1. (a) Titles. Unless otherwise exempted by law or this chapter, the owner of any motor vehicle that is required to be registered in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 502, shall apply for a Texas title in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 501.

   1. (1) Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and mopeds.

      1. (A) The title requirements of a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, and moped are the same requirements prescribed for any motor vehicle.
      2. (B) A vehicle that meets the criteria for a moped and has been certified as a moped by the Department of Public Safety will be registered and titled as a moped. If the vehicle does not appear on the list of certified mopeds published by that agency, the vehicle will be treated as a motorcycle for title and registration purposes.

   2. (2) Farm vehicles.

      1. (A) The term motor vehicle does not apply to implements of husbandry, which may not be titled.
      2. (B) Farm tractors owned by agencies exempt from registration fees in accordance with Transportation Code, §502.453, are required to be titled and registered with "Exempt" license plates issued in accordance with Transportation Code, §502.451.
      3. (C) Farm tractors used as road tractors to mow rights of way or used to move commodities over the highway for hire are required to be registered and titled.
      4. (D) Farm semitrailers with a gross weight of more than 4,000 pounds that are registered in accordance with Transportation Code, §502.146, may be issued a Texas title.
   3. (3) Neighborhood electric vehicles. The title requirements of a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) are the same requirements prescribed for any motor vehicle.

   4. (4) Exemptions from title. Vehicles registered with the following distinguishing license plates may not be titled under Transportation Code, Chapter 501:

      1. (A) vehicles eligible for machinery license plates and permit license plates in accordance with Transportation Code, §502.146; and
      2. (B) vehicles eligible for farm trailer license plates in accordance with Transportation Code, §502.433, unless the owner chooses to title a farm semitrailer with a gross weight of more than 4,000 pounds that is registered in accordance with §502.146, as provided by Transportation Code, §501.036.

   5. (5) Trailers, semitrailers, and house trailers. Owners of trailers and semitrailers shall apply for and receive a Texas title for any stand alone (full) trailer, including homemade or shopmade full trailers, or any semitrailer having a gross weight in excess of 4,000 pounds. Owners of trailers having a gross weight of 4,000 pounds or less may apply for and receive a Texas title. House trailer-type vehicles must meet the criteria outlined in subparagraph (C) of this paragraph to be titled.

      1. (A) The rated carrying capacity will not be less than one-third of its empty weight.
      2. (B) Mobile office trailers, mobile oil field laboratories, and mobile oil field bunkhouses are not designed as dwellings, but are classified as commercial semitrailers and must be registered and titled as commercial semitrailers if operated on the public streets and highways.

      3. (C) House trailer-type vehicles and camper trailers must meet the following criteria in order to be titled.

         1. (i) A house trailer-type vehicle designed for living quarters and that is eight body feet or more in width or forty body feet or more in length (not including the hitch), is classified as a manufactured home or mobile home and is titled under the Texas Manufactured Housing Standards Act, Occupations Code, Chapter 1201, administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
         2. (ii) A house trailer-type vehicle that is less than eight feet in width and less than forty feet in length is classified as a travel trailer and shall be registered and titled.
         3. (iii) A camper trailer shall be titled as a house trailer and shall be registered with travel trailer license plates.
         4. (iv) A recreational park model type trailer that is primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping or seasonal use, is built on a single chassis, and is 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection when in the set up mode shall be titled as a house trailer and may be issued travel trailer license plates. If the park model type trailer exceeds one hundred two inches in width or forty feet in length, the title will include a brand to indicate that an oversize permit must be obtained to move the trailer on the public roads.

   6. (6) Assembled vehicles.

      1. (A) An assembled vehicle is a vehicle assembled from the three basic component parts (motor, frame, and body), except that a motorcycle must have a frame and motor, and a trailer or travel trailer will have no motor, and that is:

         1. (i) assembled from new or used materials and parts by someone not regulated as a motor vehicle manufacturer;
         2. (ii) altered or modified to the extent that it no longer reflects the original manufacturer's configuration; or
         3. (iii) assembled from a kit even if a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin is provided.

