FAQs

Buying a Vehicle

  • A Texas dealer is responsible for processing title and registration on behalf of their customer within 30 days of the date of purchase or 45 days if seller-financed (the dealer provides the financing).

    If it has been 30 days and you have not received your title and/or registration, you can file a dealer complaint against the dealer.

    Our Enforcement Division investigates complaints against licensed dealers. You may submit a dealer complaint online. Once you have submitted the complaint, you will receive a reply email with a case number. You will need the case number to track your complaint status. Complaints are assigned to an investigator in the order received. Please allow up to 3 weeks for the complaint to be assigned to an investigator. The investigator will reach out to you for more information, if needed.

    If the buyer's temporary tag expires before the complaint is settled, we recommend you purchase a 30-Day Permit to put on your vehicle at a county tax office or Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Regional Service Center.

  • If you are unable to obtain the proper documents to complete a vehicle title transfer, there are still two options available to apply for a Texas title. They are:

    Bonded title process: You will need to submit a completed Bonded Title Application or Tax Collector Hearing Statement of Fact (Form VTR-130-SOF), a copy of applicant's current driver license or government-issued photo identification, and a $15 fee in person (check, cash or money order) or by mail (check or money order) to a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Regional Service Center to determine eligibility.

    Tax Collector Hearing:  Contact your local county tax office  for the requirements.

  • Congratulations on your purchase! Be sure to complete your title transfer within 30 days from the date of sale; otherwise, penalty fees may apply.

    To apply for title and registration, submit the following to a county tax office:

  • The evidence required for transferring ownership depends on whether the deceased owner's estate is probated. When the estate goes through probate, the court will name an Executor/Executrix or Administrator and provide Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration as proof of ownership. If the estate is not probated, an Heirship Affidavit is required.

    In either scenario, to apply for title and/or registration, here are the documents the applicant will need to submit to a county tax office:

    • Title, if available
    • Evidence the loan is paid in full (original release of lien), if applicable
    • Completed Title and/or Registration Application (Form 130-U)
    • Appropriate authority to transfer ownership
    • Completed Gift Affidavit
      • Required when the vehicle is inherited between eligible parties
      • Requires notarization, unless signed in front of a county tax office employee
      • The recipient or donor must submit the application in person
      • Refer to page 2 for additional instructions
    • Applicant's current driver license or government-issued photo identification
    • Proof of current vehicle insurance (required if applying for registration)
    • Proof of current Texas vehicle inspection (required if the registration is expired and you would like to register the vehicle)
    • Fees: Contact a county county tax office for exact fee amounts and payment methods

Disabled License Plates & Placards

Inspection

  • Texas inspection fees are collected in two steps, but rest assured, you are not being charged twice for an inspection. The inspection station receives its portion of the fee at the time of inspection. The state collects its portion of the fee at the time of registration.

    Inspections are verified electronically, so your inspection station cannot charge you more than their portion of the fee. The remaining state's portion of the fee is collected by your county tax office at the time of your renewal..

Lost or Misplaced

  • If your Texas title is lost or never received, a replacement title can be obtained in person or by mail through a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Regional Service Center. A replacement is referred to as a Certified Copy of Title. Keep in mind, Texas cannot issue a replacement title for another state.

    To obtain a replacement title, submit the following in person or by mail to a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Regional Service Center:

    Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Regional Service Center locations are listed on page 2 of the application. Requests submitted by mail must be sent to the Wichita Falls Regional Service Center address.

  • If your registration receipt was lost or misplaced, you can get a duplicate receipt either in person or by mail. You will need to submit the following to request a duplicate receipt:

    Commercial vehicles are required to have the receipt in the vehicles at all times. However, for all other vehicles, it is recommended the registration receipt be retained in the vehicle, as it serves as proof of registration.

  • If the registration sticker was lost or never received, submit the following in person or by mail to a county tax office:

Out-of-State

  • You can renew your registration by “self-certifying” as the vehicle owner, that you are entitled to renew your Texas registration, but you and your vehicle are currently out of state and you are unable to complete the required Texas vehicle inspection. This is common with active-duty military members who are on assignment outside of Texas.

    You can renew your registration and waive the Texas vehicle inspection requirement either online or by mail.

    1. Online: by self-certifying you are out-of-state
    2. By mail: submit the following to a county tax office in Texas if you are not eligible to renew online: 
      • Renewal notice, vehicle identification number, or plate number
      • Copy of owner's current driver license or government-issued photo identification
      • Copy of proof of current vehicle insurance
      • A written statement indicating the vehicle is out-of-state
      • Fees: Contact your local county tax office for exact fee amounts and payment methods

    To ensure you do not receive a ticket or have to pay penalty fees for lack of inspection, you will need to have your vehicle inspected within 3 days after returning to Texas. Also, we recommend you keep the inspection report in your vehicle to prove you have completed it if you are stopped by law enforcement.

  • We are sorry to hear that you left Texas but hope that you are settling into your new home. Your Texas license plates are yours to keep. Consider them a souvenir from our great state and something to remember us by. Should you choose to recycle your old Texas plates, cut them into pieces and place them in the recycle bin. This will prevent fraudulent use of the plates..

