Texas Vehicle Title Transfer Fee Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate the fees associated with transferring a vehicle title in Texas. This typically includes Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) and the Title Application Fee. Note that this calculator does not include vehicle registration fees, inspection fees, or local county fees, which are separate costs.
The state uses the greater of the sales price or SPV for tax calculation. If unsure, enter the sales price.
Value of any vehicle traded in, which reduces the taxable amount.
Gift transfers between certain relatives may be exempt from sales tax, incurring a $10 gift tax fee instead.
Understanding Texas Vehicle Title Transfer Fees
When you purchase or receive a vehicle in Texas, you are required to transfer the title into your name. This process involves several fees, primarily the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) and the Title Application Fee. Understanding these costs upfront can help you budget effectively.
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST)
The MVST in Texas is 6.25% of the vehicle's value. However, the "value" isn't always just the sales price. The state uses the greater of two figures:
- Vehicle Sales Price: The actual price you paid for the vehicle.
- Standard Presumptive Value (SPV): A value determined by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) based on the vehicle's make, model, year, and mileage. This is designed to prevent underreporting of sales prices to avoid taxes.
If you trade in another vehicle, its value is deducted from the greater of the sales price or SPV before the 6.25% tax is applied. For example, if a car sells for $20,000, has an SPV of $18,000, and you trade in a vehicle worth $5,000, the taxable amount would be $20,000 – $5,000 = $15,000.
Gift Transfers
If a vehicle is gifted to you by a direct relative (e.g., spouse, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling), you may be exempt from the 6.25% MVST. Instead, a flat $10 gift tax fee is typically applied. This exemption does not apply to gifts between unrelated individuals or distant relatives.
Title Application Fee
This is a fixed fee charged by the state for processing the title transfer. As of the last update, this fee is $33.00. This fee is always applied, regardless of whether the vehicle was purchased or gifted.
What This Calculator Includes (and Excludes)
This calculator focuses specifically on the core title transfer fees: the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (or gift tax) and the Title Application Fee. It does NOT include:
- Vehicle Registration Fees: These are separate annual fees based on vehicle type and weight, plus local fees.
- Vehicle Inspection Fees: Texas requires an annual safety inspection, and some vehicles also require an emissions inspection.
- Local County Fees: Some counties may impose additional small fees.
These additional costs are typically paid at the same time you transfer the title and register the vehicle at your local county tax assessor-collector's office, but they are distinct from the title transfer fees themselves.
How to Use the Calculator
- Enter Vehicle Sales Price: The amount you paid for the vehicle.
- Enter Standard Presumptive Value (SPV): If you know the SPV, enter it. If not, you can often find it on the TxDMV website or by contacting your county tax office. If you're unsure, entering the sales price here will ensure the calculator uses the higher of the two for tax purposes.
- Enter Trade-in Value: If you traded in a vehicle, enter its value.
- Check "Is this a gift transfer?": Select this option if the vehicle was gifted to you by an eligible relative.
- Click "Calculate Fees": The calculator will provide an estimated breakdown of your title transfer costs.
Always confirm the exact fees with your local county tax assessor-collector's office, as regulations and fees can change.