      2. (B) An assembled vehicle may be titled if:

         1. (i) it is assembled and completed with a body, motor, and frame, except that a motorcycle must have a frame and motor, and a trailer or travel trailer will have no motor;
         2. (ii) it is not created from different vehicle classes, (as established by the Federal Highway Administration, except that component parts from 2-axle, 4-tire passenger cars and 2-axle, 4-tire pickups, panels and vans can be interchanged with one another), that were never engineered or manufactured to be combined with one another;
         3. (iii) it has all safety components required by federal law during the year of assembly, unless the vehicle qualifies and is registered as a custom vehicle or street rod in accordance with Transportation Code, §504.501;
         4. (iv) it is not designed as a dune buggy, designed by the manufacturer for on-track racing, or designed by the manufacturer as an off-road passenger vehicle;

         5. (v) the applicant provides proof, on a form prescribed by the department, of a safety inspection performed by an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) technician with valid certification as a Certified Master Automobile and Light Truck Technician, certifying that the vehicle:

            1. (I) is structurally stable;
            2. (II) meets the necessary conditions to be operated safely on the roadway; and
            3. (III) is equipped and operational with all equipment required by statute or rule as a condition of sale during the year the vehicle was assembled unless it is being inspected pursuant to Subchapter G of this chapter (relating to Inspections);
         6. (vi) the applicant submits a copy of the Certified Master Automobile and Light Truck Technician's ASE certification; and
         7. (vii) the applicant submits a Rebuilt Vehicle Statement, Application for Assigned or Reassigned Number, and Notice of Assigned Number or Installation of Reassigned Vehicle Identification Number, on forms prescribed by the department.
      3. (C) The ASE inspection is in addition to the inspection required by Transportation Code, Chapter 548, except a vehicle that qualifies and is registered as a custom vehicle or street rod in accordance with Transportation Code, §504.501, is exempt from the inspection required under Transportation Code, Chapter 548 for the duration the vehicle is registered as such.

2. (b) Initial application for title.

   1. (1) Time for application. A person must apply for the title not later than the 30th day after the date of assignment, except:

      1. (A) in a seller-financed sale, the title must be applied for not later than the 45th day after the date the motor vehicle is delivered to the purchaser;
      2. (B) as provided by §215.144(e) of this title (relating to Record of Sales and Inventory); or
      3. (C) a member of the armed forces or a member of a reserve component of the United States, a member of the Texas National Guard or of the National Guard of another state serving on active duty, must apply not later than the 60th day after the date of assignment of ownership.

   2. (2) Place of application. When motor vehicle ownership is transferred, a title application must be filed with the county tax assessor-collector in the county in which the applicant resides or in the county in which the motor vehicle was purchased or encumbered, as selected by the applicant, except:

      1. (A) as provided by Transportation Code, Chapters 501 and 502 and by §217.63(a) of this chapter (relating to Application for Non-repairable or Salvage Vehicle Title);
      2. (B) if a county has been declared a disaster area, the resident may apply at the closest unaffected county if the affected county tax assessor-collector estimates the county offices will be inoperable for a protracted period; or
      3. (C) if the county tax assessor-collector office in the county in which the owner resides is closed for more than one week, the resident may apply to the county tax assessor-collector in a county that borders the closed county if the adjacent county agrees to accept the application.

   3. (3) Information to be included on application. An applicant for an initial title must file an application on a form prescribed by the department. The form will at a minimum require the:

      1. (A) motor vehicle description including, but not limited to, the motor vehicle:

         1. (i) year;
         2. (ii) make;
         3. (iii) identification number;
         4. (iv) body style; and
         5. (v) empty weight;
      2. (B) license plate number, if the motor vehicle is subject to registration under Transportation Code, Chapter 502;
      3. (C) odometer reading and brand, or the word "exempt" if the motor vehicle is exempt from federal and state odometer disclosure requirements;
      4. (D) previous owner's legal name and complete mailing address, if available;
      5. (E) legal name as stated on the identification presented and complete address of the applicant;
      6. (F) name and mailing address of any lienholder and the date of lien, if applicable;
      7. (G) signature of the seller of the motor vehicle or the seller's authorized agent and the date the title application was signed; and
      8. (H) signature of the applicant or the applicant's authorized agent and the date the title application was signed.
   4. (4) Vehicle identification number. If no vehicle identification number is die-stamped by the manufacturer on a motor vehicle, house trailer, trailer, semitrailer, frame, or item of equipment required to be titled, or if the vehicle identification number assigned and die-stamped by the manufacturer has been lost, removed, or obliterated, the department will on proper application, presentation of evidence of ownership, and presentation of evidence of a law enforcement physical inspection, assign a vehicle identification number to the motor vehicle, trailer, frame, or equipment. The manufacturer's vehicle identification number or the assigned vehicle identification number will be used by the department as the major identification of the motor vehicle or trailer in the issuance of a title.

