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Frequently Asked QuestionsWe have listed below the answers to the most commonly asked questions about vehicle titling and registration. In some cases, we have also provided links to further online resources along with the answer. Fry Auto Title Service is proud to offer this resource to you in the hopes that it makes your titling experience a carefree one. General Registration | Disabled
Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles |
New Residents General RegistrationQ: I did not receive my registration renewal. What
do I do?
A: A renewal notice is not needed at Fry Auto Title Service. To renew your registration you will need to provide your license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN),your current proof of insurance and current inspection. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: Is there a grace period after a
registration expires?
A: Yes. A vehicle may be operated for 5 working days after the registration expires without a penalty. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: Under what circumstances am I required
to pay a 20% registration penalty?
A: A 20% registration penalty occurs when a ticket has been issued for operating a vehicle unregistered after the 5 day grace period. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: I haven't driven my vehicle since
the registration expired. Do I pay a penalty for late registration?
A: No. If the vehicle has not been registered for a valid reason (repairs, etc.) registration will be established with a new 12-month registration period. The new registration will expire on the last day of the 11th month following the month of registration. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: I registered my vehicle this month.
Why does my registration expire in the previous month?
A: Registration in Texas counts the month you register in as the first month of registration regardless of the day on which registration occurs plus the next 11 consecutive months. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: I sold my vehicle several months
ago and I am still receiving registration renewals in my name. What
should I do?
© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: Do I need to show proof of insurance to register my trailer?
A: No. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: I live in another county other than
Travis County. Can I register my vehicle in Travis County?
A: Registration must be done in the county of residence. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: What does "Registration Purposes
Only" mean?
A: If you move to Texas from another state, at the time of registration, you have an option to surrender your out of state title or registration receipt. If you surrender your out of state registration, your vehicle is considered to be registered as "Registration Purposes Only" and not titled in Texas. To sell your vehicle your out of state title is the title that will be surrendered to the buyer. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: How do I get my address changed
so that I receive renewal notices at my new address?
A: Complete the Chane of Address for Texas Vehicle Registration (FormVTR-146) and mail to TxDMV or complete the address change Online © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
General Registration | Disabled
Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles |
New Residents Disabled RegistrationQ: How do I obtain Disabled license
plates or placards?
A: An Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard and/or License Plates (Form VTR-214) must be completed and notarized by a physician indicating if the disability is permanent or temporary. A physician may supply a prescription in lieu of the notorization. For permanent disabilities, an applicant may obtain a combination of two placards, or one placard and one set of plates. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: What is the difference between a
red and blue permanent disabled placard.
A: A blue placard is issued for permanent disabilities. A red placard is issued for temporary disabilities. Blue permanent placards are renewed every 4 years from date of issuance. Temporary red placards are issued for six months. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: I lost my disabled person placard
and/or license plate. What do I do?
A: If your placard is lost or destroyed you must reapply for a new placard. You may show the (destroyed) placard, or a copy of your original completed Form VTR-214. If this proof is not available a new Form VTR-214 is required. If the license plates are lost, stolen or destroyed replacement plates may be issued. You will need to supply to Fry Auto Title Service the plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle to which the plates were issued. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
General Registration | Disabled
Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles |
New Residents General Titling Q: How do I transfer a Texas title
to a vehicle I just bought or sold?
A: The seller must sign and date the back of the negotiable Texas title on the designated signature of seller line. The date of sale box and signature line is located by the assignment of title section, which is indicated on the left hand side of the title under the perforated tear off portion of the title. The seller must also provide the buyer an Application for Texas Certificate of Title (Form 130-U). The seller should also provide the buyer with the receipt of current registration at the time of purchase.The buyer must sign the back of the negotiable title as well as the title application. At time of title transfer the buyer must provide current proof of insurance. Fry Auto Title Service can then process the title transfer. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: What is a bonded title?
A: A bonded title is the process used to obtain a title to a vehicle when the required documents are unavailable for a transfer of title. Detailed information regarding bonded titles can be obtained through the link on Bonded Titles. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: How do I transfer a vehicle with
an out of state title?
A: If the vehicle
has Texas registration and license plates: © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: How soon must I transfer title after I buy/sell a
vehicle?
Transfer the title and registration on time to avoid penalties! A: Beginning January 1, 2012, penalties increased for the late transfer of title and registration of a motor vehicle. File on Time: Title transfer must be completed within 30 days of date of sale/purchase to avoid paying a late transfer penalty. Penalties: Individual to Individual transfers: $25 late transfer penalty-Beginning on the 31st working day after date of sale ADD $25 penalty for each additional 30 calendar day period (or part of 30 calendar day period) Military Personnel Transfers: Military personnel have up to 60 working days to transfer before a late penalty is assessed. Beginning on the 61st working day after date of sale ADD $25 penalty for each additional 30 calendar day period (or part of 30 calendar day period) Some Exceptions: No Penalties:-The following types of vehicles are exempt from late transfer penalties:
© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: I lost my Texas title. How do I get a replacement?
