Can I sell my car without a title in Texas?

Yes, you can sell your car without a title in Texas. Options include applying for a duplicate title through TxDMV, using a bonded title for vehicles without proof of ownership, or selling to a licensed dealer like Crescent Motors who can handle the paperwork for you.

How do I get a replacement title in Texas?

You can apply for a duplicate title at your local Texas DMV office using Form VTR-34. The fee is $2 for a certified copy. You'll need valid ID and the vehicle's VIN. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.

What is a bonded title in Texas?

A bonded title is issued when you cannot prove ownership through normal documentation. You must purchase a surety bond equal to 1.5 times the vehicle's value. After 3 years without claims, the bond requirement is released and you receive a standard title.

Sell Car Without Title in Texas

Lost your title? No problem. Crescent Motors buys cars without titles throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. We handle the DMV paperwork so you get cash fast.

Get Cash Offer — No Title Needed Call (903) 634-7722

✓ No Title Required ✓ We Handle DMV Paperwork ✓ Same-Day Cash Payment

Can You Sell a Car Without a Title in Texas?

Yes, you can sell your car without a title in Texas — but you have options depending on your situation. Whether you lost your title, never received it, or bought a car without proper paperwork, there are legal ways to sell your vehicle and get cash.

At Crescent Motors, we specialize in buying cars without titles in Dallas-Fort Worth. We've helped hundreds of sellers in tricky title situations get paid quickly without the DMV headaches.

Common Reasons People Don't Have a Title

Lost or misplaced title — The most common situation. Titles get lost during moves, stored in forgotten places, or accidentally thrown away.
Title destroyed — Fire, flood, or water damage can destroy important documents including your car title.
Inherited vehicle — You inherited a car but the title was never transferred to your name.
Bought car without title — Private sale where the seller didn't provide proper paperwork.
Lienholder still on title — The bank or finance company still holds the title because of an outstanding loan.
Title in someone else's name — Ex-spouse, deceased family member, or previous owner's name still on title.

Your Options for Selling a Car Without Title in Texas

Option 1: Get a Duplicate Title from TxDMV

If you're the legal owner and simply lost your title, you can apply for a duplicate at any Texas DMV office.

Cost: $2 for certified copy
Time: 2-4 weeks processing
Requirements: Valid ID, VIN, Form VTR-34

Best for: Owners with time to wait who want to sell privately for maximum value.

Option 2: Apply for a Bonded Title

If you can't prove ownership through normal channels (no bill of sale, can't contact previous owner), Texas allows bonded titles.

Cost: Surety bond = 1.5x vehicle value + filing fees
Time: 4-8 weeks
Requirements: VIN inspection, bond purchase, DMV application

Best for: Barn finds, abandoned vehicles, or cars purchased without paperwork.

Option 3: Sell to Crescent Motors (Fastest Option)

We buy cars without titles and handle all the paperwork for you. No DMV visits, no waiting weeks for duplicate titles.

Cost: $0 — we cover everything
Time: Same-day payment
Requirements: Valid ID, proof you're the owner (registration, insurance, etc.)

Best for: Anyone who wants cash fast without DMV hassles.

What Documents Can Replace a Title?

Even without the actual title, you can prove ownership with other documents:

Vehicle registration — Shows the car is registered in your name
Insurance card — Proves you've been insuring the vehicle
Bill of sale — Original purchase documentation
Loan payoff letter — Shows the lien has been satisfied
Court documents — Divorce decree, probate papers, etc.
VIN verification — We can verify ownership through state records

Bring whatever documentation you have — we'll work with you to verify ownership and make an offer.

How to Sell Your Car Without Title to Crescent Motors

Get Your Free Quote

Call us or fill out the form with your car's details. Be upfront about the title situation — we deal with these daily.

We Verify Ownership

We'll check your VIN against state records and review any documents you have. This takes minutes, not days.

Get Paid Cash

Accept our offer and get paid the same day. We handle all DMV paperwork and title processing.

Frequently Asked Questions — Selling Without Title

How much less will I get for a car without title?

Typically 10-20% less than a car with clean title, depending on the situation. However, when you factor in the time and cost of getting a duplicate title yourself (DMV visits, weeks of waiting, potential bonded title costs), selling as-is often makes more financial sense.

Can I sell a car without title if I still owe money on it?

Yes! If your car has a loan, the lienholder (bank or finance company) holds the title. We can pay off your loan directly, get the title from the lender, and pay you any remaining equity. Learn more about selling with a loan payoff →

What if the title is in someone else's name?

It depends on the situation. If it's a deceased family member, we can work with probate documents. If it's an ex-spouse, you may need a signed release. If you bought the car but the seller never signed over the title, we may be able to help track them down or pursue a bonded title.

Do you buy junk cars without title?

Yes, we buy junk cars, non-running vehicles, and cars in any condition — with or without title. See our junk car buying page →

Is it legal to sell a car without a title in Texas?

Yes, as long as you're the legal owner and can provide proof. Licensed dealers like Crescent Motors have processes to handle no-title sales legally. Private sales without proper documentation are riskier for both parties.