  • Thank you for contacting us and for your service and sacrifice for our country.

    The good news is as a Texas resident serving in the U.S. armed forces, regardless of where you are stationed, you can title and/or register your vehicle in Texas by mail to your local Texas county tax office. Be sure to complete your title/registration transfer within 60-days, if you purchased a vehicle and it is not already titled in your name in any state or country; otherwise, penalty fees may apply.

    To apply for title and/or registration while the vehicle is out-of-state, submit the following by mail to a county tax office in Texas:

    To ensure you do not receive a ticket or have to pay penalty fees, you will need to have your vehicle inspected within 3 days after returning to Texas. Also, we recommend you keep the inspection report in your vehicle to prove you have completed it if you are stopped by law enforcement.

    Additional notes:

    For individuals serving abroad or out-of-state in the U.S. armed forces, a Texas physical address is required to obtain either Texas initial registration or renewal.

Registration Renewal

  • You can check the status of your registration renewal through our online renewal tracking tool Where's My Sticker if you completed your renewal online. The tracker will tell you WHEN IT WAS MAILED to you, not when you should receive it. If the registration renewal was submitted:

    • By mail: Please allow up to two weeks for delivery by the US Postal Service. If it has been more than 2 weeks since the mailing date on the online tracking tool and you have not received your registration, you can contact your local county tax office.
    • Online: You will receive a confirmation email after you complete the online renewal process that will serve as your proof of registration until the sticker arrives. Be sure to keep the confirmation in your vehicle in case you are stopped by law enforcement. You may contact your local county tax office if you do not receive your renewal and it has been 2 weeks since the mailing date or if you need more information.

  • Texans have several options available to renew their registration.

    • Step 1: Obtain a Texas vehicle inspection at any state inspection station within the owner's/renewal recipient's county of residence, no earlier than 90 days before the registration expiration
      • Proof of vehicle insurance will be required at the time of inspection
      • Visit our website to find out when to inspect
    • Step 2: Renew the vehicle registration one of three ways:
    • NOTE: You will need to go in person to your county tax office if:
      • You received a citation for expired registration (a 20% registration penalty fee applies)
      • Your registration is expired (online renewal is allowed up to 12 months after expiration)
      • There is a hold on your registration due to certain unpaid fines, fees, or taxes
       
      • ONLINE OPTIONS:
      • We recommend waiting at least 24 hours after obtaining a passing inspection to renew online
        • You can renew using the Texas by Texas (TxT) website or mobile application. TxT is an official, account-based digital government assistant that provides an easy, fast, and secure way for Texans to take care of government services – like vehicle registration renewal. To learn more about TxT, create a TxT account, and renew your vehicle registration, please visit the TxT webpage on Texas.gov.
        • You can also renew using this online option without creating an account.
        • A payment confirmation receipt email will be sent immediately to you if the online renewal is successful
        • Approximately 3 business days later, a second email will be sent to you advising you if the renewal was approved
        • If approved, the email will include a receipt that may be used as temporary proof of registration, while the sticker is in the mail process which may take up to 2 weeks to receive. Keep this in your vehicle in case you are stopped by law enforcement.

      • COUNTY TAX OFFICE OPTION:
      • Submit the following in person or by mail to a county tax office:

      • GROCERY STORE OR OTHER APPROVED LOCATIONS OPTION (varies by county):
      • The same items are required as if you were renewing in person at the county tax office; however, you must provide the Renewal Notice to renew at one of these locations. New vehicles with a two-year inspection must provide an “Inspection and Registration Notice,” in lieu of a Renewal Notice.

  • To renew vehicle registration online, your vehicle must have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). In order to obtain a VIN, please follow the VIN Assignment/Reassignment Process steps outlined on the TxDMV website.

  • The owner(s) on record will need to provide the person renewing on their behalf the following items to take to a county tax office:

    • Written authorization (this can be a simple note)
      • Some county tax offices have a required authorization form that must be completed by you. We recommend calling a county tax office to see if one is required.
    • Their current government-issued photo identification.
    • Proof of your current insurance (copy)
    • Proof of current Texas vehicle inspection (copy)
    • Fees: Contact a county tax office for exact fee amounts and payment methods

  • You do not need the renewal notice to renew the vehicle registration when renewing online, in person, or by mail through the local county tax office. They are only required if you want to renew at a grocery store.

Salvage or Rebuilt Vehicle

Selling a Vehicle

  • To protect yourself from liability, you should complete a Vehicle Transfer Notification within 30 days from the date of sale. You may still submit a vehicle transfer notification after 30 days from the date of sale, but it does not guarantee release from liability. Keep in mind the information on the motor vehicle record will remain the same until the new owner transfers the title into their name..

    You can submit the vehicle transfer notification using one of these options:

Temporary Permits

  • Temporary permits can be obtained in person through a county tax office or Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Regional Service Center. Select temporary permits are available online:

    • A 72-Hour Permit and a 144-Hour Permit for commercial vehicle use may be obtained online.
    • A Vehicle Transit Permit may be obtained online for private-party passenger vehicle sales in which the seller keeps the license plates.

