130-SOF Line by Line
Page 1 is broken into clear sections: Vehicle Information, Applicant(s) Information, Application Explanation, eleven Application Questions, and the Certification with signatures. Fill them in the order they appear on the form. Use all capital letters where you can and write dates as MM/DD/YYYY.
Vehicle Information: Year, Make, Body Style, Model
This top block asks for the basic identity of the vehicle: its model year, the manufacturer, the body style, and the model name. Write the four-digit Year (such as 2012), the Make (such as FORD), the Body Style (such as PICKUP or 4DR), and the Model (such as F-150). Pull these straight from the vehicle or your bill of sale so they match.
Daniel enters 2012 / FORD / PICKUP / F-150 for his truck. What if your body style is not obvious, like a camper or trailer? Use the closest standard term and let the Regional Service Center confirm it during review. The most common mistake here is guessing an older model year that is off by one, which can pull the wrong SPV value and change your bond amount. Many filers believe the make and model do not matter much, but they directly drive how the state values the vehicle.
Vehicle Information: Odometer Reading, Purchase Date, Purchase Price
This part asks how many miles are on the vehicle, when you got it, and what you paid. Enter the Odometer Reading (no tenths) as a whole number such as 148230, the Purchase Date as 07/14/2024, and the Purchase Price in the dollar box such as $3,500. Round mileage down and never include the tenth-of-a-mile digit.
Renee, who inherited a motorcycle, writes the mileage she reads on the gauge, enters the date her father passed as her acquisition date, and writes $0 for purchase price because it was not bought. What if the odometer is broken or rolled over? Write the number shown and note the issue in your explanation so it is not read as fraud. A common mistake is writing a purchase price of $0 on a vehicle you actually bought to dodge a higher bond, which can trigger a hearing. People wrongly think the purchase price sets the bond, but the department uses its own value, not your price.
Applicant(s) Information: Names
This block asks for your legal name exactly as it appears on your photo ID, split into First Name (or Entity Name), Middle Name, Last Name, and Suffix (if any). There is also a line for an Additional Applicant if two people will be on the title together. Print, do not sign, in these boxes.
Marcus J. Alvarez writes MARCUS / J / ALVAREZ with no suffix. What if your ID shows only a middle initial? Use the initial exactly as printed rather than spelling out the full middle name. The most common mistake is using a nickname like Mike instead of Michael, which causes a name mismatch against your ID and stalls processing. Filers often think a married name they “go by” is fine, but the name must match the ID you present at signing.
Applicant(s) Information: Address, City, State, Zip
Here you give the mailing address where the department can reach you, broken into Address, City, State, and Zip. Use the address that matches your ID when possible, and write it in standard form such as 4820 LAMAR BLVD / AUSTIN / TX / 78751. This is where the Notice of Determination and any requests get mailed.
Daniel lists his current Austin apartment address. What if you use a P.O. Box? You can list it for mail, but be ready to show a physical address if asked, since the state may need to confirm where you live. A common mistake is listing an old address from a recent move, which sends your VTR-130-ND to the wrong place and delays everything. Some filers think they can use the seller’s address; you must use your own.
Applicant(s) Information: Email and Phone Number
This line asks for an Email (required if submitting this form by mail) and a Phone Number (required if submitting this form by mail). Enter a working email such as daniel.reyes@email.com and a ten-digit phone such as 512-555-0148. These let the Regional Service Center contact you quickly if something is missing.
Renee lists her cell number and personal email. What if you have no email? Provide a phone number and consider filing in person, but understand that mailed packets without a contact method are returned. The most common mistake is a typo in the email that bounces follow-up messages, leaving you wondering why you never heard back. Filers often think contact info is optional; for mailed forms it is mandatory.
Application Explanation
This section asks you to provide an explanation for requesting a bonded title or tax assessor-collector hearing. Write a short, honest paragraph that tells the story: how you got the vehicle, why you have no title, and what you have tried. Keep it factual, such as “I bought this truck from a private seller on 07/14/2024 with a bill of sale. The seller never gave me a signed title and I cannot reach him.”
Marcus explains that his title was destroyed in an Oklahoma flood and the lost-title process there failed. What if your story is complicated, like a chain of two or three sellers? Lay out the order of events plainly so the reviewer can follow it. A common mistake is leaving this blank or writing one vague word like “lost,” which gives the reviewer no basis to approve a bond and may force a hearing. People think this box is a formality, but it is often the deciding factor.
