? Fry Auto Title Service: Q & A
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Frequently Asked Questions

We 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
Plates and Stickers | Specialty Plates | Trailers | Bonded Titles | Sales Tax, Gift Tax and SPV

General Registration

Q: 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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Q: I sold my vehicle several months ago and I am still receiving registration renewals in my name. What should I do?


A: It is likely the new owner has not transferred title to their name. To put a notice on the motor vehicle record that the vehicle has been sold complete a Texas Motor Vehicle Transfer Notification (Form VTR-346) This may either be submitted by mail or online. 

Q: Do I need to show proof of insurance to register my trailer?

A: No.        

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.

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.  

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

General Registration | Disabled Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles | New Residents
Plates and Stickers | Specialty Plates | Trailers | Bonded Titles | Sales Tax, Gift Tax and SPV

Disabled Registration

Q: 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.

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.

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.

General Registration | Disabled Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles | New Residents
Plates and Stickers | Specialty Plates | Trailers | Bonded Titles | Sales Tax, Gift Tax and SPV

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.

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.

Q: How do I transfer a vehicle with an out of state title?

A: If the vehicle has Texas registration and license plates:
The seller must sign the title on the designated signature of seller line. The seller must provide the buyer a signed Application for Texas Certificate of Title (Form 130-U) OR a Bill of Sale (Form BOS). The buyer must sign the title, application for title and provide current proof of insurance. Fry Auto Title Service can then process the title transfer.
If the vehicle has out of state registration and license plates:
The buyer must first have the vehicle safety inspected in Texas. Upon inspection the safety inspection station will issue you a Vehicle Identification Certificate. This must be presented at time of title transfer with the other requirements described above.

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:

  • 25 or more year old passenger cars, light trucks, motorcycles or travel trailers
  • new vehicles
  • vehicles bought from state or federal government agencies
  • off highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATV)
 

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.
2.)Photo ID of individual signing the Form VTR-34.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Q: What years are exempt from odometer readings?

A: Vehicles that are 10 model years and older. 

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.

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.

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. 

Q: Does the seller's signature need to be notarized on the title?
A: No.  

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

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.

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
Plates and Stickers | Specialty Plates | Trailers | Bonded Titles | Sales Tax, Gift Tax and SPV

Motorcycles

Q: How do I register and title a motorcycle?
A: Follow the same procedures as any other motor vehicle.

General Registration | Disabled Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles | New Residents
Plates and Stickers | Specialty Plates | Trailers | Bonded Titles | Sales Tax, Gift Tax and SPV

New Residents

Q: I just moved to Texas. How do I register my vehicle?

A: The following steps need to be taken to receive registration:
1. Obtain insurance that meets the Texas 20/40/15 requirements.
($20,000/$40,000 personal injury and $15,000 property damage.)
2. Your vehicle must first pass a Texas vehicle safety inspection and an inspection of the vehicle identification number (VIN). The safety inspection station will issue you a Vehicle Identification Certificate.
3. Bring your out of state title or last registration with the inspection certificate and proof of insurance to Fry Auto Title Service. If you wish to receive a negotiable Texas Title you must surrender your out of state title otherwise your out of state title will be your negotiable title to the vehicle.

© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019

General Registration | Disabled Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles | New Residents
Plates and Stickers | Specialty Plates | Trailers | Bonded Titles | Sales Tax, Gift Tax and SPV

Plates and Stickers

Q: 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.

General Registration | Disabled Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles | New Residents
Plates and Stickers | Specialty Plates | Trailers | Bonded Titles | Sales Tax, Gift Tax and SPV

Specialty Plates

Q: 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.
TxDMV offers you two types of specialty plates:

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:

  • Background (Non Personalized) A random letter/number combination will be gernerated for you. Choose from 100+ background designs
  • Personalized Up to any combination of 6 letters/numbers/special characters. Choose from 100+ background designs
  • 7-Letter PersonalizedChoose from 30+ background designs and 7 letters/numbers/special characters
  • 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:

  • The frame, body and motor of the passenger car, truck, or motorcycle is 25 or more years old.
  • The vehicle is used exclusively for exhibition, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest.
  • The vehicle can NOT be used for regular transportation and can NOT display any advertising.

Classic Plates:

  • The frame, body and motor of the passenger car, truck, or motorcycle is 25 or more years old.
  • The vehicle CAN be used for regular transportation

General Registration | Disabled Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles | New Residents
Plates and Stickers | Specialty Plates | Trailers | Bonded Titles | Sales Tax, Gift Tax and SPV

Trailers

Q: Do I need to show proof of insurance to register my trailer?

A: No.        

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.
2. Have the trailer inspected by law enforcement. Law enforcement will furnish you with a form VTR-68-A.
3. Take a picture of the trailer
4. Take the picture, Form VTR-68-A, and weight slip for the trailer to Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) Regional Office located at 1001 East Parmer Lane, Austin, TX. A $2.00 processing fee will be collected by TxDMV. TxDMV will assign a "TR" number to the trailer.

After completing the above steps:
1. Make a pencil tracing of the "TR" number that was die-stamped into your trailer.
2. Bring the completed form issued by TxDMV and the weight slip to Fry Auto Title Service. We will then process the paperwork for the title to be issued and issue a plate and registration for the trailer.

© Copyright Fry Auto Title Service 2001-2019

General Registration | Disabled Registration | General Titling | Motorcycles | New Residents
Plates and Stickers | Specialty Plates | Trailers | Bonded Titles | Sales Tax, Gift Tax and SPV

Bonded Titles

Q: 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.


2. When you purchased a vehicle and only received a bill of sale.


3. When you purchased (or were given a vehicle) and only received an improperly assigned title.


4. When you purchased a vehicle and received a title and have since lost that title and can't locate the previous owner to obtain a copy.


5. Out-of-state residents may only apply for a Bonded Title if the vehicle is titled in Texas.

Q: Bonded titles can be issued for what type of vehicle?
A: Bonded titles may be issued for:

1. Automobiles
2. Trucks
3. Buses
4. Trailers
5. Travel Trailers
6. Motor Homes
7. Motorcycles

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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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.

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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.

Q: How do I obtain your service?

A: Contact us in one of the following ways:

1. Call us at: 512-443-4885
2. Email us at: frytitle@frytitle.com
3. Visit us in person at: 3005 S. Lamar Blvd, Ste B105-A, Austin, TX 78704