Registration FAQs

Visit our vehicle registration section for instructions on registering your vehicle.

Yes. Learn more about vehicle requirements for new residents.

You must register your vehicle in the state where you currently live, unless you are a full-time student or active military member. If you are a student or active military member, contact the county tax office in the Texas county where you last resided for a registration packet.

You can renew your vehicle without the renewal notice if you provide the following to your county tax office:

• license receipt from the previous year,
• license plate number, or
• vehicle identification number (VIN).

Ask the county tax office to verify your correct mailing address.

We can also mail you another renewal notice if there is enough time left before your registration expires. For assistance, please call the county tax office or our customer help desk at (512) 465-7611.

When you move, it is important to change your address on your motor vehicle record. Updating your address will help ensure you receive your registration renewal notice. Failure to renew your registration is against the law and may result in a fine.

At the time of printing, our record still showed you as the recorded owner. If you believe the buyer of your vehicle did not transfer the vehicle title to his/her name, you may consider submitting a vehicle transfer notification. This form lets us know that you no longer own the vehicle.

You may also call our call center at (512) 465-7611 with the vehicle identification number of the car you sold for more information.

Yes. A vehicle may be operated up to five working days after the registration expires without penalty. After those five days, you can receive a ticket of up to $200.

Registration fees are set by state law. Car registration fees are determined by the age of the car - the newer the car, the higher the fee. Truck fees are $25 plus an amount based on the weight of the truck.

Most of these vehicles do not pass a vehicle safety inspection and, therefore, cannot be registered or driven on public roads. A secure Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin issued by a manufacturer registered with NHTSA is required to title any motorized vehicle.

Your moped must be on the approved list of mopeds maintained by The Texas Department of Public Safety. The list is updated quarterly. A secure Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin is required to title any motorized vehicle.

Passenger vehicle registration is based on the model year except when the weight of the vehicle exceeds 6,000 pounds. In these cases, the registration fee is based on weight. For more information, contact your county tax office. Proof of auto insurance is required when you register your vehicle.

All-terrain vehicles (three or more wheels, equipped with a saddle or bench seat, and not designed by the manufacturer for farm or lawn use) are required to be titled, but not registered. Off-highway motorcycles (two or three wheels) are required to be titled, but not registered.

Boats, boat motors and personal watercraft are titled and registered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

You can receive a replacement sticker from your county tax office for a $5.30 fee ($6.30 in counties with a population of 50,000 or more).

Registration stickers are provided and mailed by your local county tax office. Please contact your office, and provide them the vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number.

• Regional offices
• County tax offices
• Form VTR-275 (PDF | Word)