Application Questions 1-2: Residency and Military Status
Question 1. Do you live in Texas? and 2. Are you military personnel stationed in Texas? establish that you have a right to title a vehicle here. Check Yes or No for each. A Texas resident answers Yes to question 1; an out-of-state service member stationed in Texas answers Yes to question 2.
Marcus, newly living in Austin, checks Yes to question 1 and No to question 2. What if you just moved and have not changed your license yet? You can still answer Yes to living in Texas, but your address and ID should support it. The common mistake is leaving these blank because they seem obvious; every question must be answered or the form is incomplete. Some non-residents think they can use this form, but you generally must live in or be stationed in Texas.
Application Questions 3-5: Texas Title, Nonrepairable, and Salvage
Question 3. Has the vehicle been titled in Texas?, 4. Is the vehicle you are attempting to title a nonrepairable vehicle?, and 5. Is the vehicle you are attempting to title a salvage vehicle? flag the vehicle’s history. If you answer Yes to question 5, a Rebuilt Vehicle Statement (Form VTR-61) is required. Check each box truthfully based on what you know.
Daniel checks No, No, and No for his ordinary used truck. What if you are not sure whether a past owner branded it salvage? Answer based on your knowledge and let the department’s NMVTIS check confirm it. The common mistake is hiding a salvage history to avoid Form VTR-61, which is caught in the national database and can void your application. Many filers wrongly believe a salvage car cannot be bonded; it can, but it needs the extra rebuilt statement.
Application Questions 6-7: Legal Possession and Control
Question 6. Are you in legal possession of the vehicle? and 7. Are you in legal control of the vehicle? confirm the vehicle is actually in your hands. If you answer No to either, you must provide the physical location of the vehicle and a short explanation. Most applicants check Yes to both.
Renee checks Yes because the motorcycle sits in her garage. What if the vehicle is stored at a mechanic’s shop or impound lot? Answer No and write the shop’s address and why it is there. The common mistake is checking Yes when the car is actually at a relative’s house in another county, which conflicts with later steps and can unravel the file. People confuse possession (having it) with title (owning it on paper); this question is only about physical possession.
Application Questions 8-9: U.S. Manufacture and Assembled Vehicles
Question 8. Was the vehicle manufactured for sale or distribution in the United States by a motor vehicle manufacturer? and 9. Is the vehicle an assembled vehicle from new or used part(s) or a kit that has not been previously titled? screen for imports and home-built vehicles. A No on question 8 requires proof of U.S. Department of Transportation safety compliance or proof it is an assembled vehicle. A Yes on question 9 requires Form VTR-61 plus an ASE inspection on Form VTR-64 or VTR-852.
Daniel checks Yes to question 8 and No to question 9 for his standard U.S.-spec truck. What if you imported a vehicle never sold in the U.S.? You must attach the DOT compliance proof or the application cannot move forward. The common mistake is treating a kit car or trike build as a normal vehicle, skipping the ASE inspection, and getting rejected. Builders often think a homemade vehicle titles like any other; it needs the extra inspection forms.
Application Question 10: Is the Vehicle Complete?
Question 10. Is the vehicle complete? asks whether the vehicle has its core parts. The form spells it out: a passenger car or pickup must have a motor, body, and frame; a motorcycle must have a motor and frame; a trailer must have a bed, frame, and axle assembly. An incomplete vehicle will not be titled, so check Yes only if these parts are present.
Renee checks Yes because her motorcycle has both its motor and frame. What if your project car is missing its engine? You must check No, and the state cannot title it until it is complete. The common mistake is checking Yes on a stripped parts car hoping to title it anyway, which leads to denial. People think a rolling shell counts as complete; without a motor it does not meet the standard.
Application Question 11: 25 or More Years Old and Current Value
Question 11. Is the vehicle 25 or more years old? If yes, what is the current value of the vehicle? handles classic and antique vehicles, which the SPV calculator often cannot value. If you check Yes, write the current value in the dollar box, such as $4,200. For vehicles under 25 years old, check No and leave the value to the department.
The owner of a 1996 classic checks Yes and lists a fair value supported by a guide or appraisal. What if you check Yes but cannot prove the value? The department may require a Motor Vehicle Appraisal (Form VTR-125) from a licensed dealer or insurance adjuster. The common mistake is lowballing the value to shrink the bond, which an appraisal can override. Owners think an old car is automatically cheap to bond, but a restored classic can carry a high value and bond.
