Used Cars: Selling car- Should we get the title ?, texas dmv, car tomorrow

Question
Robert, can you help me with another question?

Now that we have our new car, we need to sell my old one. We are selling it to a friend. I found a "Bill of Sale" to fill out and that we all will sign, but I can't find our title. We do have the "congratulations on paying off your loan,proof of title to follow" paper. Our friend does not mind not having the title and is in a hurry to buy it; She wants the car tomorrow. She will file for a title transfer and my husband tells me that she does not need our title to do this. It's only $17 bucks to get another copy of the title, but we certainly wouldn't get it by tomorrow, and we are practically giving her the car so (sounds cheap I know) I really don't want to pay that if we don't have to. We are in Texas, if that matters. Is there a good reason to go ahead and get the title even though we have that letter and a buyer who doesn't mind?

Thank you so much, Dee

Answer
It will mainly depend on texas laws, which I'm not certain about, and nor can I seem to find what I'm looking for in my research.  From what i've got off the Texas DMV website It doesn't say anything other than a title has to be signed off, and if you lost your title you need to apply for a copy.... but no where is there mention of using a bill of sale to transfer the title...  It still may be possible to do though even if it doesn't say it on the site.  Some states will grant a title transfer with just a bill of sale, some will not.  If your state will let her do it without the title, and the car ends up in her name with her on the title.. you shouldn't have anything to worry about.  As long as she ends up with a title there isn't a worry for you.  Since you say your husband doesnt think you need the title... well your friend probably doesn't need more than a bill of sale if he's right.  If texas law allows it, everything should be fine.  If not, you will have to get a copy sent to you such that she can register the car... If you wish to know if your husband is right, call the DMV, they'll be able to answer for sure.  Thanks for writing Dee and I hope this helps a little.