  • The most common reasons for a temporary permit are when a customer purchased a vehicle with expired registration, there are no plates on the vehicle, or the customer is waiting to receive their license plates. A Temporary Permit allows the temporary operation of a vehicle without registration and must be purchased in person except for 72-Hour Permits and 144-Hour Permits. It cannot be used in place of regular registration. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles offers 72-Hour, 144-Hour, 30-Day, One-Trip, and Transit Permits. To learn about the types of temporary permits, visit the Temporary Permit webpage.

    To obtain a temporary permit, provide the following in-person to your local county tax office or Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Regional Service Center:

    • Vehicle identification number
    • USDOT number for a 72-Hour Permit and 144-Hour Permit
    • Applicant's current driver license or other government-issued photo identification
    • Proof of current insurance
    • Proof of passing vehicle inspection for a 30-Day Permit
    • A non-refundable processing and handling fee of $4.75 is assessed per permit. The fee covers the cost to process the permit.
    • Applicable permit fee:
      • One-Trip Permit: $5.00
      • 30-Day Permit: $25.00
      • 72-Hour Permit: $25.00
      • 144-Hour Permit: $50.00
      • Cash, certified check, or money order accepted. Personal checks are not accepted.

    72-Hour and 144-Hour Permits are only available for commercial vehicles being used in Texas. These types of permits may be obtained online. NOTE: A valid USDOT number is required to obtain either a 72-Hour Permit or 144-Hour Permit.

    A passing vehicle inspection is required to operate the vehicle on public roads. A Texas inspection can be obtained at any state inspection station within your county of residence. Proof of a passing inspection is required to obtain a 30-Day Permit. One-Trip Permits are exempt from inspection requirements.

Titling and Registering a Vehicle

  • Welcome to our great state! There are 4 steps to title and register your vehicle in Texas as a new Texas resident. The steps must be followed in the order listed:

    • Step 1: Obtain Texas vehicle insurance
      • Some out-of-state insurance policies may be acceptable. We recommend you contact your insurance agent for assistance
    • Step 2: Obtain a Texas vehicle inspection at any state inspection station within your new county of residence
      • Proof of vehicle insurance will be required at the time of inspection
    • Step 3: Apply for a Texas title and/or registration in person at a county tax office. Take the following with you:
    • Step 4: Apply for a Texas driver license through the Texas Department of Public Safety
      • Information for new residents is available on their website

    Be sure to register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Texas; otherwise, penalty fees may apply.

  • There are specific requirements for titling and registering trailers in Texas. Registration is always required for a trailer, but the need for a title is based on the trailer weight. If the trailer is over 4,000 pounds gross weight (empty plus carrying capacity) it must be titled, but if it is 4,000 pounds gross weight (empty plus carrying capacity) or less, titling is optional. If the trailer was previously titled, it must continue to be titled.

    There are exceptions for farm trailers:

    • Title is required if it is over 34,000 pounds gross weight or was previously titled
    • Title is optional if it is 34,000 pounds gross weight or less
    • Registration is optional if the farm trailer is 4,000 pounds gross weight or less
    • Farm trailers are exempt from inspection

    You will need to take the following to a county tax office in order to title/register the trailer:

    • Evidence of ownership – Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, title, bill of sale, or out-of-state registration receipt
    • Completed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)
    • Completed Trailer Verification Statement of Fact (Form VTR-141)
      Only required if the trailer is being titled and is:
      • A new travel trailer or park model trailer
      • Any travel trailer or park model trailer last titled/registered out-of-state
      • Any homemade trailer being titled for the first time
    • Weight Certificate, if applicable
      • Required for all out-of-state trailers, unless the empty weight is shown on the out-of-state title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin
    • Applicant's current driver license or government-issued photo identification
    • Proof of current inspection, if applicable
      • Inspection is required for trailers over 7,500 pounds gross weight (farm trailers exempt)
      • Inspect your trailer at any state inspection station within your county of residence. Look for stations with a TL or TLMC endorsement remark. We recommend contacting the inspection station to confirm they conduct trailer inspections
      • Click here to view the inspection criteria for trailers. Proof of insurance for the vehicle pulling the trailer will be required at the time of inspection
    • Fees: Contact a county tax office for the exact fee amount and payment methods

    Additional information on trailers, including requirements for assembled trailers, can be found here.

    Titled trailers require a vehicle identification number. If the trailer does not have a vehicle identification number, more information can be found on the VIN Assignment/Reassignment Process.

  • You may always visit your local county tax office to process your title and/or registration transactions. An application for Texas title can be processed statutorily by your local county tax office, the county in which the vehicle is purchased, or the county in which the vehicle is encumbered by a lien.

    Some Texas county tax offices that are not statutorily required to process your transaction may be willing to process your transaction on behalf of your local county tax office. Please call in advance of your visit to a non-local county tax office to confirm if they are willing and able to process your title and/or registration transaction.

    NOTE: If the title application is processed by a statutory county (purchaser’s, seller’s, or lienholder’s county), local county optional fees are assessed based on the processing county. If the title and/or registration transaction is processed by a county willing to accept the transaction, local county optional fees are assessed based on your local county tax office. The title application fee is assessed based on your local county tax office.

