Car Buying Tips
BUYING A VEHICLE?
Follow these steps to protect yourself and your purchase.
Tips to Avoid Buying a Stolen Vehicle
- Once you know the VIN, use the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) VINCheck® Service.
- Run a Title Check at TxDMV on the VIN using the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTS). Both services help you know if the vehicle you are buying has been reported as stolen, repair salvage, or total salvaged before you pay any money or sign any paperwork for the vehicle.
- When buying from a private individual, make sure the “Owner” listed on the front of the title matches the name and address of the person selling the vehicle. If possible, have the seller accompany you to the county tax office to avoid unwanted surprises.
- Ensure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is present, secure, and unaltered. Check that the VIN plate has not been repainted and the numbers stamped on the plate appear to be original factory numbers. Ensure the door sticker number matches the VIN plate number. No door sticker – Watch Out!
- Avoid sellers with no fixed address, place of employment, or phone number.
- Be suspicious of any deal that seems too good to be true.
Things to do when buying a used vehicle
Transfer the title
Require the seller to immediately sign and transfer the title and file the transfer with your local County Tax Assessor Collector. You are not the vehicle's legal owner if you do not have the title in your name.
Obtain Insurance
Texas Liability Insurance is required for vehicle registration.
Pay all applicable taxes and fees to the County Tax Assessor Collector (TAC)
State law requires private and dealer vehicle sales to pay title application fees, taxes, and registration fees. To avoid penalties, a transfer of ownership is required within 30 days of purchase. If the vehicle is not running or is not going to be driven, you are still required to transfer the title within 30 days, and “Title Only” may be applied for (inspection and insurance are not required for Title Only)
Register your car and obtain license plates
You can only get metal license plates, paper temporary tags, or temporary permits from a licensed vehicle dealer, a County Tax Assessor Collector, or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. It is illegal to operate a vehicle that displays an unauthorized temporary tag.
Get a Safety Inspection
If you intend to purchase a registration sticker when you transfer the title, the vehicle must have a current passing inspection. If you need to check when the vehicle was last inspected, you can verify it at mycartx.org.
If you intend to purchase a registration sticker when you transfer the title, the vehicle must have a current passing inspection. If you need to check when the vehicle was last inspected, you can verify it at mycartx.org.