What you need to register a car in Texas

Texas car registration happens through your county tax assessor-collector's office, not through a state DMV — Texas has no DMV. You'll need your vehicle's title (or proof you own it), a completed process for Texas Title and/or Registration form, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. The tax assessor-collector handles both title transfer and registration in one visit, and you can find your local office by searching "[your county name] tax assessor-collector" online.

Registration costs vary by vehicle weight and county, but Texas charges a base fee plus an additional registration fee that depends on your vehicle's value. You'll pay this at the time of registration. The process typically takes 20 to 30 minutes if you have all documents ready, though the office may mail your registration sticker and plates to you rather than handing them over on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • You register your car at your county tax assessor-collector's office, which you can find by searching your county name online.
  • Bring your vehicle title or proof of ownership, a completed process for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130.1), proof of insurance, and a valid ID.
  • Registration fees depend on your vehicle's weight and value, and you pay them at the time of registration.
  • Texas mails registration stickers and plates to your address, so you may not receive them when ready in the office.
  • If you're registering a used car you just bought, you have 30 days from the purchase date to register it.

Registering a new car you bought from a dealer

When you buy a new car from a Texas dealer, the dealer usually handles the title process and sends it to the tax assessor-collector on your behalf. You'll receive paperwork showing what the dealer submitted. However, you still need to visit the tax assessor-collector yourself to complete registration and pay the registration fee — the dealer cannot do this for you.

Bring the paperwork the dealer gave you, your proof of insurance, and a valid ID. The tax assessor-collector will verify the title process and issue your registration. If the dealer did not submit a title process, you'll need to bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO) instead, and the tax assessor-collector will handle both the title and registration at once.

Registering a used car you bought from a private seller

When you buy a used car from a private person, the seller must sign the title over to you. Make sure the seller's signature and printed name are on the back of the title, and that they've filled in the odometer reading and sale date. You then take this signed title to the tax assessor-collector along with proof of insurance and a valid ID.

Bring the signed title, a completed process for Texas Title and/or Registration form, proof of insurance, and your ID. The tax assessor-collector will process the title transfer and register the vehicle under your name. You have 30 days from the purchase date to register the car; after that, you may face a penalty fee.

What proof of insurance looks like in Texas

Texas requires you to show proof of liability insurance before you can register a vehicle. This can be a printed insurance card from your insurance company, a declaration page from your policy, or a digital image of either one on your phone. The document must show your name, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the policy number, and the policy dates.

If you don't yet have insurance, you'll need to purchase it before you visit the tax assessor-collector. You can buy insurance online or by phone in minutes, and your insurance company will email or text you proof when ready. Some people buy insurance on the same day they register, so plan to handle insurance first if you haven't already.

Renewing your registration each year

Texas registration expires on your birthday each year. About 30 to 60 days before your birthday, the tax assessor-collector mails you a renewal notice with the amount due. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at the tax assessor-collector's office.

To renew by mail, send the renewal notice with a check or money order to the address printed on the notice. To renew online, visit your county tax assessor-collector's website — most counties now offer online renewal. To renew in person, bring the renewal notice, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. You do not need to bring your vehicle or title to renew.

Getting replacement plates or a new registration sticker

If your license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit the tax assessor-collector and request a replacement plate. Bring your current registration and a valid ID. The replacement plate will have the same number as your original plate. If your registration sticker is damaged or missing, you can request a replacement sticker at the same visit.

Replacement plates cost a fee that varies by county. The tax assessor-collector may issue the plate on the spot or mail it to you. Ask at the time of your visit which will happen in your county.

What to do if you move to a different Texas county

If you move within Texas to a different county, you do not need to re-register your vehicle or get new plates. Your registration remains valid and your plates stay the same. However, if you move out of Texas, you'll need to register your vehicle in your new state and return your Texas plates to the tax assessor-collector.

If you move within Texas and want to update your address on file with the tax assessor-collector, you can do so by mail, online, or in person. This is not required for your registration to stay valid, but it ensures you receive renewal notices at your correct address.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have the title to my car?

Contact the tax assessor-collector in the county where the car was originally registered. They can issue a duplicate title. Bring a valid ID and proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or insurance policy. There is a fee for a duplicate title, which varies by county.

Can I register my car online instead of going in person?

Some Texas counties allow online registration renewal, but new registrations and title transfers must be done in person at the tax assessor-collector's office. Check your county's website to see if online renewal is available for your situation.

What happens if I register my car after the 30-day important date?

Texas charges a penalty fee if you register more than 30 days after purchase. The penalty amount varies, but registering late costs more than registering on time. Register as soon as you can to avoid the additional fee.

Do I need to bring my vehicle to the tax assessor-collector's office?

No. You do not need to bring the car itself to register it or renew your registration. Bring only the documents listed: title or proof of ownership, the process form, proof of insurance, and a valid ID.

How long does it take to get my registration sticker and plates in the mail?

Most Texas counties mail registration stickers and plates within two to three weeks of registration. Some counties are faster. Ask the tax assessor-collector how long to expect in your county, and ask whether you can drive the car before the sticker arrives — most counties allow this if you have proof of registration from the office.