Update Address

  • The owner on record is a person that is responsible for the vehicle and owns and receives all correspondence.

    A renewal recipient is someone who may be able to renew the vehicle registration only and if different from the owner on record will receive only the renewal notice.

    A common example when the owner on record is different from the renewal recipient is when the owner on record is the parent and the renewal recipient is their child who is in college and lives at another address.

  • To change the address on your vehicle record, a completed Change of Address for Texas Motor Vehicle (VTR-146) will need to be submitted in person to your local county tax office or mailed to the address listed on the form. Please note, the Title Document field on the form is not required.

    The online option does not change the address for the owner on record, only the renewal recipient. This means if the owner of the vehicle in our vehicle registration system does not have the same address as the renewal recipient, the registration renewal notice and the registration sticker will be sent to the renewal recipient address, and all other correspondence will be mailed to the owner's address on record.

    A common example of this situation is the vehicle owner is the parent and the renewal recipient is their child who is in college and lives at another address. Any toll violations or notifications to the owner will be sent to the address on file for the owner, not the renewal recipient.

    If you want to change the renewal recipient address, click here.

General

    • Log in to eLICENSING to change business management or ownership information. 
    • Select the “Amend a License” option and provide the information about your business change.
    • Provide your: 
      • Certificate for the newly formed entity (corporation, LP, LLP, or LLC) issued by the appropriate Secretary of State office. (This does not apply if you are a sole proprietor or general partnership.)
      • Documentation issued by the appropriate Secretary of State stating that the entity change was a result of a conversion, if applicable.
      • Documentation issued by the appropriate Secretary of State stating that the entity change was a result of a conversion or amendment. 
      • Current copy of new owner DL.
    • Note: A business name change by merger may require a new license application.

     

    • Log into eLICENSING.
    • Select the “Close a License” option and provide the information related to this change.
    • There is no fee to close a license
    • When you close your license, any associated plates are automatically canceled.
    • Complete a Plate Inventory Form (Form LF707), and mail or drop off metal plates, temporary tags, stickers, and plate receipts at the closest Regional Service Center (RSC) or the TxDMV Headquarters within 10 days of license closure.
    • Log in to eLICENSING.
    • Select “My Licenses and Plates” and follow the prompts to print or reprint a copy of your license.
    • Log in to eLICENSING
    • To change contact information for a license, such as phone numbers, email addresses, and contact person, select “Change General License Info.”
    • For other changes, select the “Amend a License” option. Provide the information about your business change, the documents related to your change, and your amendment application fee.
    • Note: A business name change may require a new license application.

    Learn more here

    • Log into eLICENSING.
    • Select the “Amend a License” option and the amendment reason “Manage Locations and DBAs”.
    • Provide your:
      • Certificate for the newly formed entity (corporation, LP, LLP, or LLC) issued by the appropriate Secretary of State office if applicable. (This won’t apply if you are a sole proprietor or general partnership.),
      • Bond rider (to remove business location from bond),
      • Power of attorney (for bond rider), and
      • Amendment application fee.
    • If you have metal dealer plates that are no longer needed, cancel the plates in eLICENSING. From the home page select Plates and Stickers and follow the prompts.
    • Complete a Plate Inventory Form (Form LF707), and mail or drop off metal plates, temporary tags, stickers, and plate receipts at the closest Regional Service Center or the TxDMV Headquarters.
    • Find the closest Regional Service Center (RSC) or download the pre-addressed mailing label for the TxDMV Headquarters.

  • Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, also known as the Public Information Act or PIA, gives you the right to access certain government records. The PIA also establishes procedures that governmental bodies must follow when responding to requests for public information. Public Information Act requests are sometimes referred to as open records requests.

    Learn more here.

  • Possibly. Please visit our fingerprinting page for more information - Fingerprinting Requirements | TxDMV.gov

General

  • The 2019 Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) began Dec. 28, 2018 following action by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) approving 2019 fees. Enforcement will begin April 30, 2019. Go to www.UCR.gov to register.

    Learn more about UCR

  • Vehicles and loads that exceed legal size or weight limits need an oversize/overweight (OS/OW) permit and route from the TxDMV to travel on Texas roads.

    For assistance in determining the permit types available for your vehicle and/or load, log in to the Texas Permitting & Routing Optimization System (TxPROS) and select the Permit Wizard, or call us at (800) 299-1700.

    The normal hours of operation for our Oversize/Overweight Permits Office are 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. REMINDER: The toll-free phone line shuts down 30 minutes prior to the end of office hours each day.

    More information

  • TxDMV has a program for licensing commercial vehicles engaged in interstate operations. Apportioned registration, also known as the International Registration Plan (IRP), lets you obtain registration credentials in one jurisdiction, giving you the freedom of interstate travel without the inconvenience and expense of purchasing trip permits.

    If you operate interstate, you may qualify for apportioned registration. To learn if you qualify, contact your local TxDMV Regional Service Center or send us an email at MCD_TxIRP@TxDMV.gov. 

    Learn more here

  • Please visit the following link to get a USDOT number. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/fmcsa-registration-website-updates

  • Motor carriers operating INTRAstate commercial motor vehicles on a road or highway in Texas must register their operations with the TxDMV’s Motor Carrier Division. For INTRAstate operations please ensure you register with USDOT as INTRAstate not INTERstate.

