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Who signs the title
The seller signs the back of a Texas title. On some out-of-state titles the seller signs the front. The buyer also signs a Texas title when the vehicle is less than 10 model years old.
Harris County title guide
What to do if the seller did not sign the title.
Harris County requires the seller's signature on the title before a normal transfer. If that signature is missing, do not sign the seller's name and do not write over the title. Ask the seller to sign the assignment first.
A missing signature on Form 130-U is a different problem. This page is about the title itself.
Bring this to a review
Do not mark the title first.
- The unsigned title, front and back
- Your driver's license
- Any bill of sale
- The seller's last contact, if you still have it
No firme el nombre del vendedor. Pida que firme el título, o llámenos al (832) 665-7966 antes de alterar el documento.
Unsigned titles
A normal Houston transfer needs that signature.
If the seller cannot be reached, TxDMV publishes a bonded-title application for ownership documents you cannot obtain. The department decides whether the vehicle qualifies. ES MOTORS can review the file before you apply. Title document review→
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Get the real signature
Contact the seller and have them sign the assignment, with your name matching your ID. Do not sign for them, erase a signature, or correct the title in ink.
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If you cannot reach them
A normal Harris County transfer stops without the seller's signature on the title. TxDMV's bonded-title path, Form VTR-130-SOF, is the published option when you cannot get the proper ownership documents.
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Not the same as Form 130-U
Harris County does not require the seller to sign Form 130-U on a private sale. That does not replace a missing signature on the title.
Simple process
Stop, then get a signature or a review.
01Do not sign for them
Leave the seller's line blank. Signing another person's name is not a fix.
02Ask the seller
Have the seller sign the assignment and enter your name as it appears on your ID.
03Pause if they are gone
Do not file a normal transfer on an unsigned title, and do not alter the paper.
04Ask about a bond
If the proper documents cannot be obtained, ask ES MOTORS to review a TxDMV bonded-title application.
Visit ES MOTORS
5020 FM 1960 W Ste A8, Houston, TX 77069
Call or text (832) 665-7966 or email esmotorspro@gmail.com.