Certification and Signature
The Certification states that falsifying information is a third degree felony, and by signing you certify you physically inspected the VIN, that it matches the VIN on the form, and that everything is true. Sign on the Signature of Applicant line, then print your name on Printed Name (Same as Signature) and add the Date. A second signer uses the Signature of Additional Applicant line with their own printed name and date.
Marcus signs, prints MARCUS J ALVAREZ, and dates it 06/02/2026. What if an agent signs for you? The agent must attach a letter of signature authority on letterhead, a business card, or an employee ID, plus a copy of their photo ID. The common mistake is signing before reading the VIN off the vehicle, which makes the certification false and exposes you to felony liability. Filers think the certification is boilerplate, but the VIN-inspection oath is the legal heart of the form.
Page 2: TxDMV Department Use Only
You do not fill out the “TxDMV Department Use Only” block on page 2, but you should understand it because it determines your bond. Staff record whether MVDI, NMVTIS, and ISO Claim Search were checked, whether a Texas record was found, whether a VTR-68-A was provided, and whether a lien under 10 years old exists. They then record the Vehicle Value, any TxDMV Trailer Value, and the Bond Amount (vehicle value x 1.5).
For example, a vehicle valued at $3,000 produces a bond amount of $4,500. What if you disagree with the value they assign? You can supply a Form VTR-125 appraisal to support a different figure. The common mistake is writing in this block yourself, which can be read as tampering with an official record. Filers assume the bond equals the car’s price, but it is always 1.5 times the department-determined value.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Daniel, Private-Sale Buyer With Only a Bill of Sale
Daniel bought a 2012 Ford F-150 from a private seller who never handed over a signed title.
| Form Section | What Daniel Enters |
|---|---|
| Year / Make / Body Style / Model | 2012 / FORD / PICKUP / F-150 |
| Odometer Reading | 148230 |
| Purchase Date / Price | 07/14/2024 / $3,500 |
| Applicant Name | DANIEL / R / REYES |
| Address | 4820 LAMAR BLVD, AUSTIN, TX 78751 |
| Application Explanation | “Bought from private seller with bill of sale; seller never signed over the title and is unreachable.” |
| Questions 1-3 | Yes / No / No |
| Questions 6-7 (possession/control) | Yes / Yes |
| Question 10 (complete) | Yes |
| Certification | Signs, prints DANIEL R REYES, dates 06/02/2026 |
Scenario 2: Renee, Heir to a Vehicle With No Title
Renee inherited her late father’s motorcycle, which has no title and was not named in a will.
| Form Section | What Renee Enters |
|---|---|
| Year / Make / Body Style / Model | 2015 / HARLEY-DAVIDSON / MOTORCYCLE / SPORTSTER |
| Odometer Reading | 9120 |
| Purchase Date / Price | 03/02/2026 / $0 |
| Applicant Name | RENEE / M / CARTER |
| Application Explanation | “Inherited motorcycle from my father who passed 03/02/2026; no title was found and no will named the bike.” |
| Question 3 (titled in Texas) | Yes |
| Questions 6-7 (possession/control) | Yes / Yes |
| Question 10 (complete) | Yes |
| Question 5 (salvage) | No |
| Certification | Signs, prints RENEE M CARTER, dates 06/02/2026 |
Scenario 3: Marcus, Out-of-State Vehicle Needing a VIN Inspection
Marcus moved from Oklahoma with a 2018 Honda Civic whose title was destroyed in a flood.
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Year / Make / Body Style / Model | 2018 / HONDA / 4DR / CIVIC |
| Odometer Reading | 62540 |
| Purchase Date / Price | 01/20/2023 / $14,000 |
| Applicant Name | MARCUS / J / ALVAREZ |
| Application Explanation | “Title destroyed in Oklahoma flood; out-of-state lost-title process failed. VTR-68-A VIN inspection completed.” |
| Questions 1-3 | Yes / No / No |
| Question 8 (U.S. manufacture) | Yes |
| Questions 6-7 (possession/control) | Yes / Yes |
| Out-of-state VIN inspection | Attaches completed Form VTR-68-A |
| Certification | Signs, prints MARCUS J ALVAREZ, dates 06/02/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
Filing happens in two stages, and you must finish the first before you can start the second. Part 1 goes to a TxDMV Regional Service Center, and Part 2 goes to your county tax assessor-collector after the department issues your Notice of Determination.
