How to register a vehicle in
Texas
as a non-US resident
State Overview and Advice
In order to register a vehicle in Texas, you need a Texas address.
If you do not have a Texas address, we recommend using visitor.us' services to register a vehicle that you buy in Texas.
The Registration Process
Texas' counties and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) handle the state's vehicle registrations.
If you buy your vehicle from a Texas dealer, the dealer will issue you a 30-day temporary registration.
Whether you're buying a vehicle from a private party or a dealer, and are planning to register it in Texas, bring the required items (below) to the county tax office of the address where you'll register your vehicle.
Five-day vehicle transit permits for vehicles previously registered in Texas are available on the TxDMV website.
For vehicles being registered in Texas, Texas sales taxes are payable to the dealer upon sale, or the county upon registration (if purchased from a private party).
Taxes and Fees
Sales Tax
State sales tax
Average local sales tax
Average combined sales tax
Registration fees
Light Vehicle
Fees: $74
RV
Trailer Fees: $67.25
RV Fees: $76.25
Motorcycle
Fees: $52.25
$15,000 car
$50,000 RV
$5,000 motorcycle
Total taxes and fees
Registration Requirements
Prior owner's title
The vehicle's title must be signed by the owner(s) printed on the title, its odometer reading recorded (if less than 10 years in age), and be free of all liens in order for the prior owner's interest to be released.
Identification
A current, government-issued photo ID is required to register a vehicle in Texas.
Bill of sale
A bill of sale is not required to register a vehicle in Texas, although signing one with the vehicle's seller is recommended.
Application
130-U - Application for Texas Title and/or RegistrationInspection
Emissions (smog)
Annual emissions inspections are required for cars ages 2-24, registered in the following metro areas: Austin, Houston, Dallas/Ft. Worth, El Paso. Inspections must be current to register vehicle.
Safety
Annual safety inspections are required in Texas for vehicles 2 years old and older.
VIN
VIN inspections are not required in Texas.
Insurance
Texas's minimum liability insurance limits are 30/60/25.
Residency
Texas does not require proof of residency to register a vehicle.
Local Address
Vehicles registered in Texas must be registered to a Texas address.
The Alternative
Company Formation
Vehicle Purchase
The seller will list your LLC and its address as the buyer on the vehicle's title, and visitor.us will arrange for it to be couriered to us for processing.
Insurance
Vehicle Registration
- MT sales tax: 0%
- Inspections not required in MT
