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| Question: I just moved to Texas. How do I register my vehicle? |
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Answer: Your vehicle must first pass a vehicle safety inspection and an inspection of the vehicle identification number. These services are available at a state-approved Safety Inspection Station. The
inspection facility will provide you with verification form that must be submitted to the county tax office along with an application for certificate of title. Title and registration fees are due at the local
county tax assessor-collector’s office at the time the application for title is made. Liability insurance is required in Texas before these services are provided. |
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| Question: What does "Registration Purposes Only" mean? What are the circumstances for this type of transaction? |
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Answer: "Registration Purposes Only" means that the vehicle is registered but not titled in Texas. This type of registration may be requested when a vehicle that was last registered or titled in another
state is subject to registration in Texas and the owner or operator cannot/does not wish to surrender the negotiable out-of-state evidence of ownership to obtain a negotiable Texas Certificate of Title. |
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| Question: I sold my vehicle several months ago, but the registration and title have not been changed to reflect the new owner's name and address. I'm getting notices about parking tickets
involving that vehicle -- and the registration renewal notice has also come to me. What can I do? |
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Answer: It is likely that the new owner has not transferred the title to their name. Contact the county tax office or
VTR Regional Office and fill out the Motor Vehicle Transfer Notification (Form VTR-346)
*. Or write a letter to: Texas Department of Transportation, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Attention: Vehicle Data Management Branch, Austin, TX 78779-0001. The letter must provide the vehicle
description (year, make, VIN), date of sale, and purchaser’s name and address. Upon receipt of the fee and the form or letter, we will place a notation on the motor vehicle record indicating that the vehicle has been transferred. The
fee for this service is $5. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Texas Department of Transportation. |
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| Question: I just moved to Texas. How do I register my vehicle? |
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Answer: Your vehicle must first pass a vehicle safety inspection and an inspection of the vehicle identification number. These services are available at a state-approved Safety Inspection Station. The
inspection facility will provide you with a verification form that must be submitted to the county tax office along with an application for certificate of title. Title and registration fees are due at the county tax office at the time the
application for title is made. Liability insurance is required in Texas before these services are provided. |
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| Question: I used to live in Texas but am currently out of state. How do I register my vehicle in Texas? |
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Answer: Contact the tax assessor-collector’s office in the county where you last resided. If you are exempt from the required safety inspection
because you are active military or a full-time student, the tax collector will send you a packet containing the information and forms you will need to renew the registration on your vehicle. If you are not a full-time student or active
military, you must register the vehicle in the state where you now reside. |
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| Question: I am disabled and would like to obtain license plates with the international symbol of access. What should I do? |
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Answer: Texas law allows disabled residents to obtain one set of plates with the international symbol of access and one placard; or, you can get two placards. The placard may be displayed in any vehicle
used to transport the disabled person. The placard is required to be displayed on the rear view mirror when parked in a disabled person parking space if the vehicle does not have disabled person license plates. A disability statement form is
available at the county tax office. The form must be completed and notarized by the applicant’s physician. There is a $5 fee for the placard, which must be renewed every 4 years. There is no extra fee for the license plate. Additional sets of
disabled person plates may be obtained for vehicles specially-equipped for operation by a person who has lost the use of one or both legs. For more information on disabled person placards and license plates, please see the
Frequently Asked Questions About Disabled Person Placards/License Plates. |
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| Question: What should I do if my license plates are damaged or stolen, or I need to replace a windshield validation sticker? |
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Answer: You can obtain replacement license plates or validation stickers at the county tax assessor-collector’s office. There will be a $5.30 fee. |
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| Question: I want to renew my registration by mail. How do I do that? |
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Answer: Follow the instructions on the renewal notice: Send the renewal notice, registration fee and all requested information to your county tax office. Add an additional $1 for the processing and
mailing fee. Include a photocopy of your insurance card to show proof of financial responsibility. |
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| Question: I registered my vehicle in August. So why does the registration expire in July? |
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Answer: A vehicle registration period is for 12 consecutive months and any portion thereof. Vehicles registered in August would expire on July 31. |
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| Question: How do I sell a vehicle that is registered and titled in my ex/late spouse's name? |
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Answer: 1) If the divorce decree awards the vehicle to you, contact the county tax office with a certified copy of the decree and apply for title. If the decree does not award the vehicle to you, a
properly assigned title will be required. 2) In the case of a deceased spouse, the ownership will be determined as to whether there is a will, trust, etc. Contact the county tax
assessor-collector’s office or a VTR Regional Office for help. |
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| Question: How do I register and title a rebuilt/salvage vehicle? |
