Vehicle Registration Guide In Texas
To register a vehicle in Texas, you must have a Texas address. If you do not have a Texas address, it is recommended that you use the services of visitor.us to register a vehicle purchased in Texas.
Texas counties and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (
TxDMV) handle vehicle registrations for the state. If you purchase your vehicle from a Texas dealer, you will be given a 30-day temporary registration. If you are purchasing a vehicle from a private party or a dealer and intend to register it in Texas, bring the necessary items to the county tax office of the address where you intend to register your vehicle.
Requirements
To register, go to your local County Tax Office and bring the following documents:
- Vehicle ownership documentation is required.
- Show proper identification.
- Provide proof of auto insurance.
- Fill out a Texas Certificate of Title Application (Form 130-U). This form is used for titling and registration.
- If applicable, provide a Certificate of Inspection. Your county will determine this.
- Pay the registration fees (fees vary by county and vehicle type).
Vehicle Inspection
Vehicles in Texas are subject to annual safety inspections (in all counties) and emissions inspections (select counties). The TX DMV must be notified that it has passed all required inspections to register a vehicle.
Inspection dates now coincide with the vehicle's registration date. This means that the vehicle inspection will be due at the same time as the renewal of the registration. In contrast, prior inspection/registration procedures did not link inspection dates to registration dates.
Furthermore, residents will now be issued a single sticker on the windshield as inspection and registration stickers. Previously, drivers in Texas were required to display both a registration sticker and an inspection sticker. To receive the single sticker, first-time vehicle registrants must have their vehicle inspected before registration.
Inspection And Registration Fees
The payment of inspection fees is another significant change in the registration process. Previously, the third-party inspection station would collect the entire fee, including the state's portion. Inspection stations now only collect a portion of the inspection fee. Fees can be obtained directly from the inspection station.
When residents pay their vehicle registration fees, they will be required to pay the state's portion of the collection fee to the Texas DPS. Individuals' registration fees vary depending on the county in which they register. There are a few statewide mandatory fees:
- Cars and lighter pickup trucks: $51.75
- Vehicles weighing 6,001 to 10,000 lbs.: $54
- Motorcycles and mopeds: $30
Residents may also pay the following state, local, and county fees in addition to the base registration fees:
- Automation fee: $1.
- TexasSure insurance verification fee: $1.
- Local fee: $10.
- Inspection fee: $7.50.
- Processing and handling fee: $4.75.
Texas levies a 6.25% tax on the value of the vehicle. Residents who purchase a vehicle from an individual will be charged taxes, title, registration, and local county fees. Registration fees differ by county.
License Plates
When registering, individuals must obtain new license plates or transfer the license plates from their previous vehicle. When residents register their vehicles for the first time, they will be given general issue license plates. Individuals can replace their license plates at the county tax assessor's office in their area. Residents can also transfer their Texas license plates for free to another vehicle. The Texas DMV will issue an updated registration sticker for the new vehicle.
Stickers
Texas vehicle registration stickers, which are issued by your county tax feature of the office:
- The number on the license plate.
- The county in which your vehicle is registered.
- Several vehicle identification number digits (VIN).
- The registration date of the vehicle.
- The sticker should be placed on the windshield of the vehicle.
The registration is valid until the last day of the month indicated on the registration sticker. There is a 5-working-day grace period. A $200 fine could be imposed if you drive with an expired registration.
Vehicle Registration Renewal
The process of renewing your Texas registration is straightforward. After receiving your renewal registration notice, you must ensure that your vehicle has a current passing inspection. If you're not sure when your vehicle needs to be inspected, go to the Texas Vehicle Inspection website. You'll be able to find out when your vehicle was last inspected and when it needs to be inspected again.
You can register your vehicle online at the Texas DMV website and in person or by mail. Instructions for mail-in registration will be included with your registration renewal notice. If you haven't received that notification, you can still register in person at your county tax office. Remember that your registration sticker will expire on the last day of the month indicated on the sticker, so plan accordingly.
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