Resources
Registering a Vehicle

How to own a vehicle in

Texas

as a non-US resident

Texas
Address requirements
None required.
Identity requirements
International visitors may use the passport from their country of citizenship to register a vehicle in Texas.
Average cost to own a vehicle
6.25% of the vehicle's value
Plus registration fees of:
$74

Presence requirements

The US states, not the national government, control vehicle ownership in the United States.
In order to own a vehicle in any US state, you must establish a presence in that state.
These are the presence requirements to own a vehicle in this state:

Address

Texas address required to own a vehicle in Texas.

Proof of Residency at Address

None required.

Identity

International visitors may use the passport from their country of citizenship to register a vehicle in Texas.

Cost of owning a vehicle

When you register a vehicle - apply for ownership and permission to drive it on public roads - two costs are due:
  • Sales tax
  • Registration fees
Sales tax and registration fees are due in the state in which the vehicle is registered, not where the vehicle is purchased.
These are the costs to own a vehicle in this state.
Sales tax is due where a vehicle is owned, not where it is bought - so owning a vehicle in Montana can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.

Sales tax (state + local average)

6.25% of the vehicle's value

Registration fees

$74

Inspection Requirements

In order to register a vehicle (or renew a registration in this state, the vehicle must meet the following inspection requirements:
Annual emissions inspections required for cars ages 2-24 registered in the following metro areas: Austin, Houston, Dallas/Ft. Worth, El Paso. Annual safety inspections required after vehicle is 2 years old. Inspections must be current to register vehicle.

Want an easier way?

Let visitor.us register your vehicle in Montana, which has:
• No US driver's license requirement
• No vehicle inspection requirement
• No sales tax (purchase your vehicle in any US state)

Let's Get You on the Road

We make US vehicle ownership easy so you can enjoy your visit.