Use this page as a resource when registering a car in Texas. New Texas residents must register their car within 30 days of moving. Below are a few steps to follow.
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Step 1: Auto Insurance
All new residents to the state of Texas are required to obtain an insurance policy conforming to the following minumum liability limits:
- Bodily Injury Liability – 30,000 per person and 60,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability – 25,000 per accident
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Step 2: Safety Inspection
Drivers that have recently relocated to Texas are required to pass a vehicle inspection prior to registering a car in Texas. Now that you’ve passed the safety inspection, you’re ready to go to step 3.
Step 3: County Tax Office
New residents must apply in person at a local county tax office. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the following items are needed when registering a motor vehicle in Texas for the first time:
- inspection certification,
- proof of Texas liability insurance,
- the vehicle’s odometer reading if it is less than 10 years old,
- an original out-of-state title, proof of registration, proof of sales tax payment or current foreign/military ownership document,
- completed Form 130-U, and
- the following fees:
- registration fee,
- title application fee of $28 or $33, depending on the county, and
- new resident tax of $90.
When you register your car in Texas, there may be other fees at your local tax office. For more information, contact your county tax office. If you need information about the new-resident tax, contact the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
If you are an active duty member of the United State Military or a full-time college student that attends a Texas University, you will not be required title or register your car in Texas.
Driver License
All drivers moving to Texas must obtain a Texas drivers license within 90 days of moving to Texas.