When purchasing a vehicle from one of our auctions in Texas, there are a couple of different documentation types you’ll run into.
When you are researching a car, ALWAYS look at the documentation type in the vehicle detail page. This will ensure you are prepared for any additional steps you need to follow in order to obtain a title and register the vehicle.
Lien Sale / Lien Papers
A lien sale occurs when a vehicle is sold to satisfy unpaid debts, such as towing or storage fees. Follow the steps below to title and register your purchase if you received a lien sale packet:
- Review the Lien Sale Packet: Ensure it includes all necessary documents, such as the Notice of Pending Lien Sale and the Certification of Lien Sale.
- Complete the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U): This form is required to apply for title and registration in your name.You can find Form 130-U here.
- Provide Proof of Insurance.
- Pay Applicable Fees: Be prepared to pay title, registration, and applicable sales tax fees.
- Submit Documentation: Visit your local county tax assessor-collector’s office to submit all required documents and payments.
This information is intended only as a guideline. Please visit your local tax assessor-collector’s office or https://www.txdmv.gov/ for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Title (Clean)
If the vehicle documentation type on the Vehicle Detail page is “Title (Clean),” registration can work just as it would buying from a dealer or private party. Follow these steps:
- Obtain the Necessary Documents: You’ll receive a title and a bill of sale. Ensure both items have the proper vehicle information and are properly assigned to you.
- Complete the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U): This form is required to apply for title and registration in your name.
- Provide Proof of Insurance.
- Pay Applicable Fees: Be prepared to pay title, registration, and applicable sales tax fees.
- Submit Documentation: Visit your local county tax assessor-collector’s office to submit all required documents and payments.
This information is intended only as a guideline. Please visit your local tax assessor-collector’s office or https://www.txdmv.gov/ for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Title (Salvage)
There are more steps that need to be taken in order to register a vehicle with a salvage title. For those vehicles, follow these rough guidelines:
- Repair and restore the vehicle to safe operating condition.
- Obtain a rebuilt vehicle statements (Form VTR-61): This form documents the repairs and any major component parts used during the rebuilding process
- Get the vehicle inspected. The rebuilt vehicle will need to be inspected by a certified safety inspection station to ensure it meets Texas safety standards.
- Complete the title and registration Form 130-U.
- Gather supporting documentation: This will include proof of ownership (the title assigned to you), proof of insurance, a rebuilt vehicle statement (Form VTR-61), and the safety inspection report.
- Submit your documentation and pay any applicable fees at the county tax assessor’s office.
This information is intended only as a guideline. Please visit your local tax assessor-collector’s office or https://www.txdmv.gov/ for the most accurate and up-to-date information.