1. (a) Voluntary notification. A transferor, other than a dealer who holds a general distinguishing number, 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.
2. (b) Required notification. A dealer who holds a general distinguishing number is required to submit a written vehicle transfer notification to the department including the information required under Transportation Code, §501.147(b) upon the sale or transfer of a motor vehicle to the dealer. 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.
3. (c) Records. On receipt of written notice of transfer from the transferor of a motor vehicle or dealer who holds a general distinguishing number, 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.
4. (d) 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 subchapter.

Source Note:The provisions of this §217.8 adopted to be effective March 12, 2015, 40 TexReg 1096; amended to be effective July 1, 2025, 49 TexReg 8980.