How duplicate titles and temporary tags work in Texas.
Dealer-focused reference for Texas duplicate title requirements, temporary tag rules, and title submission deadlines. Administered by the Texas Dept. of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).
Always confirm current fees and forms at the official state site linked below.
Duplicate title: $5.45Temp tag: 60 daysDealer title deadline: 30 days
Form VTR-34 (Application for Certified Copy of Title)
Where to file
County tax assessor-collector's office (CAC) or TxDMV regional service center; online via TxDMV eTitleLien
Turnaround
Same-day at CAC; 1–2 weeks by mail
Notarization required
No
Temp tag duration
60 days
Dealer title deadline
30 days after sale
Temporary tags / permits
Texas temporary tag rules
Temporary tags in Texas are valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
Texas dealer 'buyer's tags' valid 60 days; metal dealer plates used for dealer-to-dealer transport; new resident 90-day temp
Dealers in Texas must submit title paperwork within 30 days of the date of sale.
Stacking temporary tags — issuing a second consecutive temp tag to extend a vehicle's operation beyond the initial permit period without resolving the underlying title — is prohibited.
Dealer playbook
Keep a title-pending log sorted by temp tag expiration date. Review it every Monday.
Flag any vehicle where the title has not been applied for within half of the allowed deadline (Texas's window is 30 days).
Never issue a second temp tag as a workaround for an unresolved title problem — this is prohibited and auditable.
If you receive trade-ins with no title in hand, start the duplicate process immediately rather than waiting for retail sale.
Texas state quirk
Texas uses county tax assessor-collector offices as the primary title-processing point. TxDMV's eTitleLien system handles electronic titles for dealers and lienholders. The $5.45 fee is among the lowest nationally.