   5. (5) Accompanying documentation. The title application must be supported by, at a minimum, the following documents:

      1. (A) evidence of vehicle ownership, as described in subsection (c) of this section;
      2. (B) an odometer disclosure statement properly executed by the seller of the motor vehicle and acknowledged by the purchaser, if applicable;
      3. (C) proof of financial responsibility in the applicant's name, as required by Transportation Code, §502.046, unless otherwise exempted by law;
      4. (D) an identification certificate if required by Transportation Code, §548.256, and Transportation Code, §501.030, and if the vehicle is being titled and registered, or registered only;

      5. (E) a release of any liens, provided that if any liens are not released, they will be carried forward on the new title application with the following limitations:

         1. (i) A lien recorded on out-of-state evidence as described in subsection (c) of this section cannot be carried forward to a Texas title when there is a transfer of ownership, unless a release of lien or authorization from the lienholder is attached; and
         2. (ii) A lien recorded on out-of-state evidence as described in subsection (c) of this section is not required to be released when there is no transfer of ownership from an out-of-state title and the same lienholder is being recorded on the Texas application as is recorded on the out-of-state title; and
      6. (F) any documents required by subsection (g) of this section relating to bonded titles.

3. (c) Evidence of motor vehicle ownership. Evidence of motor vehicle ownership properly assigned to the applicant must accompany the title application. Evidence must include, but is not limited to, the following documents.

   1. (1) New motor vehicles. A manufacturer's certificate of origin assigned by the manufacturer or the manufacturer's representative or distributor to the original purchaser is required for a new motor vehicle that is sold or offered for sale.

      1. (A) The manufacturer's certificate of origin must be in the form prescribed by the department and must contain, at a minimum, the following information:

         1. (i) motor vehicle description including, but not limited to, the motor vehicle year, make, identification number, and body style;
         2. (ii) the empty or shipping weight;
         3. (iii) the gross vehicle weight when the manufacturer's certificate of origin is invoiced to a licensed Texas motor vehicle dealer and is issued for commercial motor vehicles as that term is defined in Transportation Code, Chapter 502;
         4. (iv) a statement identifying a motor vehicle designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use only; and
         5. (v) if the vehicle is a "neighborhood electric vehicle", a statement that the vehicle meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500 (49 C.F.R. §571.500) for low-speed vehicles.
      2. (B) When a motor vehicle manufactured in another country is sold directly to a person other than a manufacturer's representative or distributor, the manufacturer's certificate of origin must be assigned to the purchaser by the seller.
   2. (2) Used motor vehicles. A title issued by the department, a title issued by another state if the motor vehicle was last registered and titled in another state, or other evidence of ownership must be relinquished in support of the title application for any used motor vehicle. A letter of Title and Registration verification is required from a vehicle owner coming from a state that no longer titles vehicles after a certain period of time.

   3. (3) Motor vehicles brought into the United States. An application for title for a motor vehicle last registered or titled in a foreign country must be supported by documents including, but not limited to, the following:

      1. (A) the motor vehicle registration certificate or other verification issued by a foreign country reflecting the name of the applicant as the motor vehicle owner, or reflecting that legal evidence of ownership has been legally assigned to the applicant;

      2. (B) unless the applicant is an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces or is from the immediate family of such a member returning to Texas with proof of the active duty status of the family member, verification of the vehicle identification number of the vehicle, on a form prescribed by the department, executed by a member of:

         1. (i) the National Insurance Crime Bureau;
         2. (ii) the Federal Bureau of Investigation; or
         3. (iii) a law enforcement auto theft unit; and

      3. (C) for motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old, proof of compliance with United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations including, but not limited to, the following documents:

         1. (i) the original bond release letter with all attachments advising that the motor vehicle meets federal motor vehicle safety requirements or a letter issued by the USDOT, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, verifying the issuance of the original bond release letter;
         2. (ii) a legible copy of the motor vehicle importation form validated with an original United States Customs stamp, date, and signature as filed with the USDOT confirming the exemption from the bond release letter required in clause (i) of this subparagraph, or a copy thereof certified by United States Customs;
         3. (iii) a verification of motor vehicle inspection by United States Customs certified on its letterhead and signed by its agent verifying that the motor vehicle complies with USDOT regulations;
         4. (iv) a written confirmation that a physical inspection of the safety certification label has been made by the department and that the motor vehicle meets United States motor vehicle safety standards;
         5. (v) the original bond release letter, verification thereof, or written confirmation from the previous state verifying that a bond release letter issued by the USDOT was relinquished to that jurisdiction, if the non United States standard motor vehicle was last titled or registered in another state for one year or less; or
         6. (vi) verification from the vehicle manufacturer on its letterhead stationery.

   4. (4) Alterations to documentation. An alteration to a registration receipt, title, manufacturer's certificate, or other evidence of ownership constitutes a valid reason for the rejection of any transaction to which altered evidence is attached.

      1. (A) Altered lien information on any surrendered evidence of ownership requires a release from the original lienholder or a statement from the proper authority of the state in which the lien originated. The statement must verify the correct lien information.
      2. (B) A strikeover that leaves any doubt about the legibility of any digit in any document will not be accepted.

      3. (C) A corrected manufacturer's certificate of origin will be required if the manufacturer's certificate of origin contains an:

         1. (i) incomplete or altered vehicle identification number;
         2. (ii) alteration or strikeover of the vehicle's model year;
         3. (iii) alteration or strikeover to the body style, or omitted body style on the manufacturer's certificate of origin; or
         4. (iv) alteration or strikeover to the weight.

      4. (D) A Statement of Fact may be requested to explain errors, corrections, or conditions from which doubt does or could arise concerning the legality of any instrument. A Statement of Fact will be required in all cases:

         1. (i) in which the date of sale on an assignment has been erased or altered in any manner; or
         2. (ii) of alteration or erasure on a Dealer's Reassignment of Title.
   5. (5) Rights of survivorship. A signed "rights of survivorship" agreement may be executed by a natural person acting in an individual capacity in accordance with Transportation Code, §501.031.

   6. (6) Identification required.

      1. (A) An application for title is not acceptable unless the applicant presents a current photo identification of the owner containing a unique identification number and expiration date. The identification document must be a:

         1. (i) driver's license or state identification certificate issued by a state or territory of the United States;
         2. (ii) United States or foreign passport;
         3. (iii) United States military identification card;
         4. (iv) North Atlantic Treaty Organization identification or identification issued under a Status of Forces Agreement; or
         5. (v) United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or United States Department of State identification document.

      2. (B) If the motor vehicle is titled in:

         1. (i) more than one name, then the identification of one owner must be presented;

         2. (ii) the name of a leasing company, then:

            1. (I) proof of the Federal Employer Identification Number/Employee Identification Number (FEIN/EIN) of the leasing company must be submitted, written on the application, and can be entered into the department's titling system. The number must correspond to the name of the leasing company in which the vehicle is being titled; and

            2. (II) the leasing company may submit:

               (-a-) a government issued photo identification, required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, of the lessee listed as the registrant; or

               (-b-) a government issued photo identification, required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, of the employee or authorized agent who signed the application for the leasing company, and the employee's or authorized agent's employee identification, letter of authorization written on the lessor's letterhead, or a printed business card. The printed business card, employee identification, or letter of authorization written on the lessor's letterhead must contain the name of the lessor, and the employee's or authorized agent's name must match the name on the government issued photo identification;

         3. (iii) the name of a trust, then a government issued photo identification, required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, of a trustee must be presented; or

         4. (iv) the name of a business, government entity, or organization, then:

            1. (I) proof of the Federal Employer Identification Number/Employee Identification Number (FEIN/EIN) of the business, government entity, or organization must be submitted, written on the application, and can be entered into the department's titling system. The number must correspond to the name of the business, government entity, or organization in which the vehicle is being titled;
            2. (II) the employee or authorized agent must present a government issued photo identification, required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; and
            3. (III) the employee's or authorized agent's employee identification; letter of authorization written on the business', government entity's, or organization's letterhead; or a printed business card. The printed business card, employee identification, or letter of authorization written on the business', government entity's, or organization's letterhead must contain the name of the business, governmental entity, or organization, and the employee's or authorized agent's name must match the name on the government issued photo identification.

