Your Complete Guide to Moving to Texas Car Registration: Tips and Requirements (2024)

Need to register your car after moving to Texas? This article outlines the essential DMV requirements and steps for timely car registration when moving to Texas. Avoid the runaround and ensure you have all you need for a hassle-free process and quick compliance with Texas law.

Short Summary

• You must register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Texas.
• Active duty military and non-resident full-time college students are not required to register their vehicles in Texas.
• Texas DMV requires minimum auto insurance coverages of 30/60/25 and an annual vehicle safety inspection. An emissions test may also be required depending on the vehicle and county.
• Vehicle registration in Texas includes a base registration fee of $50.75 plus other charges such as local county fees, sales tax, and a $1 maintenance and operations fee for TexasSure (the state's electronic insurance verification program) and other Department of Public Safety initiatives.

Establishing Texas Residency and Vehicle Registration

You don't need to be a Texas resident already to register your vehicle in Texas. You must register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Texas, and residency requirements for a driver's license are a minimum of 30 days of living here (unless you surrender a valid out-of-state license). A valid, unexpired Texas motor vehicle registration can actually be used to help prove Texas residency.

However, it's important to note that there are some different definitions of "residency." For in-state college tuition, for example, you need to be able to prove you've lived in Texas for a minimum of one year. And, if you're being claimed as a dependent of parents who don't reside in Texas, you can't establish residency for college tuition this way. Some legal matters, such as divorce, also have longer residency requirements than getting a driver's license.

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Requirements

Certain requirements for vehicle registration are set by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To begin, you must maintain auto insurance coverage. In Texas, the minimum auto insurance requirements include at least $30,000 of coverage for injuries per person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 of coverage for property damage. This is commonly referred to as 30/60/25 coverage.

The Texas DMV also requires all registered vehicles to undergo an annual inspection. This inspection covers your vehicle’s safety features, including but not limited to:

• the horn
• windshield wipers
• brakes
• tires
• exhaust system

If your vehicle fails the inspection, you can have repairs done and visit the same inspection station within 15 days to get a free re-inspection. The results of the inspection are documented in a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).

Insurance Coverage and Electronic Insurance Verification Program

In addition to keeping your auto insurance up to date, Texas offers an electronic insurance verification program. This system rapidly checks and confirms the validity of vehicle owners’ insurance by integrating data from multiple state departments. This makes it easier for the state to verify your insurance coverage when registering your vehicle.

The minimum insurance coverage for vehicle owners in Texas is $30,000 in liability coverage for each injured person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage. If you fail to meet these requirements, you could face fines ranging from $350 to $1,000.

When it comes to proving your insurance coverage, you can submit it to the Texas DMV through the TexaSure Insurance Verification program.

Vehicle Inspection

Conducting a vehicle inspection is an integral component of the Texas vehicle registration process. The inspection ensures that your vehicle meets the safety criteria set by the state. Gas-powered vehicles older than two years and newer than 24 years will also need to pass an emissions test to comply with the state’s air quality and environmental safety standards. Vehicles older than 25 years only require a safety inspection.

The cost of a vehicle inspection in Texas includes:

• $7.00 fee for a one-year safety inspection (for brand-new vehicles, this covers two years)
• $11.50 additional emissions test (El Paso, Travis, and Williamson Counties)
• $18.50 additional emissions test (Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston)
• $40.00 fee for commercial vehicle inspections
• $7.00 fee for trailers and motorcycles
• $0.25 fee for mopeds

Note that this is the fee for the service performed by the inspection station. There's a separate state inspection fee due at registration renewal.

Counties that require emissions tests:

• Brazoria County
• Collin County
• Dallas County
• Denton County
• Ellis County
• El Paso County
• Fort Bend County
• Galveston County
• Harris County
• Johnson County
• Kaufman County
• Montgomery County
• Parker County
• Rockwall County
• Tarrant County
• Travis County
• Williamson County

While there are specialized state inspection stations, many mechanics, oil change locations, and car service stations are certified by the DPS to provide state inspections. After passing an inspection, you'll get a vehicle inspection report. When the time comes to renew your registration, you can use this report to renew your registration online instead of going to the local county tax office.

Registering Your Vehicle at the Local County Tax Office

Upon meeting the DMV requirements, you should proceed to register your vehicle at the county tax office in your locality. Most motorists typically conduct TxDMV-related business at county offices. The county Tax Assessor-Collector office in your local area offers various vehicle title and registration services, including registration renewals, disability placards, etc.

