How to own a vehicle in
Texas
as a non-US resident
Texas
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)
• 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.