    You must register as a motor carrier when you:

    • Operate a vehicle (or combination of vehicles) with a gross weight, registered weight or gross-weight rating exceeding 26,000 pounds
    • Transport hazardous materials in a quantity that requires placarding
    • Operate a farm vehicle with a gross weight, registered weight or gross weight rating of 48,000 pounds or more
    • Operate a vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver *
    • Operate a commercial school bus
    • Transport household goods for compensation, regardless of vehicle weight

    Motor carrier registration (TxDMV Number) is available for seven calendar days, 90 days, one year or two years. A motor carrier certificate of registration is non-transferable between carriers registered as a sole proprietor.

    Motor carriers can set up new authority (TxDMV Number) through our new online eLINC registration system.

    Motor carriers can update information, renew certificate*, print cab cards and more through our online Motor Carrier Credentialing System (MCCS).

    For questions or assistance with using MCCS, please contact the TxDMV at (800) 299-1700.

    *Passenger carriers may not perform these functions online.

    Read more here

General

  • A Texas dealer is responsible for processing title and registration on behalf of their customer within 30 days of the date of purchase or 45 days if seller financed (they provide the financing).

    If it has been 30 days and you have not received your title and/or registration, you can file a dealer complaint against the dealer.

    Our Enforcement Division investigates complaints against licensed dealers. You may submit a dealer complaint online. Once you have submitted the complaint you will receive a reply email with a case number. You will need the case number to track your complaint status. Complaints are assigned to an investigator in the order received. Please allow up to 3 weeks for the complaint to be assigned to an investigator. The investigator will reach out to you for more information, if needed.

    If the buyer's temporary tag expires before the complaint is settled, we recommend you purchase a 30 day temporary permit to put on your vehicle at your local County Tax Office or Regional Service Center.

  • Texans have several options available to renew their registration.

    • Step 1: Obtain a Texas vehicle inspection at any state inspection station within the owner's/renewal recipient's county of residence, no earlier than 90 days prior to the registration expiration
      • Proof of vehicle insurance will be required at time of inspection
      • Visit our website to find out when to inspect
    • Step 2: Renew the vehicle registration one of three ways:
    • NOTE: You will need to go in person to your county tax office if:
      • You received a citation for expired registration (a 20% registration penalty fee applies)
      • Your registration is expired (online renewal is allowed up to 6 months after expiration)
      • There is a hold on your registration due to certain unpaid fines, fees, or taxes
       
      • ONLINE OPTION:
      • We recommend waiting at least 24 hours after obtaining a passing inspection to renew online
        • Click here to renew online
        • A payment confirmation receipt email will be sent immediately to you if the online renewal is successful
        • Approximately 3 business days later, a second email will be sent to you advising you if the renewal was approved
        • If approved, the email will include a receipt that may be used as temporary proof of registration, while the sticker is in the mail process which may take up to 2 weeks to receive. Keep this in your vehicle in case you are stopped by law enforcement.

      • COUNTY TAX OFFICE OPTION:
      • Submit the following in person or by mail to the owner's/renewal recipient's local county tax office:
        • Renewal notice or vehicle identification number or plate number
        • Copy of owner's current driver license or government-issued photo identification
        • Proof of current vehicle insurance (copy)
        • Proof of current Texas vehicle inspection (copy)
        • Fees: Contact your local county tax office for exact fee amount and payment methods

      • GROCERY STORE OR OTHER APPROVED LOCATIONS OPTION (varies by county):
      • The same items are required as if you were renewing in person at the county tax office; however, you must have the Renewal Notice or the Inspection and Registration Notice to renew at one of these locations.

  • To renew vehicle registration online, your vehicle must have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). In order to obtain a VIN, please follow the VIN Assignment/Reassignment Process steps outlined on the TxDMV website.

  • Many stolen vehicles are sold to unsuspecting buyers. If you knowingly buy a stolen car, you can be arrested. If you buy a stolen car unknowingly, you could lose the car and your money. To avoid becoming the car thief's second victim, we urge you to keep these tips in mind:

    • When buying from a private individual, make sure the title and registration match the name and address of the person selling the car.
    • Be cautious of a seller with no fixed address, place of employment or phone number.
    • Ask the seller for references about past financing and insurance on the vehicle. Verify the information with the bank, finance company or agent.
    • Ensure the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the automobile's dash is present, secure and unaltered.
    • Check to ensure the VIN plate has not been repainted and the numbers stamped in the plate appear to be the original factory numbers.
    • If in doubt about plate authenticity, check with a new car dealer who handles the same model, or contact a law enforcement agency. (Thieves may remove the VIN plate and replace it with one from a similar wrecked vehicle.)
    • Be suspicious of any deal that seems "too good to be true."

  • You can renew your registration by “self-certifying” as the vehicle owner, that you are entitled to renew your Texas registration, but you and your vehicle are currently out of state and you are unable to complete the required Texas vehicle inspection. This is common with active-duty military members who are on assignment outside of Texas.

    You can renew your registration and waive the Texas vehicle inspection requirement either online or by mail.