Many counties in Texas also offer online vehicle registration. This option can make the process more convenient and save you time. Most Texas county tax offices are open for vehicle registration services from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Base Registration Fee and Other Fees

Certain fees are associated with the process of registering your vehicle. The base registration fee for cars and lighter pickup trucks under 6,000 pounds is $50.75, but that's not the only fee involved. Vehicles in different weight classes will owe more or less (a few dollars more if still under 10,000 pounds, significantly more if over; motorcycles and mopeds owe $30). In addition, you'll owe local fees paying for county services like roads and bridges, a state inspection fee, processing and handling, and possibly a fee for paying with a credit card.

On top of the standard registration fees, you might also have to pay supplementary charges like the Electric Vehicle (EV) fee or a special plates fee for vehicles with specialty license plates. In Texas, fully electric vehicles that weigh 10,000 pounds or less are charged a $200 fee when renewing registration ($400 for a two-year registration.) This is to compensate for the state losing tax funding on the sale of gas. This fee does not apply to hybrids or vehicles smaller than a car, such as motorcycles.

Texas Sales Tax and Previous State's Sales Tax Credits

Texas sales tax is another payment that you’ll need to make while registering your vehicle. The existing sales tax rate for vehicles in Texas is 6.25% of the final sales price. This tax is typically collected by the seller if they’re a licensed dealer.

If you're bringing in a car from out of state within the first 30 days of living in Texas, you'll have to pay a $90 new resident tax. If the new resident tax does not apply, the motor vehicle use tax applies instead. This tax is based on the vehicle's initial sale value or 80% of the standard presumptive value, whichever is higher.

If you’re moving to Texas from another state, you can claim credit toward the Texas motor vehicle use tax for legally imposed sales or use tax paid to the other state or U.S. territory. However, you can't claim credit toward the new resident tax or the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) Surcharge.

Transferring Your Vehicle Title in Texas

If you’ve imported a vehicle from another state, a title transfer to Texas is necessary. To transfer a vehicle title in Texas, you’ll need to provide the following:

• Obtaining the out-of-state title, signed and dated by the buyer and seller
• Completing the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) with both buyer and seller signatures (if the seller is unavailable, a Bill of Sale can be substituted)
• Proof of the buyer's insurance
• Verifying that the buyer’s legal name on their photo ID matches the name on the application
• A vehicle inspection report from within the past 90 days
• Any other relevant supporting documents, like a release of lien or power of attorney
• Title fees ($28 or $33 depending on whether you're in an emissions county) and other relevant fees and taxes

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles supervises the procedure of vehicle title transfers and enforces the requirement that vehicles must be titled in the buyer’s name within 30 days from the date of sale. If you’re unsure about the online transfer process, you can contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for guidance.

Foreign Evidence of Ownership

Should you be registering a vehicle that was formerly registered in another country, foreign ownership proof would be required. This includes proof of sales tax payment or a current foreign/military ownership document.

To register a vehicle in Texas with foreign evidence of ownership, you’ll need to:

• Present proof of sales tax payment or a current foreign/military ownership document (if the foreign evidence of ownership is not in English, you’ll need to provide a certified English translation)
• Provide U.S. DoT Form HS-7 or another document establishing compliance with U.S. Customs and federal safety standards
• Obtain a vehicle inspection report
• If you're not a military member or family member returning to a Texas military base, provide a Form VTR-68-A completed by a law enforcement agency's auto theft unit
• Complete the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)

New Residents and Temporary Registration

Upon your initial move to Texas, you may require a temporary registration before proceeding with the official vehicle registration. New residents can get temporary registration by completing and submitting the Application for Timed Temporary Permits (Form VTR-66) along with the necessary documents. This temporary registration, known as the One-Trip Permit, is valid for 15 days.

To get temporary registration, new residents must present proof of a passing Texas Safety Inspection and proof of insurance that remains valid until the expiration of the temporary registration permit. The cost for temporary registration in Texas is a non-refundable processing and handling fee of $4.75 per permit.

Obtaining License Plates and Registration Stickers

Upon successful registration of your vehicle, the next step involves obtaining license plates and a registration sticker. To get your plates, follow these steps:

• Visit the local county tax-assessor collector office.
• Present your insurance card, inspection report, and proof of ownership (such as registration or title from previous state)
• First-time registrants must complete the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration
• Insurance policies from other states must be brought in their entirety to verify insurance coverage minimums

Once you have these documents, you can apply for your registration sticker at your local county tax office. While you're there, be sure to sign up for the eReminder program; they'll send you an email when it's getting close to your renewal time. In addition, while you're updating everything else with your car's paperwork, consider getting a Texas toll tag.

Updating Your Driver's License and Insurance Policy

Relocating to Texas necessitates updating your driver’s license and insurance policy. To update your out-of-state driver’s license to Texas, you’ll need to present evidence of identity and residency within 90 days of moving to Texas. If you don’t update your driver’s license within 90 days of moving, you could face a penalty of up to $500.

