Purchasing A Vehicle Out Of State can be an exciting endeavor, whether you’re moving to Texas or simply found a better deal elsewhere. However, once you’ve made your purchase, understanding the process of registering your vehicle in Texas is crucial to ensure you’re legally compliant. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to register your out-of-state vehicle in Texas, making the process as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Ensure Federal and State Import Requirements are Met
Before you can title and register your newly purchased vehicle in Texas, it must comply with all federal and state importation requirements. This is especially important if you purchased the vehicle from outside the U.S. The vehicle must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
For vehicles imported from outside the U.S., U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) offers extensive information on customs regulations and procedures. Even if your vehicle was purchased within the U.S., ensuring it meets these standards is a foundational step for legal registration in Texas.
Step 2: Obtain a Texas Vehicle Inspection
Next, your vehicle will need to pass a Texas vehicle safety inspection. You can get this done at any official state inspection station within your Texas county of residence. For commercial vehicles, a commercial vehicle safety inspection is required.
If you reside in one of the Texas counties with emissions testing requirements—Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, or Williamson—your vehicle will also need to pass a vehicle emissions inspection. This inspection must be completed before you can register your vehicle. Remember to bring proof of vehicle insurance, as it is required at the time of inspection. Upon passing the inspection, the station will provide you with an original Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) signed by the inspector. You can locate a certified Safety Inspection Station near you online.
Step 3: VIN Inspection Requirement
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is a critical step in the Texas vehicle registration process, especially for vehicles purchased out of state. This inspection must be performed by a trained auto theft investigator who is a law enforcement officer of the State of Texas or its political subdivisions. Contact your local law enforcement agency to inquire if they have a trained auto theft investigator available. Alternatively, you can contact a Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Grantee to locate a trained investigator in your area.
It’s also worth noting that authorized employees of the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) are also permitted to conduct VIN inspections. After the VIN inspection is successfully completed, you will receive an original Law Enforcement Identification Number Inspection (Form VTR-68-A), which will be signed by the investigator.
Step 4: Apply for Texas Title and Registration at Your County Tax Office
Once your vehicle has cleared customs (if applicable), passed all necessary federal and state inspections, you are ready to apply for a Texas title and registration. Gather the following documents and visit your county tax office:
- U.S. Department of Transportation Form HS-7 ( U.S. Department of Transportation ), or any document confirming customs entry/clearance and compliance or exemption from federal safety standards.
- If your imported vehicle was under bond, include the original bond release letter from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).
- The completed inspection report on the bottom section of Form VTR-68-A, signed by the law enforcement agency’s auto theft unit. Note: U.S. military personnel and their immediate family members stationed at Texas military bases are exempt from submitting Form VTR-68-A. Refer to the Military Packet for detailed information.
- A completed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U).
- Provide the vehicle’s current odometer reading if required.
- Present the original ownership document for the vehicle. If any document is in a language other than English, you must provide a certified English translation.
- Proof of vehicle insurance.
By completing these steps and providing the required documentation, you will successfully register your out-of-state vehicle in Texas and ensure you are operating your vehicle legally within the state.
