My Title Has Too Many Signatures How Do I Transfer The Title In My Name
Signed in the Wrong Box on a Texas Vehicle Title? How to Register Your Vehicle in Texas
Did you purchase a vehicle from a private seller, but the Texas title was signed in the wrong box? You may be wondering whether you can still get the vehicle titled and registered in your name.
The answer depends on which section of the title was signed, who signed it, and how the vehicle was purchased.
If you purchased the vehicle from an individual and not a licensed dealer, the title assignment generally needs to properly reflect the private-party transaction. A mistake on the title can cause the county tax office to reject the transaction or require additional documentation.
What If the Seller Signed the Second Box?
One common problem occurs when a seller signs a title in a box that does not correspond to the actual transaction.
For example, you may have purchased the vehicle directly from an individual, but the seller signed in an area that appears to be designated for a dealer or another type of reassignment.
This can create a problem when you attempt to title the vehicle in your name.
Do not assume that you can simply cross out the information, use white-out, or sign another section yourself.
Altering the title yourself could create additional problems with the title transfer.
Instead, have the title reviewed by the county tax office or a qualified Texas title professional before making additional changes.
Can I Still Register the Vehicle?
Possibly.
If the title contains an assignment error, the county tax office will determine what documentation is acceptable to complete the title transaction.
You may need a corrected assignment, additional documentation from the seller, or another method of establishing acceptable ownership.
TxDMV states that private-party buyers should provide the signed title and Form 130-U, along with applicable supporting documents such as a lien release or power of attorney.
You will also generally need proof of insurance and identification when applying for title and registration. Depending on the vehicle and county, inspection or emissions requirements may also apply.
What If the Seller Is No Longer Available?
This is where the situation can become more complicated.
If the person who sold you the vehicle cannot be located, will not correct the title, or you have incomplete or incorrect evidence of ownership, you may have another option.
In certain circumstances, Texas has a bonded title process for people who have incomplete or incorrect evidence of ownership or who cannot obtain the necessary ownership documentation from the seller.
TxDMV requires the applicant to meet specific eligibility requirements. Among other requirements, the applicant generally must be a Texas resident or qualifying military member, have possession of the vehicle, and the vehicle must not be junked, nonrepairable, or otherwise ineligible for a title.
What Is a Texas Bonded Title?
A bonded title is a possible solution when a person has a vehicle but does not have acceptable ownership documentation to obtain a regular Texas title.
The process begins with an application to TxDMV. If the application is approved, TxDMV issues a Notice of Determination for a Bonded Title or Tax Assessor-Collector Hearing (Form VTR-130-ND) stating the required bond amount.
TxDMV states that the bond amount is generally 1½ times the department's determined value of the vehicle.
The applicant then purchases the required surety bond and completes the remaining title and registration process.
Don't Try to Fix the Title Yourself
If your Texas title was signed in the wrong box, don't use white-out, erase the signature, scratch out information, or rewrite the title yourself.
A title is an important ownership document, and additional alterations may make the situation more difficult.
Instead:
Keep the title exactly as you received it.
Keep your bill of sale or other proof of purchase.
Contact the seller if a correction is required.
Have the title reviewed by the appropriate Texas county tax office.
If the ownership documentation cannot be corrected, ask whether you may qualify for the Texas bonded title process.
What If I Already Went to the Tax Office and They Rejected My Title?
Don't give up.
A rejected title does not necessarily mean you cannot ever title the vehicle.
The reason for the rejection is important. If you received incomplete or incorrect evidence of ownership, Texas provides a bonded title procedure that may be available in qualifying circumstances.
If you have a rejection letter or documentation from TxDMV, keep it. It can help a title professional understand exactly what issue needs to be addressed.
Houston Bonded Title & Surety Company Can Help
If you purchased a vehicle from a private seller and the Texas title was signed in the wrong box, don't make additional changes to the title before getting professional guidance.
Houston Bonded Title & Surety Company specializes in Texas surety title bonds and can help you understand the bonded title process when regular title documentation is incomplete or unacceptable.
We also provide:
Surety Title Bonds
Vehicle Appraisals
Notary Services
Need Help With a Texas Bonded Title?
Call or Text 281-790-2933
Houston Texans Auto Title Service
2855 Mangum Rd., Suite 204
Houston, TX 77092
Whether you have a title signed in the wrong box, an altered title, missing ownership documentation, or another title problem, get the title reviewed before making additional changes to the document.
