Q&A for How to Register a Vehicle in Texas

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Does one have to physically be in Texas to have the ablity to register their vehicle?

Julianne

Community Answer

Yes. Unless there is an online registration form online and you can mail it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

The sticker with the year of registration doesn't go on the license plate. It goes on the windshield.

Community Answer

Their are certain states that require the current status of vehicle to be posted on the vehicle windshield, New York being one of those states.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 0
Question

Do I have to get a new inspection for a purchased used car or can I use the previous owner's inspection report?

Community Answer

California requires the seller to attend to all necessary DMV paper work. The seller has to provide accurate information to DMV to have the car ready to pass inspection for the buyer.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

I moved to Texas from California, the vehicle was gifted to me by my mother. What do I need to do to register it?

Community Answer

Many states have different requirements for the registration of out of state vehicles. Your local Texas DMV should be able to provide you with a list of all needed paperwork.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

My car has been in storage for two years. It is insured and has a current state inspection certificate. Now, I would like to renew its registration, but I do not have renewal notice. How do I do that?

Community Answer

Your local DMV is able to pull up all the needed paperwork for the car to be registered.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can an old vehicle reach the number of times it's allowed to get temp tags in the state of Texas?

Alexa Hills

Community Answer

If a vehicle has already received the maximum number of temporary permits allowed under Texas law, it will not be eligible for additional temporary permits. In this case, the owner would need to obtain permanent registration or make necessary repairs to bring the vehicle into compliance with state laws.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Why is my new car purchased from a dealership taking so long to arrive? It has been 68 days.

Thomas Stone

Community Answer

It may be that they are burdened with many orders or it could be an issue with the transport company.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What is the penalty for not transferring a car title I bought during Covid in 2019/2020, and have been driving less than five miles a day since 2020?

Aaron7280

Community Answer

Without a title in your name, you can't register or insure the vehicle in your name, which may result in a ticket for no registration and possibly not having an inspection. Additionally, the police may tow the vehicle for lack of valid insurance. The penalty for these violations can be significant.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How can I buy a used car from a dealer in Texas, as a resident of Illinois who will return to Illinois in a few weeks?

Alexa Hills

Community Answer

Research the vehicle thoroughly to ensure it meets your needs and is in good condition. Use resources like Carfax or AutoCheck for a vehicle history report. Contact the dealer to confirm availability and negotiate the price. Arrange for payment and shipping, and register the vehicle in Illinois after your return.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I reregister my car in Texas if it was originally registered there but was moved out of state for a couple of years?

Drake Stevens

Community Answer

You should be able to re-register your car in Texas even if it was registered in another state or went unregistered. The main differences between states are smog regulations and car inspections, but you should be fine.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I register a vehicle in Texas if I live in New York, am not a Texas resident, and have a Hawaii driver's license?

Phillip Benson

Community Answer

According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Texas does not issue vehicle registration documents to non-residents, except for military service members for whom Texas is the listed home of record.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I put my July registration tags on my car in June?

Community Answer

No, you typically cannot put July tags on your car in June. Vehicle registration tags are issued to be used starting from the beginning of the month displayed on the tag. Using tags before their designated month is against the rules and may result in fines or penalties. It's best to wait until July to affix and use your July tags on your car.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I use a New York title signed over to me by my husband to get a Texas title, or do I need to get a new New York title in my name first?

Community Answer

You can use the signed-over New York title to apply for a Texas title. Typically, you'll need the signed title, an application for Texas title (Form 130-U), proof of insurance, and any required fees. Check with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific requirements and to ensure a smooth transfer from New York to Texas registration and title.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Do I need to get my used car inspected before transferring its registration in Texas, even if it has a sticker that says 11/24?

Community Answer

Yes, in Texas, you generally need to have a vehicle inspection done before transferring the registration. The inspection ensures the vehicle meets safety and emissions standards. Check the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or contact them directly for exact requirements and any exceptions that may apply based on your specific situation.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What steps should I take if I bought a car with a salvage title from an auction in another state and it was never assigned to me?

Community Answer

Start by obtaining the salvage title and necessary documentation from the seller or auction house. Check your state's requirements for salvage vehicle inspections and gather all relevant paperwork, including a bill of sale. Complete the title transfer process according to your state's DMV guidelines, making sure the salvage title is properly transferred to your name. Once the title transfer is complete, proceed with registering the car, adhering to all registration requirements set by your state's DMV. For specific details tailored to your situation, contact your local DMV or equivalent agency directly.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0