A: Applicants
for a Certified Copy of title may be the owner of record, lienholder,
or verifiable agent of either.
A certified copy of the title may be obtained directly from the TXDMV located at 1001 E. Parmer Lane, Austin, TX. All applicants must provide: 1.) A properly completed Application for Certified Copy of Title (Form VTR-34), 2.)Photo ID (State or US-issued photo ID, such as Texas or other state driver's license, government identification card, U.S. Passport, or military identification) of the person signing the Form VTR-34. 3.)If there was ever a lien recorded on the title the lien holder must provide a Prescribed Form For Release of Lien (Form VTR 266.) Verifiable Agent of Owner or Lienholder 1.)In addition to the requirements above, a verified agent of the owner or lienholder must also provide a letter of signature authority on original letterhead, or a business card, or copy of the agent?s employee ID. If the Form VTR-34 is signed with a Power of Attorney (POA), the transaction must have, in addition to the requirements above: 1.)Photo ID of recorded owner/lienholder signing the
POA. NOTE: Businesses given POA will also be required to provide a letter of signature authority on original letterhead, business card, or a copy of employee ID. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: I paid the loan off on my car. Why
does the state show a lien on my car?
A: The lien holder does not notify the state when a vehicle is paid off. The release of lien is on the face of your negotiable title. If you wish to have a negotiable title which does not show the original lien and release, you may bring your title to Fry Auto Title Service to apply for a new title which does not show the lien. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: After I transfer title to my name
how long before I receive the title?
A: You should receive title within three weeks of transfer. If not received contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. (512-719-6900) or the title service which processed the title transfer for you. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: How do I sell a vehicle that is
titled in my ex-spouses name?
A: If the divorce decree awards the vehicle to you, must surrender a certified copy of your divorce decree to apply for title. If the divorce decree does not award the vehicle to you your ex spouse must properly assign the title and provide a signed Application for Texas Certificate of Title (Form 130-U). © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: How do I sell a vehicle that is
titled in my deceased spouse's name?
A: If the deceased spouse left a will, and the will was probated, the executor of the estate must sign the title and title application. If the estate has been probated, the executor or administrator may transfer the title provided a certified copy of the probate proceedings or Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration is attached. Otherwise the procedures of heirship must be met. See Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle (Form VTR-262).If there was no will or the will was not probated contact Fry Auto Title Service for help. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: What years are exempt from odometer
readings?
A: Vehicles that are 10 model years and older. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: Does the face of the title need
to be signed?
A: Yes. The face of the title should be signed by the titled owner(s) when the title is received in the mail from The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) or from your lienholder. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: I live in another county other than
Travis County. Can I transfer title in Travis County?
A: Transfer of title may be done in Travis County as long as the buyer, seller, or lien holder is located in Travis County. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: I am buying/selling a vehicle in
which the title is issued in more than one name. Is each person required
to sign the title?
A: Yes. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: Does the seller's signature need
to be notarized on the title?
A: No.
© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: When assigning my title to another person I made an error on the
back of the title? How do I correct?
A: When an error
is made on the back of the title the seller must furnish to the buyer
a Statement of Facts
(Form SOF) to correct the error.
© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
7
Q: I bought a vehicle that is inoperable. Do I have to buy registration
when I transfer title?
A: No.
License plates and
registration stickers must be surrendered at time of application for
title. Before the vehicle may be operated on the streets or highways
of Texas, registration must be purchased.
© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: I financed my vehicle and a lien holder was recorded, but I have
not received a title yet. Will I receive a non-negotiable copy of
the title?
A: No. When
a lien is recorded the original title is mailed to the lienholder. When
title was applied for you received a title application receipt. This
receipt serves as your proof of registration and as proof that a title
was applied for in your name.
© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
General Registration | Disabled
Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles |
New Residents Motorcycles
Q: How do I register and title a motorcycle?
A: Follow the same
procedures as any other motor vehicle.
© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
General Registration | Disabled
Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles |
New Residents New ResidentsQ: I just moved to Texas. How do I
register my vehicle?
A: The following
steps need to be taken to receive registration: © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
General Registration | Disabled
Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles |
New Residents Plates and StickersQ: What do I do if my license plates
or registration sticker is damaged or stolen?
A: You may obtain replacements for your plates or sticker. You will need to furnish Fry Auto Title Service with the license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
General Registration | Disabled
Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles |
New Residents Specialty PlatesQ: What is the difference between Charitable
Specialty Plates and My Plates?
A:
Texas began issuing personalized license plates in 1965. In 1990 specialty
plates were introduced. 1. The non-profit plates that benefit charitable organizations or causes known as Specialty Plates, Application forms for these types of plates are available at TxDMV 2. Plates issued by My Plates, a license plate marketing
vendor contracted by TxDMV, offers a wider array of colors
and designs. A portion of the revenue from My Plates’ sales will
be deposited into the state’s General Revenue Fund, which provides
services for all Texans. My Plates is offering three categories of plates:
The following special characters may be used to help personalize your plate: Dash, Period, Heart, Silhoutte of the State of Texas, or Star Online ordering of My Plates can be done at MyPlates © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: What is the difference between an Antique and Classic License
Plate?
