Lost the Car Title Before Putting It in Your Name? Here’s What to Do in Texas

This is a common situation:

• You purchased a vehicle from a private seller.

• The seller gave you the vehicle title.

• The title was signed over to you.

• You did not get around to transferring the title.

• The title was lost, damaged, or misplaced.

• Now you need to put the vehicle in your name.

The first thing you should determine is whether you can still contact the person who sold you the vehicle.

If the seller is available and willing to help, getting the necessary ownership documentation may be easier than pursuing a bonded title. Texas recommends that buyers and sellers complete the title transfer promptly; TxDMV states that buyers should title a vehicle in their name within 30 days of the sale.

What If the Seller Cannot Be Found?

This is where the situation can become more complicated.

If you bought the vehicle and lost the title, but the seller is no longer available, will not cooperate, or cannot provide the documentation needed to complete the transfer, you may have an option through the Texas bonded title process.

TxDMV specifically states that a person who has lost evidence of ownership and cannot contact the seller for the necessary documentation may have the option of using the bonded-title procedure to transfer ownership.

However, a bonded title is not automatically available for every vehicle or every situation. TxDMV must determine whether you qualify.

For more information feel free to contact the office at 281-790-2933 or visit us at 2855 Mangum RD ste 204, Houston, TX 77092

Private business service. Not a government agency and not affiliated with TxDMV.