License and Registration

Getting your Texas License and Registration
(all links are provided in text format at the bottom of this post)

Before you start, gather up:

• Proof of your identity (Original Birth Certificate or Passport)
• Money (cash or check ONLY for steps 3 and 4)
• Proof of Insurance (must be TX insurance to get vehicle registered)
• Out of state title (Or proof of sale and lien holder contact if vehicle is in lien)
• Proof of address
• Proof of out of state registration
• Proof of sales tax payment (or current foreign/military ownership document)
• Completed form VTR 130-U.
• If you have a truck, you may be asked to provide your vehicle’s weight. (Scale location is marked on this map)
• Social Security Card

It’s a good idea to collect all of this before you ever walk out the door. Not all places will need all things, but our collective experience is that it’s good to be prepared, in case they do!

Only four steps! (MUST be performed in order.)

1. Get Texas insurance. This is usually as simple as a call to your insurance provider, letting them know you’ve moved to Texas and are in the process of registering your vehicle. Paperwork (proof of insurance) may not be available until several days after notification so try to do this early.
2. Get your vehicle inspected. The state of Texas does not offer stand-alone inspection stations. Instead, they certify private parties to conduct inspections. Most local auto shops offer state inspection for a nominal fee (starting at $14.50) and dealerships are a sure bet. [Needed for this step: vehicle, money]
3. Register and title your vehicle. This is done at the county tax office, located on 370 N. Monroe Street (XX on the map). Make sure you bring proof of inspection (which you got in step one) with you. This table will help you figure how much you owe in fees. [Needed for this step: money (cash or check ONLY), proof of Texas insurance, out of state title, proof of address, proof of out of state registration, proof of sales tax payment, completed form VTR 130-U, vehicle weight]
4. Get a Texas driver’s license. This is done at the DPS office, located at 32 Foster Maldonado Blvd (marked on this map). Along with the above items, make sure you bring proof of inspection, vehicle registration, and proof of Texas title, which you got in steps one and two. You will be asked to fill out an application and turn in your old license. You must pay the license fee ($24.50) in cash or check. Be prepared to be photographed. You will be issued a temporary license; your permanent license will be mailed to you. [Needed for this step: out of state license, money (cash or check ONLY), proof of inspection, proof of registration, proof of Texas title, social security card]

More information can be found on the web.


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Links:
VTR 130-U: http://www.dot.state.tx.us/txdoteforms/GetForm?formName=/130-U.pdf&preference=PDFForm&appID=/vtr&fileID=1233334&status=/reportError.jsp&configFile=WFServletConfig.xml
EPBPS Map: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=h&msa=0&msid=117580525890600891094.0004628742f93d82a1c1f&ll=28.711122,-100.463877&spn=0.004423,0.009656&z=17
Registration Fee Table: ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/vtr/fees/fee_chart_2009_1c.pdf
TX DOT for new residents: http://www.dot.state.tx.us/drivers_vehicles/vehicle_registration/new_residents.htm