A private car sale needs two signatures and a 30-day plan

Buy a truck from someone down the road and the clock starts on the sale date. Texas generally gives the buyer 30 days to apply for title. Bring the properly signed title, including the sale date and odometer reading, and a signed Form 130-U with the sales price shown.

TxDMV recommends that buyer and seller go to the county tax office together. A clerk can catch a bad signature, title problem, or missing lien release before the two people lose track of each other. Proof of liability insurance is needed to title and register the vehicle; without it, a buyer may apply for title only.

TxDMV lists Starr County's main office at 100 N. FM 3167 in Rio Grande City. The county also lists La Victoria and Roma substations, but its page does not spell out a full title-service menu for each one. Call before taking a title packet to a substation.