      3. (C) In addition to the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph, if a power of attorney is being used to apply for a title, then the applicant must show:

         1. (i) identification, required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, matching the person named as power of attorney; or
         2. (ii) identification, required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, and employee identification or a printed business card or authorization written on the letterhead of the entity named as power of attorney that matches the identification of the employee if the power of attorney names an entity.
      4. (D) Within this subsection, "current" is defined as not to exceed 12 months after the expiration date, except that a state-issued personal identification certificate issued to a qualifying person is considered current if the identification states that it has no expiration.
      5. (E) Within this subsection, an identification document such as a printed business card, letter of authorization, or power of attorney, may be an original or a photocopy.

      6. (F) A person who holds a general distinguishing number issued under Transportation Code, Chapter 503 or Occupations Code, Chapter 2301 is exempt from submitting to the county tax assessor-collector, but must retain:

         1. (i) the owner's identification, as required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; and
         2. (ii) authorization to sign, as required under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph.
      7. (G) A person who holds a general distinguishing number issued under Transportation Code, Chapter 503 or Occupations Code, Chapter 2301, is not required to submit photo identification or authorization for an employee or agent signing a title assignment with a secure power of attorney.

4. (d) Title issuance.

   1. (1) Issuance. The department or its designated agent will issue a receipt and process the application for title on receipt of:

      1. (A) a completed application for title;
      2. (B) required accompanying documentation;

      3. (C) the statutory fee for a title application, unless exempt under:

         1. (i) Transportation Code, §501.138; or
         2. (ii) Government Code, §431.039 and copies of official military orders are presented as evidence of the applicant's active duty status and deployment orders to a hostile fire zone; and
      4. (D) any other applicable fees.
   2. (2) Titles. The department will issue and mail or deliver a title to the applicant or, in the event that there is a lien disclosed in the application, to the first lienholder unless the title is an electronic record of title.
   3. (3) Receipt. The receipt issued at the time of application for title may be used only as evidence of title and may not be used to transfer any interest or ownership in a motor vehicle or to establish a new lien.

5. (e) Replacement of title. If a title is lost or destroyed, the department will issue a certified copy of the title to the owner, the lienholder, or a verified agent of the owner or lienholder in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 501, on proper application and payment of the appropriate fee to the department.

   1. (1) Identification required.

      1. (A) An owner or lienholder may not apply for a certified copy of title unless the applicant presents a current photo identification of the owner or lienholder containing a unique identification number and expiration date. The identification document must be a:

         1. (i) driver's license or state identification certificate issued by a state or territory of the United States;
         2. (ii) United States or foreign passport;
         3. (iii) United States military identification card;
         4. (iv) North Atlantic Treaty Organization identification or identification issued under a Status of Forces Agreement; or
         5. (v) United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or United States Department of State identification document.

      2. (B) If the motor vehicle is titled in:

         1. (i) more than one name, then the identification for each owner must be presented;

         2. (ii) the name of a leasing company, then the lessor's employee or authorized agent who signed the application for the leasing company must present:

            1. (I) a government issued photo identification, required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; and
            2. (II) employee identification, letter of authorization written on the lessor's letterhead, or a printed business card. The printed business card, employee identification, or letter of authorization written on the lessor's letterhead must contain the name of the lessor, and the employee's or authorized agent's name must match the name on the government issued photo identification;
         3. (iii) the name of a trust, then a government issued photo identification, required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, of a trustee must be presented; or

         4. (iv) the name of a business, government entity, or organization, then:

            1. (I) the employee or authorized agent must present a government issued photo identification, required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; and
            2. (II) the employee's or authorized agent's employee identification; letter of authorization written on the business', government entity's, or organization's letterhead; or a printed business card. The printed business card, employee identification, or letter of authorization written on the business', government entity's, or organization's letterhead must contain the name of the business, governmental entity, or organization, and the employee's or authorized agent's name must match the name on the government issued photo identification.