    1. Online: by self-certifying you are out-of-state (pre-requisites apply)
    2. By mail: submit the following to a  county tax office in Texas if you are not eligible to renew online: 
      • Renewal notice, vehicle identification number or plate number
      • Copy of owner's current driver license or government-issued photo identification
      • Copy of proof of current vehicle insurance
      • Written statement indicating the vehicle is out-of-state
      • Fees: Contact your local county tax office for exact amount and payment methods

    To ensure you do not receive a ticket or have to pay penalty fees, you will need to have your vehicle inspected within 3 days after returning to Texas. Also, we recommend you keep the inspection report in your vehicle to prove you have completed it if you are stopped by law enforcement.

  • Welcome to our great state! There are 4 steps to title and register your vehicle in Texas as a new Texas resident. The steps must be followed in the order listed:

    • Step 1: Obtain Texas vehicle insurance
      • Some out of state insurance policies may be acceptable. We recommend you contact your insurance agent for assistance
    • Step 2: Obtain a Texas vehicle inspection at any state inspection station within your new county of residence
      • Proof of vehicle insurance will be required at the time of inspection
    • Step 3: Apply for a Texas title and/or registration in person at your local county tax office. Take the following with you:
    • Step 4: Apply for a Texas driver license through the Texas Department of Public Safety
      • Information for new residents is available on their website

    Be sure to register your vehicle within 30-days of moving to Texas; otherwise, penalty fees may apply.

  • You can check the status of your registration renewal through our online renewal tracking tool Where's My Sticker if you completed your renewal online. The tracker will tell you WHEN IT WAS MAILED to you, not when you should receive it. If the registration renewal was submitted:

    • By mail: Please allow up to two weeks for delivery by the US Postal Service. If it has been more than 2 weeks since the mailing date on the online tracking tool and you have not received your registration, you can contact your local county tax office.
    • Online: You will receive a confirmation email after you complete the online renewal process that will serve as your proof of registration until the sticker arrives. Be sure to keep the confirmation in your vehicle in case you are stopped by law enforcement. You may contact your local county tax office if you do not receive your renewal and it has been 2 weeks since the mailing date or if you need more information.

     

  • The owner on record is a person that is responsible for the vehicle, owns and receives all correspondence.

    A renewal recipient is someone who may be able to renew the vehicle registration only and if different from the owner on record will receive only the renewal notice.

    A common example when the owner on record is different from the renewal recipient is when the owner on record is the parent and the renewal recipient is their child who is in college and lives at another address.

  • To change the address on your vehicle record, a completed Address Change Form (VTR-146) will need to be submitted in person to your local county tax office or mailed in to the address listed on the form. Please note, the Title Document field on the form is not required.

    The online option does not change the address for the owner on record, only the renewal recipient. This means if the owner of the vehicle in our vehicle registration system does not have the same address as the renewal recipient, the registration renewal notice and the registration sticker will be sent to the renewal recipient address and all other correspondence will be mailed to the owner's address on record.

    A common example of this situation is the vehicle owner is the parent and the renewal recipient is their child who is in college and lives at another address. Any toll violations or notifications to the owner will be sent to the address on file for the owner, not the renewal recipient.

    If you want to change the renewal recipient address, click here.

  • If your Texas title is lost or never received, a replacement title can be obtained in person or by mail through a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Regional Service Center. A replacement is referred to as a Certified Copy of Title. Keep in mind, Texas cannot issue a replacement title for another state.

    To obtain a replacement title, submit the following in person or by mail to a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Regional Service Center:

    Regional Service Center locations are listed on page 2 of the Certified Copy of Title Application (Form VTR-34). Requests submitted by mail must be sent to the Wichita Falls Regional Service Center address.

  • The owner(s) on record will need to provide the person renewing on their behalf the following items to take to the local county tax office:

    • Written authorization (this can be a simple note)
      • Some county tax offices have a required authorization form that must be completed by you. We recommend calling your local county tax office to see if one is required.
    • Their current government issued photo identification.
    • Proof of your current insurance (copy)
    • Proof of current Texas vehicle inspection (copy)
    • Fees: Contact your local county tax office for exact fee amount and payment methods

  • You do not need the renewal notice to renew the vehicle registration when renewing online, in person or by mail through the local county tax office. They are only required if you want to renew at a grocery store.

  • Temporary permits can be obtained in person through your local County Tax Office or Regional Service Center.

  • The most common reasons for a temporary permit are when a customer purchased a vehicle with expired registration, there are no plates on the vehicle, or the customer is waiting to receive their license plates. A Temporary Permit allows temporary operation of a vehicle without registration and must be purchased in person. It cannot be used in place of regular registration.

    To obtain a temporary permit, submit the following in person to your local county tax office or Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Regional Service Center:

    72-hr and 144-hr permits are only available for commercial vehicles being used in Texas. These types of permits may be obtained online.

    Although a Texas vehicle inspection is not a requirement to purchase a permit, it is required to operate the vehicle on public roads. The only exception is for vehicles with a one-trip permit. A Texas inspection can be obtained at any state inspection station within your county of residence.

  • We are sorry to hear that you left Texas, but hope that you are settling into your new home. Your Texas license plates are yours to keep. Consider them a souvenir from our great state and something to remember us by. Should you choose to recycle your old Texas plates, cut them into pieces and place them in the recycle bin. This will prevent fraudulent use of the plates.

  • If your registration receipt was lost or misplaced, you can get a duplicate receipt either in person or by mail. You will need to submit the following to request a duplicate receipt:

    Commercial vehicles are required to have the receipt in the vehicles at all times. However, for all other vehicles, it is recommended the registration receipt be retained in the vehicle, as it serves as proof of registration.

  • Texas inspection fees are collected in two steps, but rest assured, you are not being charged twice for an inspection. The inspection station receives its portion of the fee at the time of inspection. The state collects its portion of the fee at the time of registration.

    Inspections are verified electronically, so your inspection station cannot charge you more than their portion of the fee. The remaining state's portion of the fee is collected by your county tax office at the time of your renewal.

  • Apply for a Salvage Vehicle Title by mailing the following to the address on the form:

    You should receive the Salvage Vehicle Title within 3 weeks.

    Step 2:Make any necessary repairs and have the vehicle inspected at any state inspection station within your county of residence. A new inspection is required, regardless if the repairs were made.

    Step 3:Apply for title and/or registration by submitting the following in person to the applicant's local county tax office:

  • If the registration sticker was lost or never received, submit the following in person or by mail to your local county tax office:

    • Completed Replacement Plates/Sticker Application (Form VTR-60) if submitting by mail or the vehicle information (vehicle identification number or license plate number) if submitting in person
    • Copy of owner's current driver license or government-issued photo identification
    • $6.50 replacement fee (check or money order) payable to the county tax office. Cash is accepted in person. We recommend you contact your local county tax office for all payment methods. Under certain circumstances the county may waive the replacement fee.

  • You can apply for plates and/or parking placards for persons with disabilities in person or by mail at your local county tax office in your county of residence. You will need to provide the following:

  • To protect yourself from liability, you should complete a vehicle transfer notification within 30 days from the date of sale. You may still submit a vehicle transfer notification after the 30 days from the date of sale, but it does not guarantee release from liability. Keep in mind the information on the motor vehicle record will remain the same until the new owner transfers the title into their name.

    You can submit the vehicle transfer notification using one of these options:

  • Thank you for contacting us and for your service and sacrifice for our country.

    The good news is as a Texas resident serving in the U.S. armed forces, regardless of where you are stationed, you can title and/or register your vehicle in Texas by mail to your local Texas county tax office. Be sure to complete your title/registration transfer within 60-days, if you purchased a vehicle and it is not already titled in your name in any state or country; otherwise, penalty fees may apply.

    To apply for title and/or registration while the vehicle is out-of-state, submit the following by mail to the your (applicant's) local county tax office in Texas:

    To ensure you do not receive a ticket or have to pay penalty fees, you will need to have your vehicle inspected within 3 days after returning to Texas. Also, we recommend you keep the inspection report in your vehicle to prove you have completed it if you are stopped by law enforcement.

    Additional notes:

    • If the vehicle is in Texas
      • Application should be submitted in person to the applicant's local county tax office
      • Copy of current proof of inspection from any state inspection station within the applicant's Texas county of residence is required
    • If you (applicant) are allowing someone to sign on your behalf, they need a

  • There are specific requirements for titling and registering trailers in Texas and it can seem a bit complicated. Registration is always required for a trailer, but the need for a title is based on the trailer weight. If the trailer is over 4,000 pounds gross weight (empty plus carrying capacity) it must be titled, but if it is 4,000 pounds gross weight (empty plus carrying capacity) or less, titling is optional. If the trailer was previously titled, it must continue to be titled.

    There are exceptions for Farm Trailers:

    • Title is required if it is over 34,000 pounds gross weight or was previously titled
    • Title is optional if it is 34,000 pounds gross weight or less
    • Registration is optional if the farm trailer is 4,000 pounds gross weight or less
    • Farm trailers are exempt from inspection

    You will need to take the following to the applicant's local county tax office in order to title/register the trailer:

    • Evidence of ownership – Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, title, bill of sale, or out-of-state registration receipt
    • Completed Title and/or Registration Application (Form 130-U)
      • Check the Non-titled box if the trailer will not be titled
    • Completed Trailer Verification Statement of Fact (Form VTR-141)
      • Only required if the trailer is being titled and is:
      • A new travel trailer or park model trailer
      • Any travel trailer or park model trailer last titled/registered out-of-state
      • Any homemade trailer being titled for the first time.
    • Weight Certificate, if applicable
      • Required for all out-of-state trailers, unless the empty weight is shown on the out-of-state title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin
    • Applicant's current driver license or government-issued photo identification
    • Proof of current inspection, if applicable
      • Inspection is required for trailers over 7,500 pounds gross weight (farm trailers exempt)
      • Inspect your trailer at any state inspection station within your county of residence. Look for stations with a TL or TLMC endorsement remark. We recommend contacting the inspection station to confirm they still conduct trailer inspections
      • Click here to view inspection criteria for trailers. Proof of insurance for the vehicle pulling the trailer will be required at time of inspection
    • Fees: Contact your local county tax office for the exact fee amount and payment methods

    Titled trailers require a vehicle identification number. If the trailer does not have a vehicle identification number (common for homemade trailers):

  • If you are unable to obtain the proper documents to complete a vehicle title transfer, there are still three options available to apply for a Texas title. They are:

    Bonded title process: You will need to submit a completed Bonded Title Statement of Fact Form (Form VTR-130-SOF), copy of applicant's current driver license or government-issued photo identification and a $15 fee, in person (check, cash or money order) or by mail (check or money order) to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Regional Service Center to determine eligibility.

