When my dad passed in 2022, I inherited his old Tacoma. At the time there was a lot going on and I didn't get around to transferring the title over to myself. Just got insurance on it and went with it. Then once things settled down I just forgot about it except when I would renew the insurance.

Now the time to get a new vehicle for myself is coming soon and I am leaning toward moving from a car back to a truck. So the taco Home Depot truck can go. Figure I will probably want to sell it private part, 2010 base model with 180k miles, rather than trade it in.

If I did that would I need to even transfer it to my name? I am the executor of the estate. Could I sign it over to someone as such without messing with transferring to my name?


Or should I follow the rules and transfer it to myself. If so which form do I use? I found two different ones that seemed to both possibly apply. Assume you fill it out and go up to the county office to file it?

I want to say that when my mother sold her mothers car she just signed it on behalf of the estate and the new owner took possession of the car and the signed title.

It was a family friend and I know that within the following year they sold the car again with zero issues.

That's pretty much what I was thinking.

But if it included it in a trade at a dealer I would have to have transferred it

If you have or can get the letter of administration it makes it easy to sign the title. You will need an original copy of the letter of administration with the stamp from the county. I went through a similar situation. My father was in Tarrant Co. and sold his truck in Harris Co. after 5 years. I did everything at the tax office on the sale to private party. Not sure on a trade in situation.

If you want the title in your name when you sell Here's what I learned last week having just been in a similar position w/ the grandfather.

You need:
- Letters of Testimentary (you were executor so assuming you have these handy)
- Texas Vehicle Gift Form (Notarized). (14-317) Just put you as the donor and reciever & get notarized.
- Texas Vehicle transfer/title application (130-U)

I think it'll cost you $42 dollars ($28 transfer fee, $10 gift tax, + credit card fees if you forget cash). Title should be mailed back in 2 weeks.

Granted if you accidentally find your dad and have him sign the title so that when you sell it it then I don't think the county will come looking for you.... Just a whole lot less grey area if your name is on there.

Absolute said:

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That's pretty much what I was thinking.

But if it included it in a trade at a dealer I would have to have transferred it

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I traded in my ex wife's car when I purchased new. No big deal.

Just sign the title with your dad's name. Noo one has to know anyone died.

Don't over complicate it with rules and regulations. Just do it. No one will be coming back years later to arrest you.

You won't be deported.

FunnyFarm14 said:

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If you want the title in your name when you sell Here's what I learned last week having just been in a similar position w/ the grandfather.

You need:
- Letters of Testimentary (you were executor so assuming you have these handy)
- Texas Vehicle Gift Form (Notarized). (14-317) Just put you as the donor and reciever & get notarized.
- Texas Vehicle transfer/title application (130-U)

I think it'll cost you $42 dollars ($28 transfer fee, $10 gift tax, + credit card fees if you forget cash). Title should be mailed back in 2 weeks.

Granted if you accidentally find your dad and have him sign the title so that when you sell it it then I don't think the county will come looking for you.... Just a whole lot less grey area if your name is on there.

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smh

Accidentally finding his dad is about as likely as the second coming. And... who cares about gray?

FunnyFarm14 said:

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If you want the title in your name when you sell Here's what I learned last week having just been in a similar position w/ the grandfather.

You need:
- Letters of Testimentary (you were executor so assuming you have these handy)
- Texas Vehicle Gift Form (Notarized). (14-317) Just put you as the donor and reciever & get notarized.
- Texas Vehicle transfer/title application (130-U)

I think it'll cost you $42 dollars ($28 transfer fee, $10 gift tax, + credit card fees if you forget cash). Title should be mailed back in 2 weeks.

Granted if you accidentally find your dad and have him sign the title so that when you sell it it then I don't think the county will come looking for you.... Just a whole lot less grey area if your name is on there.

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Thanks! I have all of that. Pretty sure those are the two forms I printed off. If I can find some time I might do that. Otherwise maybe a second coming will occur Nice to have confirmation that it isn't too big of a deal either way

More details about the Taco and how much are you planning to list it for?

Haven't really researched it yet. Just started thinking of new purchase.

lol. I've accidentally found multiple people right outside the tax office when I went to transfer a title without their signature. Amazing how many people you can "accidentally find" when no one is looking....

These strategies may work in Texas, but not everywhere. Louisiana requires a notarized statement from the seller or a current, valid copy of the seller's ID. PITA to buy a vehicle from a Texas seller and register it in LA.

Aggiemike96 said:

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These strategies may work in Texas, but not everywhere. Louisiana requires a notarized statement from the seller or a current, valid copy of the seller's ID. PITA to buy a vehicle from a Texas seller and register it in LA.

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Only car I've bought in Louisiana was on a Sunday and that notarized title threw me for a loop. They really do make it hard. Spent some time looking for a notary open and finally said f' it. Thankfully my local tax assessor didn't care about the notary since that isn't a Texas requirement.