Registering a car in Texas isn’t just a box to check—it’s what legally ties your name to your vehicle and keeps you compliant with state law. Whether you’re new to the Lone Star State or just got a new set of wheels, making sure your car is registered in Texas helps protect you, your vehicle, and everyone else on the road. It also ensures that your taxes and fees contribute to public infrastructure like roads and highways.
In 2025, Texas rolled out some major updates to the registration process. The most notable change? The removal of the annual safety inspection requirement for non-commercial vehicles. While emissions testing still applies in certain counties, this update simplifies the process for many vehicle owners. It’s a shift that saves time—but it also means staying on top of new fees and paperwork requirements tied to the update.
This guide is designed for:
- New residents figuring out how to get their car registered in Texas
- First-time car owners learning the ropes
- Long-time Texans who need a refresher on how the Texas register car process works today
No matter your starting point, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—step by step.
Ensuring your vehicle is properly insured and meets Texas’s inspection requirements is crucial for legal and safe driving. Below are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Get Texas Auto Insurance
Before registering a car in Texas, you’ll need to have it insured. The state has minimum liability coverage requirements in place to protect you and others on the road. At a minimum, your policy must include:
- $30,000 for injury to one person;
- $60,000 for injury per accident;
- $25,000 for property damage;
This coverage is often referred to as “30/60/25.” It’s important to note that you can’t get your car registered in Texas without proof of valid insurance, so this step should come first. Make sure your insurer is licensed to operate in the state and that your policy meets the required standards.
Step 2: Understand Inspection Requirements
As of January 1, 2025, Texas made a big change to its vehicle registration process. If you’re registering a car in Texas now, here’s what you need to know:
Annual safety inspections are no longer required for most non-commercial vehicles. That means no more yearly visits to inspection stations just to get registered.
However, emissions testing is still required if you live in one of 17 specific counties. These are typically more urban areas where air quality regulations are stricter. If your county is on the list, your vehicle must pass an emissions test before it can be registered.
To find a certified emissions testing station near you, just search for local vehicle inspection centers in your area or check your county tax office’s website. They often have updated directories of where you can go.
Whether you’re new to the state or just haven’t registered a car in a while, it’s crucial to stay on top of these updates. The process to get your car registered in Texas is easier now—but skipping a required emissions check could delay your registration.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Before heading to your local county tax assessor-collector’s office to register your vehicle, make sure you have the following documents:
- Proof of Insurance: A valid Texas auto insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum liability requirements.
- Ownership Documents: The vehicle’s original title or, if you’re a new resident, the out-of-state registration receipt.TXDMV+1TXDMV+1
- Completed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U): This form is necessary for processing your vehicle’s title and registration. You can download it from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website.TXDMV
- Emissions Test Results (if applicable): If you reside in one of the 17 counties where emissions testing is required, ensure you have the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) from a certified inspection station.
Step 4: Visit Your County Tax Assessor-Collector Office
With your documents in hand, proceed to your local county tax assessor-collector’s office to complete the registration process. Here’s what to expect:
- Submission of Paperwork: Present all the gathered documents to the clerk for verification and processing.
- Fee Payment: Be prepared to pay the following fees:
- Registration Fee: The standard fee is $50.75.
- Local County Fees: These vary by county and may include additional charges.
- Inspection Program Replacement Fee: As of January 1, 2025, a $7.50 fee replaces the previous safety inspection requirement.
- Emissions Testing Fee (if applicable): An additional fee if your vehicle requires an emissions test.
- Payment Methods: Most offices accept cash, checks, and credit/debit cards, but it’s advisable to check with your specific county office for accepted payment methods.
Registration Deadline for New Texas Residents:
If you’ve recently moved to Texas, you are required to register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. Failing to do so may result in penalties or fines.
Step 5: Special Note – Electric Vehicles
If you drive an electric vehicle and are registering a car in Texas, there’s one more thing to keep in mind: a $200 annual fee. This additional charge applies to fully electric vehicles with a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or less.
Why the extra cost? It’s designed to help offset the loss of gas tax revenue—which normally helps fund road maintenance and infrastructure—since EVs don’t use fuel. The fee is added at the time of registration or renewal and is non-negotiable.
So, if you’re planning to get your electric car registered in Texas, budget for this yearly cost to avoid surprises.
Step 6: Don’t Forget – Get a Texas Driver License
For new residents, registering a car in Texas is only part of the process. You’re also required to get a Texas driver license within 90 days of moving to the state.
But here’s the key: it’s best to complete your car registration first. Having your vehicle registered makes it easier to prove residency and complete the license process smoothly. It also helps avoid any administrative hiccups that could delay getting on the road legally.
Step 7: Online Tools and Tips
The process to get your car registered in Texas doesn’t have to be a hassle. The state offers a variety of online tools to make things quicker and more convenient:
- Sign up for Renewal Reminders: Don’t miss your annual registration deadline. You can sign up for email or text reminders through your county or the TxDMV site.
- Use Online Services: From renewing your registration to printing temporary permits, many services are available online through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website. This can save you a trip to the tax office.
- Stay Up to Date: Rules change. Requirements shift. Stay current by checking for updates on official state websites so you’re always in the know about how to keep your car registered in Texas legally.
Conclusion: Keeping It Simple When Registering a Car in Texas
Getting your car registered in Texas doesn’t have to be complicated—as long as you know the steps. Start with valid insurance, understand whether you need an emissions inspection, gather the right documents, and head to your county’s tax office to submit everything. If you’re driving an EV or new to the state, make sure you’re up to speed on special requirements like the $200 electric vehicle fee and the 90-day window for getting your Texas driver license.
The key? Don’t wait. Taking care of your registration early helps you avoid late fees, fines, or delays in getting on the road legally. Whether you’re new in town or just haven’t registered a car in a while, staying current with the Texas register car process keeps things smooth.
Useful Resources for Registering a Car in Texas
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV)
Main hub for vehicle registration, title transfers, forms, and online services.
https://www.txdmv.gov - Form 130-U: Application for Texas Title and/or Registration
Required to register or title your vehicle in Texas.
Download Form 130-U (PDF) - Texas Vehicle Inspection Station Locator
Check if you need an emissions test and find a certified inspection location.
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/vehicle-inspection/find-vehicle-inspection-location - Register for Registration Renewal Reminders
Sign up to get a heads-up via email or text before your registration expires.
https://renew.txdmv.gov/Renew/Reminder - Find Your County Tax Assessor-Collector Office
Lookup address, hours, and contact info for your local registration office.
https://www.txdmv.gov/tax-assessor-collectors - Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
For driver license requirements and state ID info.
https://www.dps.texas.gov