For Part 1, you can file in person or by mail at a Regional Service Center. Submit both pages of the VTR-130-SOF, the $15.00 processing fee, any evidence of ownership, a release of lien if a lien under 10 years old exists, and a Form VTR-68-A VIN inspection if the vehicle has no Texas record. In person, you may pay by the methods that office accepts; by mail, pay by check or money order payable to the TxDMV, never cash or temporary checks. Mailed filers must include an email or phone number, and you may be asked to leave the application for processing. Keep a copy of everything and your fee receipt as proof of filing.
For Part 2, after you receive the VTR-130-ND, take it to your county tax assessor-collector with the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U), both pages of the VTR-130-SOF, the original surety bond (Form VTR-130-SB) for 1.5 times the value, proof of insurance, and your photo ID. The county collects title fees and any sales tax due, and processing times vary by office, so ask for a receipt when you submit. Your bonded title is then issued and remains a bonded title for three years.
What Happens After You File
After you submit Part 1, the Regional Service Center runs the vehicle through several databases, including NMVTIS and ISO Claim Search, to look for existing records, liens, and brands. The department then determines the vehicle’s value using the Standard Presumptive Value calculator, a national guide, or your appraisal, and sets the bond at 1.5 times that value.
If you qualify, the department issues the Notice of Determination (Form VTR-130-ND) telling you the bond amount to purchase. You then buy the surety bond from a licensed company, which for many low-value vehicles costs roughly $69 to $100, and take everything to the county. If the vehicle record shows a lien under 10 years old and you cannot provide a release, you are not eligible for a bond and may need a court order awarding you the vehicle free of liens, per Registration and Title Bulletin #004-24.
Once the county processes your bond and Form 130-U, you receive a bonded title marked as such. It works like a normal title for three years, and if no one disputes ownership in that time, the brand drops off and you hold a clean title.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Submitting only page 1. The packet is rejected because both pages of the VTR-130-SOF are required together.
- Using a nickname instead of your legal name. The name will not match your ID and processing is placed on hold.
- Guessing the VIN instead of inspecting it. This makes your certification false and exposes you to a third degree felony charge.
- Leaving any of the 11 questions blank. The form is incomplete and the Regional Service Center cannot process it.
- Reporting a $0 purchase price on a vehicle you bought. It can be read as value manipulation and may force a hearing.
- Skipping the lien release on a vehicle with a lien under 10 years old. You become ineligible for a bond under the 2024 rule.
- Forgetting the VTR-68-A on an out-of-state vehicle. With no Texas record and no inspection, the file is incomplete.
- Mailing cash or a temporary check for the $15 fee. The payment is refused and your application is returned.
- Writing in the “Department Use Only” block. It looks like tampering with an official record and can void the form.
- Hiding a salvage or assembled history. The national database catches it and your application is denied.
- Listing an outdated address. Your Notice of Determination is mailed to the wrong place and you miss your next step.
- Buying the surety bond before the value is set. You may buy the wrong amount and have to buy it again.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Do read the VIN off the vehicle yourself because you legally certify a physical inspection.
- Do match your name and address to your photo ID so the department’s cross-check clears without a hold.
- Do answer all 11 questions since the form states every question must be answered.
- Do bring evidence of ownership like a bill of sale to support your explanation and avoid a hearing.
- Do keep copies and your fee receipt as proof of filing in case the packet is misplaced.
- Do confirm you have the Rev 11/24 version so your form matches the current lien rule.
Don’ts
- Don’t sign before inspecting the VIN because a false certification is a felony.
- Don’t understate the vehicle’s value or price since the department sets value independently and may require an appraisal.
- Don’t omit a contact method when mailing because the form requires email or phone for mailed filings.
- Don’t skip Form VTR-61 for a salvage vehicle or the application will be returned.
- Don’t drive the vehicle on public roads until it is titled and insured.
- Don’t name TxDMV in any lawsuit over clearing a lien, as the 2024 bulletin instructs.
Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Many people complete the VTR-130-SOF alone, while others hire a title service or surety company that handles the paperwork for a fee.
| Factor | Filing on Your Own |
|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest, only the $15 fee plus the bond, because you pay no service charge. |
| Control | Full control over accuracy since you handle every entry yourself. |
| Speed | Can be fast if your packet is complete on the first try. |
| Learning | You understand the process for future vehicles. |
| Direct contact | You deal with the Regional Service Center directly and get answers firsthand. |
| Factor | Filing With a Service |
|---|---|
| Cost | Higher, with service fees often starting near $89 on top of the bond. |
| Convenience | The service gathers forms, files, and tracks the status for you. |
| Error reduction | Experienced filers catch lien and value issues before submission. |
| Time saved | You avoid trips to the Regional Service Center and county office. |
| Complex cases | Helpful for salvage, assembled, or lien-encumbered vehicles. |
Related Forms and How They Connect
Several forms work alongside the VTR-130-SOF, and knowing each role keeps your packet complete. The VTR-130-ND is the department’s Notice of Determination that follows your SOF and tells you your bond amount; without it you cannot proceed to the county. The Form 130-U, the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration, is filed at the county to actually issue the title.
The VTR-130-SB is the surety bond itself, set at 1.5 times the value, and the VTR-68-A is the law enforcement VIN inspection for vehicles with no Texas record. The VTR-270 is the Vehicle Identification Number Certification used when registering, and Form VTR-125 is the licensed appraisal used when the SPV calculator cannot value your vehicle. A salvage or rebuilt vehicle also needs Form VTR-61, the Rebuilt Vehicle Statement.
VTR-130-SOF vs. VTR-130-ND at a Glance
These two forms are easy to confuse because they share a number, but they do different jobs.
| Feature | Form VTR-130-SOF |
|---|---|
| Who completes it | The applicant fills it out. |
| Purpose | Starts the bonded title or hearing request. |
| When used | First, before any determination is made. |
| Where filed | Submitted to a Regional Service Center. |
| Feature | Form VTR-130-ND |
|---|---|
| Who completes it | The TxDMV department issues it. |
| Purpose | States the determination and bond amount. |
| When used | After the SOF is reviewed. |
| Where used | Taken to the county tax office with the bond. |
FAQs
Do I need to buy the surety bond before filing the VTR-130-SOF?
No. You file the form first, the department sets the value, and only then do you buy the bond for 1.5 times that value at the county stage.
Do both pages of the form have to be submitted?
Yes. Both pages of the VTR-130-SOF must be turned in together, even though you only complete page 1, or the packet is rejected.
Do I write the VIN myself in the Vehicle Information block?
Yes. You must physically inspect and record the VIN, because the certification states you confirmed it matches; a guess is a felony-level false statement.
Do I answer every one of the 11 Application Questions?
Yes. The form states an answer must be provided to all questions, and leaving any blank makes the form incomplete and unprocessable.
Do I use my legal name or the name I go by in the Applicant block?
Yes, use your legal name exactly as it appears on your photo ID, because a nickname creates a mismatch that holds up processing.
Do I write $0 for purchase price if I inherited the vehicle?
Yes. An heir who did not buy the vehicle enters $0 and explains the inheritance in the Application Explanation section.
Do I fill out the “Department Use Only” block on page 2?
No. Only TxDMV staff complete that block; writing in it yourself can look like tampering and may void the form.
Do I need a VIN inspection for an out-of-state vehicle?
Yes. A vehicle with no Texas record needs a law enforcement VIN inspection on Form VTR-68-A before the application is complete.
Do I still need a lien release under the new 2024 rule?
Yes. Since November 14, 2024, you must provide an original release of lien or letter of no interest if the record shows a lien under 10 years old.
Do salvage vehicles qualify for a bonded title?
Yes. Salvage vehicles can be bonded, but you must attach a Rebuilt Vehicle Statement (Form VTR-61) when you answer Yes to the salvage question.
Do I have to pay the $15 fee in a certain way?
Yes. Mailed fees must be a check or money order payable to the TxDMV, never cash or a temporary check, and the fee is non-refundable.
Do bonded titles stay bonded forever?
No. A Texas bonded title carries the bonded brand for three years, after which a clean title is issued if no ownership dispute arises.
Do I have to live in Texas to use this form?
Yes, in general you must live in Texas or be military personnel stationed in Texas, which is exactly what Questions 1 and 2 confirm.
Do I need an appraisal to set the vehicle value?
No, not usually, because the department uses the SPV calculator first; an appraisal on Form VTR-125 is only needed if no value can be found.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Texas Form VTR-262 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Texas Form VTR-271 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Texas Form VTR-441 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Texas Abandoned Vehicle Title (VTR-71-2) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Texas Salvage/Nonrepairable Title (VTR-441) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Vehicle Title Bond (Lost Title) Application + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Delaware DMV Application for Duplicate Title (Form MV213) + FAQs