Car Registration Requirements for New Texas Residents
New residents who bring vehicles to Texas from other jurisdictions face registration obligations governed by state law. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles establishes procedures for individuals relocating to the state with motor vehicles registered elsewhere.
Timeline for New Texas Residents
New residents must register vehicles within 30 days of moving to Texas. Failure to meet this deadline results in penalty fees assessed by county tax assessor-collector offices.
The $90 new resident tax must be paid within 30 calendar days from the vehicle's first use in Texas. This fee applies when the vehicle was previously registered in the new resident's name in another state or country.
Establishing Texas Residency
Transportation Code Chapter 502 governs motor vehicle registration in Texas. Residency is demonstrated through physical presence in Texas combined with intent to remain, evidenced by employment, property ownership, or enrollment in Texas schools.
Registration applications require proof of Texas residency through acceptable documentation verified at county tax offices. The state evaluates residency based on the applicant's connections to Texas communities and compliance with registration timelines.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in Texas
New residents transferring out-of-state vehicle registrations must provide documentation to county tax offices for title and registration processing.
Essential Documents
- Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)
- Original out-of-state title or other valid ownership evidence
- Proof of liability insurance meeting state minimum requirements
- Current driver's license or government-issued photo identification
- Proof of vehicle inspection (Vehicle Inspection Report), if applicable
- Vehicle odometer reading (if required)
- Proof of sales tax payment or exemption documentation
Self-Certification Requirements
Vehicles not subject to commercial or emissions inspections must have the vehicle identification number self-certified on Form 130-U. This applies to non-commercial vehicles registered outside the 17 emissions-testing counties.
Insurance Requirements
Texas mandates minimum liability insurance coverage for all motor vehicles:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability (per person) | $30,000 |
| Bodily Injury Liability (per accident) | $60,000 |
| Property Damage Liability (per accident) | $25,000 |
Alternative methods to satisfy financial responsibility requirements include posting bonds or making deposits with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles as specified by state law.
Application Submission Methods
In-Person Processing: New residents complete registration applications at county tax assessor-collector offices. These offices process applications, collect fees, and issue registration materials during regular business hours. Some county tax offices require appointments.
Required Forms: Form 130-U must be completed for title and registration applications. Detailed instructions for Form 130-U are available through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Texas Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Texas requires inspections for vehicles in designated counties before registration can be completed.
Emissions Testing
Seventeen counties require emissions inspections: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson.
Vehicles registered in these counties must obtain passing emissions inspections at certified inspection stations before registration. The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a locator for authorized inspection facilities.
Emissions inspection fees are $2.75 and collected at the time of vehicle registration.
Safety Inspections
Effective January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles are no longer required to obtain safety inspections. Commercial vehicles must continue to pass annual safety inspections before registration.
Commercial vehicle safety inspection fees are $7.50 and collected during the registration process.
Registration Fees and Costs in Texas
New residents registering an out‑of‑state vehicle must pay the following fees:
- Registration fee – Base fee of $50.75 for passenger vehicles and light trucks (base fee $50.75)
- Title application fee – $28 or $33, depending on the county (fee $28 or $33)
- State portion of the vehicle inspection fee – Up to $30.75 (up to $30.75)
- Local county fees – Up to $31.50 (up to $31.50)
- Vehicle sales tax – 6.25% (6.25% sales tax)
- Insurance verification fee – $1 ($1 insurance fee)
- Processing and handling fee – $4.75 ($4.75 processing fee)
Contact Information
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, TX 78731
Phone: (888) 368-4689
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Texas Department of Public Safety - Vehicle Inspection
5805 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TEXAS 78752
Phone: (512) 424-7293
DPS Vehicle Inspection
