My son is considering buying a newer truck from Carvana or Carmax in the near future. Currently, his truck title is in my name and we want to transfer it his so he can get the trade in amount when he buys a newer vehicle. I know that I can go to the Brazos Co Tax office with the proper form and make that transfer.

My question is this: If I were to go and do that soon, would there be lapse of time while that transfer was in process before he could sign his current truck in trade over to the buyer (like a Carvana or Carmax)? In other words, if he finds a vehicle soon, would our doing the transfer now throw a wrench in things where there would be a lag before things were official and he could make the trade?

Thanks for any insights and Merry Christmas all!


ZTGA

Don't wait, just do it now.

That way, that part is out of the way.

There are other threads on the Automotive Board about how to do it - including my advice to not use the Iranian notary in Houston who screwed up my form by stamping it in the wrong place.

The biggest delay would be getting the updated title. I think once the tax office does the title work, it's officially his.

You can get a same day title at any of the DMV regional service centers. I had to get one in Waco recently. Took <5 minutes in/out.

When I bought my first truck at a dealer after college they just took the trade that was titled in my parents name. They had to sign a limited power of attorney and the dealer just took the trade.

TSW2012 said:

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When I bought my first truck at a dealer after college they just took the trade that was titled in my parents name. They had to sign a limited power of attorney and the dealer just took the trade.

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This.

It's been a while (many, many years) since I did this with my dad. But if you can accompany him to the dealer, they've handled this a bazillion times before. They'll have you sign a couple of additional pieces of paperwork but will otherwise take care of it for you.

Or if you can't/won't go with him, just go to the tax office together and fill out the gift form. It takes just a few minutes. Like was said, the transaction will be instant but getting the fresh title issued and mailed will take a week or two.

I've done both. I just remind myself that the dealer is in the business of figuring out a way to sell cars to almost anyone who walks in the door. Let your imagination run wild with the types of folks who show up and understand they have a solution to just about every issue that could be presented.

Thanks to everyone who has replied so far. Much appreciated. Here are some follow up questions and update of the situation.

My son has found a truck on Carvana for delivery on Wednesday. His current truck title is in my name. While Carvana will take his truck as a separate transaction, doing so will hurt his financing rate.

So my questions are, knowing that the DMV does not do title transfers (so says their website), would the following work:

1. Go the Brazos County Tax Office on Monday and fill out the proper DMV form to transfer to title to my son. I assume they give you some proof of that at the end of the transaction.

2. Go to a Texas DMV Regional Service Center (probably North Houston or Waco) later the same day or next day and get a new title printed on the spot to be able to hand it to the Carvana doing the car drop off on Wednesday.

Is this even plausible to get a new printed title to give to Carvana drop off guy and seal the deal?

Thanks so much,

ZTGA

I've been to Waco a couple of times and never waited more than 5 mins. I would call them first thing Monday and see if they can print Tuesday.