A Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your Car in Texas

1. Gather Required Documents

Before registering your car in Texas, you will need to gather certain documents. The required documents may vary depending on your specific situation, but typically include the following:

• Proof of car ownership, such as the vehicle title or a registration and title application
• Valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport
• Proof of auto insurance in Texas
• Proof of a passed vehicle inspection, which must be completed no more than 90 days before registration
• Any applicable fees for registration and titling

It’s important to ensure that you have all the required documents before beginning the registration process to avoid any delays or complications. You can find more information on required documents on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website.

2. Complete a Vehicle Inspection

Before you can register your car in Texas, you will need to have it inspected by a licensed vehicle inspection station. The inspection will verify that your car meets certain safety and emissions standards set by the state.

During the inspection, the inspector will check various components of your vehicle, such as the brakes, lights, tires, and emissions. If your car passes the inspection, you will receive a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).

You must have a VIR in order to register your car in Texas. It’s important to note that the VIR is only valid for 90 days, so make sure to complete the registration process before it expires.

You can find a licensed inspection station near you on the Texas Department of Public Safety website.

3. Obtain Texas Auto Insurance

Before you can register your car in Texas, you must obtain valid auto insurance coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements. The minimum coverage requirements in Texas include:

• $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person
• $60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 for property damage liability per accident

It’s important to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best coverage for your needs and budget. Once you have obtained insurance coverage, you will need to provide proof of insurance when you register your car.

You can provide proof of insurance either in person or online through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles’ website. Make sure to keep your insurance coverage up-to-date to avoid any penalties or fines.

4. Submit Registration Application and Fees

Once you have gathered all the required documents, completed the vehicle inspection, and obtained auto insurance coverage, you are ready to submit your registration application and fees.

You can submit your registration application in person at a county tax office or online through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles’ website. You will need to provide all the required documents and pay the registration fees, which vary depending on the type of vehicle and the county where you live.

Some counties in Texas also require an additional fee for air quality or emissions inspections. Make sure to check with your local county tax office to determine any additional fees or requirements.

After you have submitted your application and fees, you will receive your license plates and registration sticker in the mail within a few weeks. Make sure to affix the registration sticker to your windshield and place your license plates on your vehicle to complete the registration process.

5. Receive Your Texas License Plates and Registration Sticker

After you have completed the registration process and submitted your application and fees, you will receive your Texas license plates and registration sticker in the mail within a few weeks.

Make sure to affix the registration sticker to your windshield in the lower-right corner to indicate that your vehicle is properly registered. You will also need to place your license plates on your vehicle according to state regulations.

If you do not receive your license plates and registration sticker within a few weeks, contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to inquire about the status of your registration.

It’s important to keep your registration and insurance coverage up-to-date to avoid any penalties or fines. You will need to renew your registration and update your insurance coverage on a regular basis, typically every year.