Overview: How Texas Handles Manufactured Home Titles
Texas is one of approximately 15 states where a dedicated housing agency — not the DMV — handles manufactured home titles. The TDHCA Manufactured Housing Division issues a document called a Statement of Ownership (formerly called a Statement of Ownership and Location, or SOL). This is your legal title to the home.
The Statement of Ownership shows the home's HUD label number, serial number, make, model, year, current owner, and any lienholder. Every transaction — sale, inheritance, lien release, real property conversion — goes through TDHCA and results in an updated Statement of Ownership.
Types of Texas Title Transfers
After Death — No Probate
Heirship affidavit process for estates under $75,000. Full step-by-step guide.
Lien Release
Removing a lender from the Statement of Ownership after payoff.
Convert to Real Property
Retiring the TDHCA title and attaching the home to owned land.
Private Sale Transfer
What forms buyer and seller both need for a standard sale.
Required Forms for a Standard Sale (Texas)
- TDHCA Form MH001 — Statement of Ownership Application (both buyer and seller complete)
- Current Statement of Ownership — the seller's existing title document
- TDHCA Form MH202 — Lien Release (if a lender is listed on the title)
- Tax Certificate — confirming ad valorem taxes are current (from county appraisal district)
Fee Schedule
| Transaction | TDHCA Fee |
|---|---|
| Statement of Ownership transfer (standard sale) | $55 |
| Heirship/estate transfer | $55 |
| Lien release (add-on) | $0 (included with transfer) |
| Duplicate Statement of Ownership | $55 |
| Real property conversion (retirement of title) | $55 |
| Correction/amendment | $55 |
Texas Title Transfer Timeline
- In-person (TDHCA Austin office): 2–5 business days
- By mail: 3–8 weeks (varies by volume; call ahead to estimate)
Frequently Asked Questions
Texas imposes a 5% standard presumptive value (SPV)-based tax on manufactured home sales, collected by TDHCA at the time of title transfer. Certain transactions (gifts between family members, inheritance) may qualify for a reduced rate or exemption. TDHCA calculates this as part of the title application process.
Pre-HUD homes (manufactured before June 15, 1976) are handled differently. TDHCA can still issue a Statement of Ownership for these homes, but they may require additional documentation including a Texas Department of Insurance inspection. Call TDHCA before filing for a pre-1976 home.
Yes. TDHCA has an online manufactured housing search at their website (tdhca.state.tx.us) where you can look up a home by HUD label number or serial number to confirm current ownership, lien status, and title record. This is useful for verifying a home's title before purchase.
A TDHCA Statement of Ownership treats the home as personal property — like a car title. A county deed treats the home as real property attached to land. Most manufactured homes start with a TDHCA title. If you own the land and want the home to become real property (for mortgage purposes or estate planning), you can convert it — see our real property conversion guide.
Related: Texas After-Death Transfer · Lien Release · Real Property Conversion · Path Finder Tool