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Answer: For information about rebuilt and salvage vehicles, contact the VTR Regional Office, or the Customer Help Desk, at 512/465-7611. |
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| Question: Why does it cost less to register my new pick up truck than it does my older car? |
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Answer: State law makes the fee structure for passenger vehicles different from that of trucks. Passenger vehicle registration is determined by the manufacturer's model year. The annual license fee for
trucks is $25 plus an amount based on the empty weight of the vehicle and its net carrying capacity. |
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| Question: What does "Registration Purposes Only" mean? What are the circumstances for this type of transaction? |
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Answer: "Registration Purposes Only" means that the vehicle is registered but not titled in Texas. This type of registration may be requested when a vehicle that was last registered or titled in another
state is subject to registration in Texas and the owner or operator cannot/does not wish to surrender the negotiable out-of-state evidence of ownership to obtain a negotiable Texas Certificate of Title. |
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| Question: How do I obtain personalized license plates or other special plates? |
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Answer: You may obtain an application from the county tax office or any VTR Regional Office. There will be a charge in addition to the regular registration fee. The amount charged for personalized and
special plates will vary according to the type ordered. In some cases, the applicant must meet eligibility requirements before applying for special plates. Follow the instructions on the forms. See the
Special License Plates Listing for pictures of the special license plates that are available. |
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| Question: Why do I pay extra $1 fees to register my vehicle? |
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Answer: House Bill 3588, 78th Texas
Legislature, Regular Session, provided for the collection of a $1 fee, in
addition to other registration fees, for all vehicle owners who are required
to show proof of financial responsibility. All counties in Texas must
collect this fee. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the
Department of Insurance (DOI) will jointly complete a study on the
feasibility, affordability and practicability of creating an insurance
database system to verify that motor vehicle owners have established
financial responsibility. The DPS and DOI will jointly issue an order before
July 1, 2004, stating a determination of whether the system should be
implemented.
If the study determines an insurance database is
feasible, revenue from the $1 insurance fee may be used by the DPS, the DOI
and TxDOT to jointly implement the insurance verification database program
before January 1, 2005. In addition, prior to August 31, 2005, the DPS may
use the monies collected to reengineer the Texas driver license system and
to establish a system to support the driver responsibility program
House Bill 3014, 76th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, provided for
the collection of a $1 fee, in addition to other registration fees for a
license plate or set of license plates or other device used as registration
insignia in counties with 50,000 or more registered motor vehicles. There
are currently 51 counties in Texas that meet this requirement. This fee is
used for upgrading the automated Registration and Title System (RTS). |
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| Question: I lost my title. How do I get a duplicate? |
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Answer: Applicants for a certified copy of title may be the owner of record, lienholder, or verifiable agent of either. Whether the application is submitted by mail or walk-in, all applicants must
provide to the department:
- The appropriate fee - $2.00 for mail-in applications and $5.45 for walk-in applications. (If mailed, the fee should be in the form of a check, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to the Texas Department of Transportation.) Please
do not mail cash.
- Photo ID (government-issued photo ID, such as Texas or other state driver’s license, government identification card, U.S. Passport, or military identification) of the person signing the
Form VTR-34*. (In cases of joint ownership, government-issued photo ID for each individual owner of record is required.)
- If mailing by overnight or express mail through a mail service which requires a physical address, mail to the VTR Regional Office nearest you, using the appropriate street address on
the back of the Form VTR-34*.
Verifiable Agent of Owner or Lienholder (Mail-in or Walk-in)
- In addition to the requirements above, a verified agent of the owner or lienholder must also provide a letter of signature authority on original letterhead, a business card, or copy of the agent’s employee ID.
If the Form VTR-34 is signed with a Power of Attorney (POA), the transaction must have, in addition to the requirements above:
- Copy of a government-issued photo ID of recorded owner/lienholder signing the POA.
- Copy of a government-issued photo ID of the individual signing the Form VTR-34*.
NOTE: Businesses given POA will also be required to provide a letter of signature authority on original letterhead, or a business card, or a copy of employee ID.
In cases of joint ownership, each owner must sign the POA and provide a copy of each owner’s government-issued photo ID.
For more information, see the Certified Copy of Title Fact Sheet (Form VTR-34-F)* available at all VTR Regional Offices, County Tax Assessor-Collectors’
Offices, and on this web site. |
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| Question: I just bought/sold a car. How do I transfer the title? |
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Answer: The seller should indicate the purchaser's name and address, and the odometer reading and certification in the title assignment and then sign both the title and the title application (Form
130-U)*. These should be given to the purchaser, along with the registration receipt. The purchaser should then go to the county tax assessor-collector office and file the title application
(proof of insurance required). It is recommended the seller accompany the buyer to the tax office to ensure the title is transferred
into the buyer’s name. This will protect the seller from liability for certain acts by the purchaser.
The title application fee is EITHER $28 OR $33*,
depending on the county in which the application for title is filed,
plus motor vehicle sales tax (6.25%). There will also be a $2.50 registration transfer fee, or possibly a registration fee, if the license is not current.