When updating your insurance policy, contact your current insurance provider to modify your policy or consider switching to a new provider.

Texas Driver's License

If you have an out-of-state license and are seeking a new Texas driver’s license, you must:

• Be either a U.S. Citizen or able to demonstrate lawful presence
• Provide proof of Texas residency for 30 days (two printed documents from the approved list) or a Texas Residency Affidavit
  • If you surrender a valid, unexpired driver's license from your previous state, the 30-day requirement does not apply
• Complete an application for an Original Texas Driver License or Identification Card
• Provide your Social Security number, proof of identity, and evidence of having completed the Impact Texas Driver course or other approved driver education.
  • Applicants 18 years old or older with a valid license from within the past two years do not have to present evidence of driver education. You also won't have to take the knowledge or skills exams
  • Minors with a valid license or learner license do not have to take the knowledge exam
• Provide your Texas vehicle registration and proof of insurance for each vehicle

The driver's license fee for a new Texas license is $33, and your license is good for eight years. When you’re ready to apply for your Texas driver’s license, schedule an appointment online at the local driver's license office. You'll complete the application before you arrive (or while waiting), provide documentation, have your picture and thumbprints taken, and take a vision exam. If you need to take and pass knowledge or skills tests, you can complete those at the DL office by scheduling an appointment.

Updating Your Insurance Policy

As you update your car insurance policy in Texas, it’s important to:

• Understand the required coverage and evaluate different options—your previous state's minimum requirements may be more or less than Texas'
• Communicate with your existing insurance provider to modify the policy or consider transitioning to a new provider
• Review the policy to ensure accuracy in all particulars, and inform your insurance company if you acquire a new vehicle

Special Circ*mstances: Military Personnel and College Students

Certain special circ*mstances should be taken into account when registering a vehicle in Texas. For active duty military members, you’re required to transfer title and pay registration fees on a used motor vehicle within 60 days of purchasing or first using it in Texas. However, if you’re temporarily stationed in Texas, you can maintain your vehicle registration from your home state as long as it remains up to date.

On the other hand, college students aren’t required to register or title their vehicles in Texas if they’re full-time students at an accredited institution and maintain current registration and valid license plates from their home state. However, if you’ve recently moved to Texas for college, you’re given a 30-day grace period to register your vehicle.

Armed Forces and Foreign Military Ownership

Additional considerations apply to armed forces personnel. If you're a resident, rather than temporarily stationed, here’s what you need to know:

• You have 60 days to transfer title and pay registration fees on your vehicle, doubled from the standard 30 days
• If your Texas vehicle is out-of-state, have your vehicle inspected within three days of its return to Texas
• If your home state of record is Texas, you're responsible for the motor vehicle use tax. If you're transferring to Texas and have a different home state, you're responsible for the new resident tax
• The Texas certified vehicle inspector application fees can be waived. This is not the same as the vehicle inspection fee or vehicle registration fee

College Students and Vehicle Registration

Different requirements also apply to college students. Provided they’re full-time students at an accredited institution, out-of-state college students are not required to register their out-of-state vehicles in Texas. Similarly, non-resident college students in Texas aren’t obligated to transfer titles for their vehicles in the state. However, they must maintain current registration and display valid license plates from their home state.

Ready to Hit the Road in Texas?

Moving to Texas comes with a lot of new experiences, and navigating the vehicle registration process is one of them. From establishing residency and understanding the requirements set by the Texas DMV, to registering your vehicle at the local county tax office and transferring your vehicle title, this guide has walked you through each step of the process. Whether you’re active duty military, a college student, or a new resident, understanding these procedures can make your transition to Texas smoother and stress-free. Welcome to the Lone Star State!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my car registration if I move to Texas?

Yes, you have to change your car registration within 30 days of moving to Texas to avoid penalties. Make sure your car passes a Texas inspection before trying to register it in the state.

What do I need to register my car in Texas from out of state?

To register your car in Texas from out of state, you will need:

• insurance card
• inspection report
• proof of ownership (such as registration or title from previous state)
• Application for Texas Title and/or Registration

To obtain a Texas driver's license, you'll need additional documentation.

How much does it cost to register your car in Texas when moving?

To register your car in Texas when moving, you can expect to pay around $51.75 for state registration, with additional costs depending on your county.

What do you need to transfer a car title in Texas?

To transfer a car title in Texas, you will need the out-of-state title, signed and dated by the buyer and seller; the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) with both buyer and seller signatures or a Bill of Sale; proof of insurance; acceptable ID; an inspection report from the past 90 days; and title fees ($28–$33 depending on county).

What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in Texas?

In Texas, the minimum auto insurance requirements are $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage.