Moving to Texas
Follow the Texas sequence for insurance, inspections, title or registration paperwork, taxes, county fees, plates, and your separate DPS driver-license appointment.
New residents generally have 30 days after moving to Texas to register vehicles brought into the state. The process is completed through the county tax assessor-collector, not a DPS driver-license office.
Registering the vehicle, transferring or retaining the title, paying motor vehicle tax, and obtaining plates are county tax-office functions. Getting a Texas driver license is a separate DPS transaction.
Texas requires liability coverage of at least $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Some out-of-state policies may qualify, but confirm with your insurer before visiting the county office.
Most non-commercial vehicles no longer need an annual safety inspection. Commercial vehicles still do, and vehicles registered in an emissions county must pass emissions testing before registration.
Complete the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration. New residents who keep the out-of-state title can select Registration Purposes Only when permitted.
Bring proof of ownership, identification, insurance, inspection evidence when applicable, Form 130-U, and payment for tax, registration, title, county, processing, and plate charges.
Vehicle registration is handled through the county tax office. Driver licenses and identification cards are handled separately by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Since January 1, 2025, most non-commercial vehicles are no longer subject to a comprehensive annual safety inspection. Commercial vehicles still require a safety inspection. Non-commercial vehicles registered in designated emissions counties must pass emissions testing before registration.
Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, Williamson. Bexar County is scheduled to begin emissions testing on November 1, 2026.
Read the complete inspection and emissions guide →A qualifying vehicle brought into Texas by a new resident is generally subject to a $90 new-resident tax when it was previously registered in that resident's name in another state or foreign country.
Use tax may apply when the vehicle was not previously registered in the new resident's name, when residency rules are not met, or when an existing Texas resident brings in an out-of-state purchase.
Registration, title, county, processing, inspection-replacement, specialty-plate, and electric-vehicle fees may be charged in addition to tax.
TxDMV generally requires a new resident to register a vehicle within 30 days after moving to Texas. Delays can result in penalties or added complications.
Not always. Texas allows Registration Purposes Only in some situations. Complete Form 130-U and check the appropriate box if you are keeping the out-of-state title.
A qualifying vehicle that was previously registered in the new resident's name outside Texas is generally subject to a $90 new-resident tax instead of the 6.25% use tax.
Commercial vehicles still need a safety inspection. Non-commercial vehicles in designated emissions counties need a passing emissions inspection before registration.
Yes. Vehicle registration and driver licensing are separate transactions. Register through the county tax office, then apply for a Texas driver license through DPS.
A qualifying new resident who leased the vehicle outside Texas before moving may still owe the $90 new-resident tax. The county may require lease and lessor documentation.
Texas motor vehicle tax guidance generally gives active-duty military personnel 60 calendar days for certain tax payments, but registration and residency facts can affect the result. Confirm with the county tax office.