Texas Vehicle Registration & Licensing Guide: Title Transfers, Special Plates & Renewals
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If you're new to Texas car registration, the process can seem overwhelming and maybe a little silly. The thing is, Texas car registration serves a purpose, and it's not about getting into your wallet every 12 months. Yes, you have to pay registration fees annually, but they go toward road maintenance and other transportation-related projects.
Registration is largely about vehicle identification and ownership verification. The unique license plate number you are given at the time of registration connects directly to your information and vehicle details.
This guide covers the entire registration process at your local Texas DMV, from obtaining required documents to transferring tags. You'll also learn how to avoid common problems.
Required Documents for Texas Car Registration
It's essential to start with the required documents for car registration in Texas:
- Proof of ownership: Common proof of ownership documents include vehicle titles and a bill of sale.
- Identification: You need to provide a valid form of ID and proof of residency.
- Proof of insurance: At the time of registration, you must provide an active insurance card or policy documents for Texas car insurance.
- Vehicle emissions inspection: Not all counties require an emissions inspection. However, if you live in one of the counties that do, you must provide the inspection results at the time of registration.
- Application for registration: You must file form 130-U, the Application for a Texas Title and/or Registration.
The state once required a vehicle inspection report for all registered vehicles, but as of January 1, 2025, it no longer does for most vehicles. Inspections are now primarily necessary for out-of-state vehicle purchases only.
Texas Car Registration Fees and Payment Options
Vehicle registration fees can vary based on the vehicle type, weight, and the registration county. A standard vehicle registration fee for non-commercial vehicles weighing 6,000 lbs. or less is $50.75.
That said, you'll pay an additional $1 for the maintenance and operations of the Insurance Verification Project, TexasSure. Depending on your county, you may also have to pay local fees up to $31.50.
Depending on how you register — online, in-person, or by mail — you can pay by cash, check, money order, credit card, or debit card. If paying online, you must pay with a credit or debit card.
How To Register a Vehicle in Texas: Online, In-Person, and By Mail
The initial Texas state car registration must be done in person. However, renewals can be done by mail or online. To register your vehicle for the first time, follow this four-step process:
- Gather all required documents (check the list above)
- Visit your county tax office
- Submit your documents and pay any fees
- Receive temporary tags
Your permanent tags should arrive in a couple of weeks. When you receive them, install them immediately at your vehicle's rear. Temporary tags are only valid for 30 days.
Renewing and Replacing a Texas Car Registration
When renewing a car registration in Texas, you have several options. The state lets you renew online, in person, or by mail.
Online
To renew online, visit the Texas DMV website. Under Vehicle Registration, you have two options. Option one lets you renew through the Texas by Texas (TxT) website or mobile application, while the second lets you renew using the DMV website.
You need your license plate and vehicle identification number (VIN) to renew your registration. You also need your driver's license and a credit or debit card to make the required payments.
In-Person
Bring your registration renewal notice, license plate number, VIN, proof of insurance, and driver's license for an in-person renewal. If you handle registration renewals at an office, you'll likely walk away with your new registration sticker.
By Mail
To renew by mail, you need the same documents as for an in-person renewal. You can use a check or money order made out to the appropriate tax office to pay applicable fees.
Replacing a Registration
If a registration is lost, damaged, or stolen, you must visit your county's tax office to request a new one. You'll likely have to fill out a form and pay a replacement fee. However, the tax office may need to review your motor vehicle records to ensure all fines and issues are resolved before issuing a new registration.
Transferring a Car Title and License Plates in Texas
A Texas title transfer from a seller to a buyer is straightforward. The seller must fill out the title assignment section on the back of the original title, which includes the odometer reading, date of sale, and buyer's name and address. Then, the seller removes their license plate from the vehicle.
The buyer accepts the title and must complete form 130-U. Then, they must gather the required documents and submit them to their local tax office. Finally, the buyer pays any fees, and the registration and title transfers successfully. The buyer will receive temporary tags immediately, and permanent ones will arrive in the mail in a couple of weeks.
Specialty License Plates: Commercial, Classic, and Disability Plates
Texas license plates come in many styles, from commercial vehicle plates to classic car plates. Some specialty plates, such as disability and military plates, have special eligibility requirements. To learn more about specialty plates, contact your local county tax office.
Avoiding Common Issues and Meeting Texas Emissions Testing Requirements
The most common errors when pursuing a Texas registration are incomplete or inaccurate documents, information, and title issues. To prevent these issues, double-check everything to ensure correct information.
A failed emissions test is also a common issue in certain counties. The tester should explain the failure, repair the cause, and schedule another test.
Save on Car Insurance After Registering Your Vehicle
Texas car registration requires proof of insurance, but you aren't obligated to stick with your original insurance choice. You can save money by shopping around.
Use the EverQuote comparison tool to compare quotes from several insurers simultaneously and find the one that works for your budget.