FoxTexas Form 130-U for Dealers: A Field-by-Field Guide
Form 130-U is the title application behind every Texas retail sale. One wrong box can get it kicked back by the county. This guide covers the fields dealers actually fill out, the deadlines, and where webDEALER fits, with every rule linked to TxDMV.
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Form 130-U is the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration. On a retail sale, the dealer completes it, enters its GDN in field 21 and in the Motor Vehicle Tax Statement (field 35), records the sales price and any trade-in, and lists the first lienholder (or “NONE”). The seller and buyer sign it. The dealer files it with the properly assigned title and fees at the county tax assessor-collector within 30 calendar days of the sale (45 days for a seller-financed sale), submitting retail transactions through webDEALER first. Sources: TxDMV VTR-130-UIF, TxDMV Motor Vehicle Dealer Manual.
What Is Texas Form 130-U?
The official TxDMV application used to title and/or register a vehicle in Texas, and to compute the motor vehicle sales and use tax.
- Official name: Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U). TxDMV publishes the form and a separate instruction sheet, Form VTR-130-UIF. (Form 130-U; VTR-130-UIF)
- What you apply for: Title & Registration, Title Only, Registration Purposes Only, or Nontitle Registration. There’s also a box for corrected titles (vehicle description, add/remove lien, or other). (VTR-130-UIF)
- What goes with it: the properly assigned title (or other ownership evidence), proof of insurance if registering, and the title, registration and sales tax fees. (VTR-130-UIF)
- Dealer-to-dealer sales: a wholesale transfer to another licensed dealer is normally done by reassigning the title, on the title itself or on Form VTR-41-A. The 130-U comes in when a retail buyer titles the vehicle. See our dealer-to-dealer sale glossary entry.
When Dealers Must File the 130-U (and Where)
Miss the window and you’re looking at penalties and the most common consumer complaint TxDMV receives.
30 calendar days for a retail sale
The dealer must file the paperwork with the appropriate county tax assessor-collector within 30 calendar days of the date of sale. If the buyer walks into the tax office to transfer the title themselves, the office notifies TxDMV and a complaint is filed against the dealer. (Dealer Manual, §6.2)
45 days for a seller-financed sale
In a seller-financed sale, the seller has until the 45th day after the sale to apply for title and registration in the purchaser’s name. (Dealer Manual, §6.2)
Which county
The 130-U, assigned title and proof of insurance can be filed in the county where the sale occurred, where the lienholder is located, where the applicant resides, or any county willing to accept the application. (VTR-130-UIF)
webDEALER first
Under HB 718, “all GDN holders are required to submit retail transactions through webDEALER first.” If system limitations prevent that, the dealer may process the transaction in person at the county tax office. Exceptions exist; for example, HB 718 doesn’t apply to salvage or nonrepairable transactions. (Dealer Manual, HB 718 Supplement; txdmv.gov/dealers/webdealer)
Late penalties
Sales tax paid 1–30 calendar days late carries a 5% penalty; more than 30 days late, 10% (minimum $1). The Transportation Code also has an escalating delinquent transfer penalty of up to $250 for not applying for title within 30 days of assignment. (Form 130-U, page 2)
The 130-U Fields Dealers Get Wrong Most
Field numbers and wording come from TxDMV’s instruction sheet, VTR-130-UIF (Rev 05/26). Check you’re on the current revision before you print.
- 1–7, Vehicle description: VIN, year, make, body style, model, major and minor color. Copy these from the ownership document assigned to you by the seller, not from memory.
- 9–10, Odometer: whole miles, no tenths. If the reading isn’t true mileage, select “Not Actual,” “Exceeds Mechanical Limits,” or “Exempt,” matching the odometer disclosure on the ownership document.
- 13–19, Applicant: applicant type, photo ID number or FEIN/EIN, ID type, legal name, mailing address and county of residence.
- 20, Previous owner: the seller’s name, city and state as shown on the assigned title or ownership evidence being surrendered.
- 21, Dealer GDN: your General Distinguishing Number assigned by the state.
- 33–34, Lien: the first lien date and the first lienholder’s name and mailing address. If there is no lien, write “NONE.” Check field 30 and attach Form VTR-267 if there are additional liens.
- 35, Motor Vehicle Tax Statement: for dealer, rental and leasing company use. “Dealers must include their General Distinguishing Number (GDN).”
- 36–37, Trade-in: describe the trade-in vehicle, and check 37 if more than one vehicle was traded.
- 38, Sales and use tax computation: enter the sales price on line (a). Rebates apply only to new vehicles sold by a dealership to a retail purchaser. The tax is 6.25% of the sales price less trade-in allowance (Form 130-U, page 2).
- Signatures: the seller(s) and the applicant/owner (plus any additional owners) sign, print their names and date.
Out-of-state vehicles: TxDMV requires a Vehicle Inspection Report if the vehicle was last titled out of state and both dealer and purchaser are in an emissions county. Otherwise dealers can provide VIN verification by checking the certification box on Form 130-U. (Dealer Manual)
Auto-Fill Form 130-U From Your Deal Data
You already typed the VIN, the buyer and the price once. You shouldn’t have to type them again on a title application.
The same deal record also tracks your true cost per car (purchase, transport, recon, fees and daily floor plan interest), so the paperwork and the profit number come from one place. See how FoxDMS works for wholesale dealers.
Texas Form 130-U: FAQ
Quick answers for Texas dealers.
Where do I put my GDN on Form 130-U?
In two places: field 21 (Dealer GDN) and the Motor Vehicle Tax Statement in field 35, where “dealers must include their General Distinguishing Number.” (VTR-130-UIF)
What is the filing deadline?
30 calendar days from the date of sale for a retail sale; 45 days for a seller-financed sale. (Dealer Manual, §6.2)
Who signs Form 130-U?
The seller(s) and the applicant/owner, plus any additional owners, each signing, printing their name and dating it. (VTR-130-UIF)
Do I have to use webDEALER?
For retail transactions, GDN holders must submit through webDEALER first. In-person processing at the county tax office is the fallback when system limitations prevent it, and some transactions (such as salvage and nonrepairable) are exceptions. (Dealer Manual, HB 718 Supplement)
Can I fill out Form 130-U automatically?
Yes. FoxDMS auto-fills Form 130-U from your vehicle and deal data and produces a print-ready PDF. Review every field before you file.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Forms and rules change; confirm with your county tax assessor-collector or TxDMV before filing. Last reviewed October 11, 2026.
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