How to Register a Car in Texas

You register a car in Texas at your local county tax assessor-collector office, and you will need proof of insurance, proof you own the vehicle and, in certain counties, a passing emissions inspection.

• Proof of current liability insurance meeting Texas minimums: $30,000 per injured person, up to $60,000 for everyone injured in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage
• Proof you own the vehicle, such as an out-of-state title or registration receipt
• A completed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)
• Your current driver licence or government-issued photo identification
• A passing emissions inspection, if you live in one of the 17 emissions counties
• Payment for the fees, which vary by county

1. Check whether you live in an emissions county. The 17 counties are Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis and Williamson. If you do, you must obtain a passing emissions inspection before you register.

1. If an emissions inspection applies to you, take your vehicle to a certified Texas Department of Public Safety inspection station. Many mechanic shops, oil change locations and service stations are certified. Proof of vehicle insurance is required at the time of inspection, and the station will give you a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).

1. Make sure your insurance meets Texas minimums. You will need to show proof of current liability insurance when you register.

1. Complete the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U). If you are not surrendering your out-of-state title, check the Registration Purposes Only box. If you are not required to obtain an emissions inspection, self-certify the vehicle identification number on the form.

1. Go in person to your local county tax assessor-collector office. Take your title or out-of-state registration receipt, your completed Form 130-U, your driver licence or government-issued photo identification, your proof of insurance and your fees. Some county tax offices require appointments.

1. Ask the customer service representative to sign you up for eReminder while you are there, so you receive an email when it is time to renew.

1. If you also need a Texas driver licence, apply through the Texas Department of Public Safety. New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver licence within 90 days of moving to the state.

You have 30 days from the time you move to Texas to register your vehicle, and penalty fees may apply if you miss that window. A vehicle must also be titled in your name within 30 days of the date of sale to avoid delinquent transfer penalties.

As of 1 January 2025, non-commercial vehicles are no longer required to obtain a safety inspection before registration. Commercial vehicles must still obtain a passing commercial inspection regardless of county of residence.

Non-commercial vehicles in the 17 emissions counties are not required to obtain a safety inspection but must still obtain a passing emissions inspection before registration. If the system cannot verify your inspection electronically, you may present the Vehicle Inspection Report from the inspection station. You can also download, display or print a copy at www.mytxcar.org.

The base registration fee is $50.75 for cars and light trucks, $54 for vehicles from 6,001 to 10,000 pounds including heavier pickup trucks, $45 for a trailer up to 6,000 pounds, and $30 for mopeds and motorcycles. Counties may add other fees, and acceptable payment methods vary by county, so contact your county tax office for the exact amount.

Fully electric cars and trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 lbs or less are assessed an annual $200 fee at the time of registration renewal, and new electric vehicles issued two years of registration are assessed a $400 fee. The fee does not apply to hybrids, motorcycles, mopeds, autocycles or neighbourhood electric vehicles.

If you are renewing rather than registering for the first time, you can renew online 90 days before the expiration date or up to 12 months after it if you have not received a citation for an expired registration. Renewal is also available through the Texas by Texas (TxT) mobile app, by mail to your county tax office, or in person. There is a two business day payment processing hold before your sticker is printed, so allow up to three weeks for processing and mailing.

Active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces and non-resident, full-time students attending a Texas college or university are not required to register or title their vehicles in Texas.

How long do I have to register my car after moving to Texas? You have 30 days from the time you move to Texas to register your vehicle, and penalty fees may apply after that.

Do I need a safety inspection to register my car? No, as of 1 January 2025 non-commercial vehicles are no longer required to obtain a safety inspection before registration. Commercial vehicles must still obtain a passing commercial inspection.

Do I need an emissions inspection? Only if you live in one of the 17 emissions counties: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis or Williamson.

How much does it cost to register a car in Texas? The base registration fee is $50.75 for cars and light trucks, but counties may add other fees, so contact your county tax office for the exact amount.

Can I renew my registration online? Yes. You can renew online 90 days before the expiration date or up to 12 months after it if you have not received a citation for an expired registration, and you can also renew through the Texas by Texas mobile app.