    Court order: You can petition a county or district court to award ownership. We recommend you seek legal advice from a private attorney, if needed

    Tax Collector Hearing: This is a limited service. Contact your local county tax office to see if they offer this option and for the requirements.

  • Congratulations on your purchase! Be sure to complete your title transfer within 30-days from the date of sale; otherwise, penalty fees may apply.

    To apply for title and registration, submit the following in person to your local county tax office:

  • The evidence required for transferring ownership depends on whether the deceased owner's estate is probated. When the estate goes through probate, the court will name an Executor/Executrix or Administrator and provide Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration as proof of ownership. If the estate is not probated, an Heirship Affidavit is required.

    In either scenario, to apply for title and/or registration, here are the documents the applicant will need to submit in person to their local county tax office:

    • Title, if available
    • Evidence the loan is paid in full (original release of lien), if applicable
    • Completed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)
    • Appropriate authority to transfer ownership
    • Completed Gift Affidavit
      • Required when the vehicle is inherited between eligible parties
      • Requires notarization, unless signed in front of a county tax office employee
      • The recipient or donor must submit the application in person
      • Refer to page 2 for additional instructions
    • Applicant's current driver license or government-issued photo identification
    • Proof of current vehicle insurance (required if applying for registration)
    • Proof of current vehicle inspection (required if the registration is expired and you would like to register the vehicle)
    • Fees: Contact your local county tax office for exact fee amount and payment methods

  • To complain about a mover please visit the following link: https://apps.txdmv.gov/apps/mccs/cms/

  • If you are having repeated problems getting your new vehicle to operate the way that it should, the Texas Lemon Law may help you get it repurchased, replaced or repaired.

    Learn more here.

  • You can file for a vehicle transfer notification here: https://webdealer.txdmv.gov/title/publicVehicleTransfer

  • If a title is lost or destroyed, you may obtain a certified copy of title by following the steps below. If a lien is recorded, the lienholder should complete an application for certified copy of title, or provide you with an original release of lien. There is a 30-day waiting period to apply for a certified copy of title after the last one was issued.

    Note: A lien that has been paid off may still be recorded on the title. If that is the case, an original release of lien from the lienholder is required. A fax or photocopy is not acceptable.

    Read more here.

  • NOTE: You must get your vehicle inspected AND have it pass inspection before you can renew your vehicle registration.

    Your vehicle registration sticker displays your license plate number, county of registration and partial vehicle identification number. This customization helps protect you against theft and fraud. Registration expires on the last day of the month shown on your sticker. For example, if your sticker shows a date of 12/18, your registration is valid through the last day of December 2018.

    Stickers for motorcycles are smaller and are displayed in the top right corner of the license plate.

    Since March 1, 2015, your current registration sticker also serves as proof of vehicle inspection.

    Read more here.

  • It is simple and free to transfer your license plates to your new vehicle. The TxDMV encourages you to transfer your plates because it protects you. Contact your local tax assessor-collector's office for details on how they can assist you with your specific situation.

    You may transfer your plates:

    • Between vehicles you own. Your local county tax assessor-collector’s office will issue a new registration sticker for your vehicle.
    • To a vehicle purchased from a dealer. Remove the plates and request that the dealer transfer the plates to the new vehicle. 
    • To a vehicle purchased from a private party. Register the plates with your local county tax assessor-collector office when you title the vehicle in your name.
    • To a leased vehicle.
    • From a vehicle titled jointly to a vehicle titled in your name alone. If your name has not changed.

    Be sure to remove the registration sticker on your old vehicle when you take off the plates.

    Note:

    • General issue plates may be transferred to passenger vehicles and trucks weighing one ton or less.

    Read more here.

  • If you have a complaint about a dealer's sales practices, please follow the steps below:

    1. For the fastest processing of your complaint, go to the Motor Vehicle Dealer Online Complaint System:

      Motor Vehicle Dealer Online Complaint System

    2. Following the directions, provide a copy of the sales contract and other documents you may have received from the dealer. For advertising complaints, please provide a copy of the advertisement.
    3. If we find evidence of a violation of the laws we enforce we may initiate administrative action in the name of the TxDMV against the person or entity. Please be advised that any civil penalty collected by the TxDMV is credited to a specified state fund. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles cannot pursue a private claim for damages on your behalf. You may have civil claims against the dealer or person you are complaining about that are separate and apart from our administrative action. We encourage you to seek private legal counsel to assist you in determining your rights, time limits to file civil claims and other options in this matter.
    4. Should you have trouble filing, please contact us at (888)368-4689.