REMINDER: Certified Copy of Title (CCOs) Change Takes Effect December 31, 2018 at TxDMV

Lawfully obtained Certified Copy of Title (CCOs) will supersede and invalidate any previously issued title or certified copy, effective December 31, 2018. The goal of this new provision is to ensure that once a CCO is issued, it becomes the only valid proof of ownership. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) will implement this change as a result of Senate Bill 2076 [85(R)].

Texas dealers who take vehicles in on trade should be particularly aware of this change. Dealers should always submit a Vehicle Transfer Notification (VTN) right away to protect themselves from someone fraudulently obtaining a CCO after trade-in.

Completing and submitting a VTN is quick and easy. You can electronically submit a VTN via eTAG. From the eTAG Home Page, click on the “Tags” tab and select “Vehicle Transfer Notification” from the drop-down menu.

One of the pillars of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles mission is to “protect…the citizens and industries in the state with quality motor vehicle related services.” The department is confident that this new approach to CCOs will help us meet that mission, but we can’t do it without you. We encourage all dealers to adopt a habit of promptly submitting VTNs and, as always, we appreciate your partnership.