The transfer must be recorded within 20 working days or there will be a $10 penalty in addition to other
fee requirements. Contact the county tax assessor collector’s office
to determine the correct fees as there are additional requirements provided
by law.
If you buy a vehicle from a licensed Texas
dealer, the dealer is required to complete all the papers that are necessary to title and register the vehicle in your name. The dealer must also file them with the county tax
assessor-collector’s office within 20 days of the date you bought the vehicle. |
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| Question: I financed my car and the lien was recorded, but I have not received a title yet. |
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Answer: When a lien is recorded on a title, the Texas Certificate of Title is mailed to the 1st lienholder. The Title Application Receipt you received after the title was applied for serves
as your proof of registration and as proof that a title was applied for to record you as the owner of the vehicle. |
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| Question: I applied for a title and neither my lien holder (if a lien was recorded) nor I have received it yet. |
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Answer: Contact the county tax assessor-collector’s office and ask them to check the record. Customers should receive their titles within two
weeks of the date the department receives the application. |
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| Question: Why does the state show a lien on my car if I paid it off? |
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Answer: This occurs if you have not advised the state that your lien has been satisfied. To remove the lien information, go to the county tax office, fill out a
Title Application (Form 130-U)*, and submit it along with the title and the release of lien. The fee
for this service is EITHER $28 OR $33*, depending on the county in
which the application for title is filed. Contact the county tax assessor collector's office
to determine the correct fees. The state will mail you a title that does not show a lien. |
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| Question: I sold my vehicle several months ago, but the registration and title have not been changed to reflect the new owner's name and address. I'm getting notices about parking tickets
involving that vehicle -- and the registration renewal notice has also come to me. What can I do? |
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Answer: It is probable the new owner has not transferred title to their name. Contact the county tax office or VTR Regional Office and fill out
the Motor Vehicle Transfer Notification (Form VTR-346)*. Or write a letter to: Texas Department
of Transportation, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Attention: Vehicle Data Management Branch, Austin, TX 78779-0001. The letter must provide the vehicle description (year, make, VIN), date of sale, and purchaser’s name and address.
Upon receipt of the fee and the form or letter, we will place a notation on the motor vehicle record indicating that the vehicle has been transferred. The fee for this service is $5. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Texas
Department of Transportation. |
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| Question: How do I sell a vehicle that is registered and titled in my ex/late spouse's name? |
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Answer: 1) If the divorce decree awards the vehicle to you, contact the county tax assessor-collector’s office with a certified copy of the
decree and apply for title. If the decree does not award the vehicle to you, a properly assigned title will be required. 2) In the case of a deceased spouse, the ownership will be determined as to whether there is a will, trust, etc. Contact
the county tax office or a VTR Regional Office for help. |
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| Question: My title was issued incorrectly. What should I do? |
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Answer: Contact any of the VTR Regional Offices or the Customer Help Desk at (512) 465-7611. You can also contact your local county tax office. |
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| Question: How do I register and title a rebuilt/salvage vehicle? |
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Answer: For information about rebuilt and salvage vehicles, contact the VTR Regional Office, or the Customer Help Desk, at 512/465-7611. |
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| Question: Why can it be difficult to change a vehicle title to my name? |
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Answer: The title law protects ownership rights for more than 15 million vehicles in Texas. Therefore, the statutes require transfer of ownership by proper execution of certain ownership documents. When
these specific documents are incomplete or unavailable, Texas statutes provide for the applicant to apply for a tax collector’s hearing or bonded title in most situations. |
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| Question: What is a bonded title and what is it used for? |
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Answer: A bonded title is a notation reflected on a title document and the motor vehicle record which indicates that a Certificate of Title Surety Bond was surrendered in support of the application for
title. The bond is issued in the title applicant’s name for a 3-year period. The notation is carried forward upon subsequent issuance for the 3-year period. The bond is required by statute, when proper ownership documents are unavailable, to
protect previous and subsequent owners and lien holders from possible claims. |
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| Question: I have not received my registration renewal notice. What do I do? |
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Answer: Your vehicle can be renewed at the county tax office by using your license receipt from the previous year. Most county tax offices can verify your registration through electronic verification by
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number. The Department of Transportation can also mail you another renewal notice, depending on the amount of time that’s left before your registration expires. Just call the Customer Help
Desk at (512) 465-7611, or your local county tax assessor-collector’s office. |
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| Question: I moved to another location within Texas. How can I be sure that my registration renewal notice will get to me when the time comes? |
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Answer: Your mail will be forwarded if you filled out a Change of Address Form with the U.S. Postal Service, but the registration record will not be updated in our system. Contact your
county tax assessor-collector’s office or one of our 17 VTR Regional Offices and fill out the
Notice of Address Change for Texas Motor Vehicle Registration (Form VTR-146)*. Or, write a letter
to: Texas Department of Transportation, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Attention: Customer Information Services Branch, Austin, TX 78779-0001. We will take the information you have provided and update the vehicle registration record
accordingly. You must provide the description for each vehicle you own. You can also call our Customer Help Desk at (512) 465-7611, TDD (512) 302-2110. |
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| Question: I did not receive my renewal notice and my registration has expired. Why am I being forced to pay a 20% penalty? |
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Answer: A 20% penalty will no longer be assessed for delinquent registration except in cases when the vehicle has been apprehended for operating on the public highways unregistered after the 5-working
days grace period. |
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| Question: Can a vehicle be operated after the registration expires? |
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Answer: Yes. A vehicle may be operated 5 days after the registration expires without penalty. |
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| Question: What if I haven't driven the vehicle since my registration expired. Do I still pay the 20% penalty? |
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Answer: No. If the Tax Assessor-Collector determines a delinquent registrant has a valid reason for being delinquent in registering their vehicle, the registrant will be required to register the vehicle
for a 12 month period, establishing a new registration expiration month which will end on the last day of the 11th month following the month of registration (no penalty and no Non-use Affidavit).
