Applying for Car Registration in Texas

All drivers need Texas vehicle registration credentials if they reside in the Lone Star State and wish to operate a new or used motor vehicle in Texas. When registering an automobile for the first time, vehicle owners must complete the process in person at their local county tax-assessor/collector’s office. Online and by-mail options are only available for drivers who are renewing their registration. Additionally, automobile owners must present proof of vehicle ownership and pay a fee when applying for new registration credentials.

After applying for DMV registration documents, automobile owners receive a sticker with the vehicle’s license plate number, partial vehicle identification number (VIN) and the name of the county in which the automobile was registered. To learn more about the different steps that all motorists must complete when registering a newly acquired motor vehicle, review the information below.

Texas DMV Car Registration Requirements

To get a new car registration in Texas, you must apply through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), a division of the State Department of Public Safety (DPS). Typically, you must apply for new registration materials within 30 days of moving to Texas or acquiring a vehicle.

Before you head to a DMV office, you must first purchase an automobile insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum insurance requirements. You must also submit your vehicle for an inspection at a participating inspection station. Inspection stations often include DPS service stations, mechanic shops and various locations that perform oil changes.

You will need to submit proof of your current insurance policy and a vehicle inspection report when obtaining new registration materials at your county tax office.

Download our free guide for instructions about these requirements.

The next step in obtaining vehicle registration records for your car, truck, minivan or SUV is submitting the necessary documents. You may need to provide the following documents:

• An automobile insurance card
• A vehicle inspection report
• The vehicle’s certificate of title (or an out-of-state registration card if you are a new Texas resident)

“Where can I apply for a Texas car registration near me?”

To obtain TX auto registration credentials for a vehicle or to register an out-of-state automobile in the Lone Star State, you must visit a tax assessor/collector’s office (also known as a tax office) in your county. When registering a vehicle in Texas for the first time, you must apply in person. The process includes completing an application and submitting the required documents.

You must also pay car registration fees whenever you register a newly acquired automobile in the state. Texas vehicle registration fees include a statewide base fee and additional fees that vary depending on the county in which you reside. If you are new to the state, you must also pay a sales tax on the purchase of the vehicle.

Once your application is processed, you will receive new license plates and a registration sticker for your vehicle.

Completing a Texas Car Registration Application

When obtaining DMV auto registration credentials for a newly acquired vehicle, you must complete an application for a Texas title and/or registration.

To properly complete the application, you must be able to provide information about each vehicle owner and a description of the automobile you wish to register. This includes its VIN, year, make, model and body style.

You must also provide the sales price of the automobile, your driver’s license number and an odometer reading for the vehicle you wish to register in Texas.

For tips on how to complete the vehicle registration application in Texas, download our free, helpful guide.