      3. (C) In addition to the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph, if a power of attorney is being used to apply for a certified copy of title, then the applicant must show:

         1. (i) identification, required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, matching the person named as power of attorney;
         2. (ii) identification, required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, and employee identification or a printed business card or authorization written on the letterhead of the entity named as power of attorney that matches the identification of the employee if the power of attorney names an entity; or
         3. (iii) identification, required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, of the owner or lienholder.
      4. (D) Within this subsection, "current" is defined as within 12 months after the expiration date, except that a state-issued personal identification certificate issued to a qualifying person is considered current if the identification states that it has no expiration.
      5. (E) Within this subsection, an identification document, such as a printed business card, letter of authorization, or power of attorney, may be an original or a photocopy.
   2. (2) Issuance. An application for a certified copy must be properly executed and supported by appropriate verifiable proof of the vehicle owner, lienholder, or agent regardless of whether the application is submitted in person or by mail. A certified copy will not be issued until after the 14th day that the original title was issued.
   3. (3) Denial. If issuance of a certified copy is denied, the applicant may resubmit the request with the required verifiable proof or may pursue the privileges available in accordance with Transportation Code, §501.052 and §501.053.
   4. (4) Additional copies. An additional certified copy will not be issued until 30 days after issuance of the previous certified copy.
   5. (5) Fees. The fee for obtaining a certified copy of a title is $2 if the application is submitted to the department by mail and $5.45 if the application is submitted in person for expedited processing at one of the department's regional offices.

6. (f) Department notification of second hand vehicle transfers. A transferor of a motor vehicle may voluntarily make written notification to the department of the sale of the vehicle, in accordance with Transportation Code, §501.147. The written notification may be submitted to the department by mail, in person at one of the department's regional offices, or electronically through the department's Internet website.

   1. (1) Records. On receipt of written notice of transfer from the transferor of a motor vehicle, the department will mark its records to indicate the date of transfer and will maintain a record of the information provided on the written notice of transfer.
   2. (2) Title issuance. A title will not be issued in the name of a transferee until the transferee files an application for the title as described in this section.

7. (g) Bonded titles.

   1. (1) Who may file. A person who has an interest in a motor vehicle to which the department has refused to issue a title or has suspended or revoked a title may request issuance of a title from the department on a prescribed form if the vehicle is in the possession of the applicant; and

      1. (A) there is a record that indicates a lien that is less than ten years old and the surety bonding company ensures lien satisfaction or release of lien;
      2. (B) there is a record that indicates there is not a lien or the lien is ten or more years old; or
      3. (C) the department has no previous record.
   2. (2) Administrative fee. The applicant must pay the department a $15 administrative fee in addition to any other required fees.

   3. (3) Value. The amount of the bond must be equal to one and one-half times the value of the vehicle as determined using the Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) from the department's Internet website. If the SPV is not available, then a national reference guide will be used. If the value cannot be determined by either source, then the person may obtain an appraisal.

      1. (A) The appraisal must be on a department form from a Texas licensed motor vehicle dealer for the categories of motor vehicles that the dealer is licensed to sell or a Texas licensed insurance adjuster who may appraise any type of motor vehicle.
      2. (B) The appraisal must be dated and be submitted to the department within 30 days of the appraisal.
      3. (C) If the motor vehicle is 25 years or older, the appraised value of the vehicle cannot be less than $4,000.
   4. (4) Out-of-state vehicle inspection. If the applicant is a Texas resident, but the evidence indicates that the vehicle is an out-of-state vehicle, the vehicle identification number must be verified by a Texas licensed Safety Inspection Station or a law enforcement officer who holds an auto theft certification.

   5. (5) Place of application. An applicant may apply for a bonded title if the applicant submits:

      1. (A) a pencil tracing or photo of the vehicle identification number, or if unable, then a Statement of Physical Inspection, Form VTR-270;
      2. (B) any evidence of ownership;
      3. (C) the original bond within 30 days of issuance;
      4. (D) the rejection letter within one year of issuance and the receipt for $15 paid to the department;
      5. (E) the documentation determining the value of the vehicle;
      6. (F) an Out-of-State Vehicle Identification Certificate, Form VI-30 from the Texas Department of Public Safety, if there is no Texas record;
      7. (G) a weight certificate if there is no title or the vehicle is an out of state commercial vehicle;
      8. (H) a certification of lien satisfaction by the surety bonding company or a release of lien if the rejection letter states that there may be a lien less than ten years old; and
      9. (I) any other required documentation and fees.
   6. (6) Report of Judgment. The bond must require that the surety report payment of any judgment to the department within 30 days.