If the Tax Assessor-Collector determines there is not a valid reason for the delinquent registration, the registrant will be required to register the vehicle for a 12-month period without establishing a new registration period (no penalty
and no Non-use Affidavit).
A person who has been cited for operating their vehicle unregistered will be required to register their vehicle for 12 months without changing their vehicle registration expiration month and pay a penalty of 20% of the prescribed
registration fee. |
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| Question: I have a disability and would like to obtain license plates with the international symbol of access. What should I do? |
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Answer: Texas law allows residents with disabilities to obtain one set of plates with the international symbol of access (ISA) and one placard; or, you can receive two placards. The
placard may be displayed in any vehicle driven by or used to transport the person with a disability. The placard is required to be displayed on the rear view mirror when parked in an accessible parking space if the vehicle does not have license
plates with the ISA. To apply for an accessible parking placard or license plate, obtain a Form VTR-214*
from the county tax assessor-collector or any of the
17 VTR Regional Offices. The form must be completed and notarized by the applicant’s physician or podiatrist, or accompanied by a written prescription. There is a $5 fee for the
placard, which must be renewed every 4 years. There is no extra fee for the license plate. Additional sets of plates with the international symbol of access may be obtained for vehicles specially-equipped for operation by a person who has lost
the use of one or both legs.
Texas law also allows for special plates to be issued to a vehicle that is owned by a veteran of the United States armed forces. A veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran is entitled to register, for the person's own use, two vehicles
if the person has at least a 50 percent service-connected disability; or a 40 percent service-connected disability because of the amputation of a lower extremity; and receives compensation from the United States because of the disability. To
apply for a Disabled Veteran license plate, obtain Form VTR-615*
from the county tax office or any of the regional offices. The
fee for Disabled Veteran license plates is $3 for the first set, and
the applicable fee prescribed by Section 502.161, Transportation Code,
for the additional set of license plates.
For more information on placards and license plates, please see the Frequently Asked Questions About Placards/License Plates for Persons With Disabilities. |
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| Question: How do I obtain personalized license plates or other special plates? |
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Answer: You may obtain an application from the county tax assessor-collector’s office or any
VTR Regional Office. There will be a charge in addition to the regular registration fee. The amount charged for personalized and special plates will vary according to the type ordered. In
some cases, the applicant must meet eligibility requirements before applying for special plates. Follow the instructions on the forms. See the Special License Plates Listing for pictures of
the special license plates that are available. |
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| Question: How do I register and title a motorcycle? |
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Answer: Follow the same procedures as with any motor vehicle |
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| Question: I want to go into business manufacturing trailers and/or
semitrailers, what must I do to legally operate as a trailer/semitrailer
manufacturer? |
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Answer: In order to qualify as a trailer and/or semitrailer manufacturer, the person
or firm must meet the definition of a "manufacturer." A "manufacturer" is a
person or firm engaged in the business of manufacturing or assembling vehicles
for resale using all new component parts. If a vehicle is
assembled using any used component parts (motor, frame, or body), then the
person or firm assembling the vehicle is not a manufacturer. A trailer and/or
semitrailer manufacturer must not assemble their vehicles with a used
frame or body.
If the definition of manufacturer describes your business, you should
complete a
Form VTR-132
(Trailer and/or Semitrailer Manufacturer Certification) and submit it to your
nearest Vehicle Titles and
Registration Division Regional Office. You will be
mailed a letter that provides contact information for Manufacturers’
Certificates of Origin, vehicle identification number formatting, safety, and
registering as a business. |
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Frequent Questions Revised May
11, 2004
* (Documents are in Adobe Acrobat format) |