A: To qualify for
either plate certain qualifications must be met as follows:
Antique Plates:
Classic Plates:
© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
General Registration | Disabled
Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles |
New Residents Q: Do I need to show proof of insurance
to register my trailer?
A: No. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: I did not receive my trailer registration
renewal. What do I do?
A: A renewal notice is not needed at Fry Auto Title Service. To renew your trailer registration you will need to provide your license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN) if the the trailer has been assigned one. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: I built a homemade/shop made trailer. How do I register it and
obtain plates?
A: If the gross
weight (empty and carrying weight combined) is less than 4,000 pounds
the trailer qualifies as a non-titled trailer. To obtain the trailer
plate bring the empty and carrying weight to Fry Auto Title service
and we will register the trailer and issue the plate.
If the gross weight is over 4,000 pounds the trailer will be titled. The following steps
are necessary to obtain title and registration:
1. Have the trailer weighed at a weigh station. After completing the above steps: © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
General Registration | Disabled
Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles |
New Residents Bonded TitlesQ: What is a Bonded Title?
A: A bonded title is a process used in Texas to provide title to vehicles when the proper evidence of ownership is not available. The bonded title law was passed by the Texas Legislature in the late 1980's to provide an alternative to a Tax Collector Hearing to secure a Texas title for Texas residents. Many counties in the state no longer hold hearings. Travis County does not provide tax hearings © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: Who can apply for a Bonded Title?
A: Some of the
most common situations in which you can apply for a bonded title are:
1.When you have purchased (or were given a vehicle) and did not receive the title or bill of sale from the seller.
© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: Bonded titles can be issued for what type of vehicle?
A: Bonded titles
may be issued for:
1. Automobiles © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: If I lost or wasn't given the title from the seller can't I just
get a copy of the "lost title" from TxDMV?
A: No. The owner
shown on the title record is the only person who can obtain a certified
copy of the title.
© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: What if there is dispute over the ownership of the vehicle?
A: When a bonded
title is issued a "Bonded" notation is shown on the title record for
3 years. If during that time someone claims an interest in the vehicle
they can take the new owner to court. If the court issues judgment,
the bonding company pays the judgment, and the bonded owner must reimburse
the bonding company the amount paid.
© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: What if there is a recorded lien
on the title?
A: If there is a lienholder shown on the title record, a release of lien will be required if the lien is less than 10 years old. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: Can I sell the vehicle on the bonded title?
A: Yes, the bonded
title is a negotiable Texas title.
© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: How is the Bond Cost (Premium) determined?
To determine how much the bond will cost (the premium) the amount of the bond must first be determined. A: For vehicles 24 years and newer the value of the vehicle is determined by using the full Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) from the TX Department of Motor Vehicles at www.TXDMV.GOV If no SPV is found, N.A.D.A. value is used. If no value is found either through SPV or N.A.D.A. then an appraisal form is required to be submitted by the bonded title applicant. The value determined by SPV, N.A.D.A, or appraisal will be multiplied by 1.5 to determine the amount of the bond. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For vehicles 25 years and older a set value of $4,000 will be assigned to the vehicle. If the applicant has a bill of sale over $4,000 the bill of sale value will be assigned to the vehicle. The set value of $4,000, or a bill of sale or appraisal with a value of $4,000 will be multiplied by 1.5 to determine the bond amount. The applicant must sign a certification attesting that the vehicle value does not exceed the amount of the bond. Applicants can not use an appraisal less than $4,000 to set the value for a vehicle 25 years old or older. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once the value has been determined contact Fry Auto Title Service at 512-443-4885. Fry Auto Title can determine
the bond premium cost for you.
© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: Can I get a bonded title on an abandoned
vehicle?
A: No. Abandoned vehicles must be disposed of through law enforcement. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: How do I obtain your service? A: Contact us in one of the following ways:
1. Call us at: 512-443-4885
© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
General Registration | Disabled
Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles |
New Residents Sales Tax and SPV
Q: How much sales tax is charged on the purchase of a used vehicle.
A: Yes. Effective October 1, 2006 the legislature passed a bill which established SPV (Standard Presumptive Value) for sales tax purposes. A summary of the law and more detailed information may be viewed through this link: Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019
Q: What is the law regarding gift tax on motor
vehicles?
A: Effective September 1, 2009 the legislature passed a bill determining when a transaction qualifies as a gift for motor vehicle tax purposes. The new law states the only transactions that qualify to be taxed as gifts ($10) are those where the vehicles are received from a
A vehicle also qualifies to be taxed as a gift when it is donated to, or given by, a nonprofit service organization qualifying under the Internal Revenue Code, Sec. 501(c)(3) All other motor vehicle transfers made without payment of consideration are now defined as sales and will be subject to tax calculated on the normal Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) To document a gift, the donor and person receiving the vehicle must complete a joint notarized Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer (Form 14-317) describing the transaction and the relationship between the parties. This document will be submitted to the Application for Title. © Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019 |