8. (h) Appeal to the county of refusal to issue, or revocation or suspension of title.

   1. (1) If the department refuses to issue a title, revokes a title, or suspends a title, the applicant may apply to the county for a tax-assessor collector hearing.

   2. (2) The county tax assessor-collector must hold a hearing upon receipt of:

      1. (A) a copy of the department's refusal, revocation, or suspension documents; and
      2. (B) an applicant's request for a hearing.
   3. (3) A person wishing to appeal the county tax assessor-collector ruling may appeal to a court with jurisdiction.

9. (i) Rescission, cancellation or revocation by affidavit.

   1. (1) The department may rescind, cancel, or revoke an application for a title if a notarized or county stamped affidavit is completed and presented to the department within 21 days of initial sale containing:

      1. (A) a statement that the vehicle involved was a new motor vehicle in the process of a first sale;
      2. (B) a statement that the dealer, the applicant, and any lienholder have canceled the sale;

      3. (C) a statement that the vehicle was:

         1. (i) never in possession of the title applicant; or
         2. (ii) in the possession of the title applicant;
      4. (D) the signatures of the dealer, the applicant, and any lienholder as principal to the document; and
      5. (E) an odometer disclosure statement executed by the purchaser of the motor vehicle and acknowledged by the dealer if a statement is made pursuant to subparagraph (C)(ii) of this paragraph to be used for the purpose of determining usage subsequent to sale.
   2. (2) A rescission, cancellation, or revocation containing the statement authorized under paragraph (1)(C)(ii) of this subsection does not negate the fact that the vehicle has been subject to a previous retail sale.

10. (j) Discharge of lien. A lienholder shall provide the owner, or the owner's designee, a discharge of the lien after receipt of the final payment within the time limits specified in Transportation Code, Chapter 501. The lienholder shall submit one of the following documents:

    1. (1) the title including an authorized signature in the space reserved for release of lien;

    2. (2) a release of lien form prescribed by the department, with the form filled out to include the:

       1. (A) title or document number, or a description of the motor vehicle including, but not limited to, the motor vehicle:

          1. (i) year;
          2. (ii) make;
          3. (iii) vehicle identification number; and
          4. (iv) license plate number, if the motor vehicle is subject to registration under Transportation Code, Chapter 502;
       2. (B) printed name of lienholder;
       3. (C) signature of lienholder or an authorized agent;
       4. (D) printed name of the authorized agent if the agent's signature is shown;
       5. (E) telephone number of lienholder; and
       6. (F) date signed by the lienholder;

    3. (3) signed and dated correspondence submitted on company letterhead that includes:

       1. (A) a statement that the lien has been paid;
       2. (B) a description of the vehicle as indicated in paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection;
       3. (C) a title or document number; or
       4. (D) lien information;
    4. (4) any out-of-state prescribed release of lien form, including an executed release on a lien entry form;
    5. (5) out-of-state evidence with the word "Paid" or "Lien Satisfied" stamped or written in longhand on the face, followed by the name of the lienholder, countersigned or initialed by an agent, and dated; or
    6. (6) original security agreements or copies of the original security agreements if the originals or copies are stamped "Paid" or "Lien Satisfied" with a company paid stamp or if they contain a statement in longhand that the lien has been paid followed by the company's name.

11. (k) Fees. The department and the county will charge required fees, and only those fees provided by statute or by rule.

    1. (1) Mechanic lien fees. The $25 fee provided by Property Code, §70.006 may be charged once per vehicle.
    2. (2) There is no charge for issuance of title receipt or the duplicate title receipt at the time of application.

Source Note:The provisions of this §217.3 adopted to be effective March 4, 2010, 35 TexReg 1761; amended to be effective May 6, 2012, 37 TexReg 3185; amended to be effective September 2, 2012, 37 TexReg 6687; amended to be effective April 14, 2013, 38 TexReg 2231; amended to be effective April 6, 2014, 39 TexReg 2325.