Register a vehicle in Texas

Online or in person

No online option described · In person at a county tax officeTxDMV's pages describe applying at a county tax office. Title the vehicle in your name within 30 days of the sale. TxDMV says the seller should accompany the buyer to the county tax office.

Cost

Base registration $50.75TxDMV states a base state registration fee of $50.75 for passenger vehicles and light trucks, plus $1 for TexasSure insurance verification, a title application fee and local county fees. If buying from an individual, motor vehicle sales tax is 6.25% of the purchase price or standard presumptive value, whichever is highest. Counties may add fees; contact your county tax office for exact amounts.

You leave with

Registration sticker and platesTxDMV's New to Texas page says you get your registration sticker and license plates at the county tax assessor-collector office. For the title, TxDMV says to allow a minimum of 20 business days for processing and to contact TxDMV if you have not received it within 30 business days.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) · all that apply
     First-time registrants complete this form. For a private sale, the seller's signature isn't required for the filing and a copy is acceptable, per TxDMV's FAQ.
   • Proof of ownership · all that apply
     From a private seller.
     Show accepted documents

     • Properly signed title showing the sale date and odometer reading
     • Signed Form 130-U showing the sales price
     • Release of lien or power of attorney, if applicable
   • Proof of Texas minimum liability insurance · all that apply
     Without proof of insurance you may apply for "title only".
   • Photo ID · all that apply
     TxDMV's FAQ lists your driver license or photo ID for the county tax office.

2. Get Texas insurance

   TxDMV states the minimums as $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage.

   New to Texas on txdmv.gov ↗

3. Go to your county tax office with the seller

   File the title application in your name within 30 days of the sale date. Late transfers can incur delinquent transfer penalties.

   Buying or selling a vehicle ↗

4. Wait for your title

   Allow a minimum of 20 business days for processing of your title application. If you have not received your title within 30 business days, contact TxDMV at (888) 368-4689.

   Buying or selling a vehicle ↗