How Much Is Car Registration in Texas? The Registration Guide
Wondering, “How much is car registration in Texas?” You’re not alone. Understanding vehicle registration fees and requirements can be confusing, especially for new residents or first-time car owners.
In Texas, registration costs vary based on factors like the type of vehicle you drive, the weight, and the county you live in. Knowing exactly what to expect can make the process go much smoother. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about car registration in Texas, from fees and documentation to where and how to register your vehicle.
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How Much Is Car Registration in Texas?
So how much is car registration in Texas? The full answer is that it depends on various factors like the vehicle type, weight, and the county you live in. For most passenger vehicles, the base registration fee is $50.75.
Additionally, counties often add local fees, which can range from $10 to $20, to support road and bridge maintenance. There is also a $1 fee for insurance verification and a $4.75 processing fee. In counties that require emissions testing, you’ll have to pay an emissions fee. Altogether, a typical Texas car registration cost totals between $80 and $90.
Texas Registration Fees by Vehicle Type
To fully understand “How much is car registration in Texas?”, here’s a breakdown of the base fees by vehicle type:
- Passenger vehicles: For passenger vehicles with a gross weight of 6,000 lbs and less, the base fee is $50.75.
- Pickup Trucks: For vehicles between 6,001 and 10,000 lbs, the base fee is $54.
- Motorcycles: The base Texas car registration cost for motorcycles is $30.
- ATVs: While ATVs and other off-road vehicles must be titled, they cannot be registered in Texas.
- Trailers/Travel Trailers: The cost to register your trailer or travel trailer starts with a base cost of $45.
- Mopeds: Like motorcycles, the base fee for a moped is $30.
- Heavy vehicles: Vehicles that are 10,001 lbs or more pay a weight based registration fee that starts at $110 lbs and can go up to $840 for vehicles. This includes commercial vehicles as well as RVs and campers.
- Boats: Boat registration is handled through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The cost to register a boat in Texas depends on the size, starting at $32 and going up to $150.
- Electric: Fully electric vehicles that weigh 10,000 lbs or less are charged a fee of $200 in addition to the Texas car registration cost.
How to Renew Your Car Registration in Texas
Now that we’ve answered “How much is car registration in Texas,” let’s talk about how to renew your car registration. Renewing your car registration is fairly simple and can be done in three ways: online, by mail, or in person.
Renewing Online
As long as your vehicle has passed a safety inspection within 90 days of the registration renewal date, you should be able to renew your registration online. Starting in 2025, passenger vehicles won’t have to pass a safety inspection.
To renew your registration online, visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) online renewal page. Enter your license plate number, last four digits of the VIN, and your driver’s license number. Pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. You’ll need your insurance card and inspection report. Once complete, you should receive your new registration sticker by mail within 10 business days. You can track the status of your registration sticker here.
Alternatively, you can use the Texas by Texas mobile application to create an account for all your Texas government-issued licenses and renew your registration.
Renewing by Mail
If you receive a renewal notice in the mail, you can use the included form to renew by mail. Complete the renewal notice. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address provided. You’ll need to provide proof of insurance and a copy of the inspection report. Once processed, your new registration sticker will be sent by mail.
Renewing in Person
You can also renew your car registration in person. Visit your local county tax office or a participating TxDMV partner location. Bring your renewal notice or last year’s registration receipt. Show proof of insurance and inspection, and pay the renewal fee. You’ll receive your registration sticker immediately.
Car Registration Address Change
If you’ve moved within Texas, you’ll need to update the address on your car registration. To handle your car registration address change, you have a few different options. If you want to change your address online, go to the TxDMV e-Services Portal and select the “Change Address” option. You’ll need your Texas license plate number, last four digits of the VIN, and your driver’s license number. Complete the form and submit it. The change will update the address on file for your vehicle registration within two days.
Alternatively, you can fill out Form VTR-146 and mail it to your local county tax office. Finally, you can visit the local county tax office in person. Make sure to bring your vehicle information, including the license plate number, VIN, and driver’s license.
Texas law requires you to update your address within 30 days of moving. Although this will take care of your car registration address change, you’ll need to update your address on your Texas driver’s license separately through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Texas Out of State Car Registration
If you purchase a car out of state, you’ll need to follow a slightly different process to have your car registered. Before you can register the vehicle, you’ll first need to get it inspected and insured with a policy that meets the minimum liability requirements of $30,000 per injured person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
With the inspection and insurance handled, visit the county tax office with the following:
- Proof of inspection
- Proof of insurance
- Vehicle odometer reading, if required
- Proof of ownership, such as an original out of state title
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Completed Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration)
- Fees based on your vehicle type
After showing all documents and paying applicable fees, you’ll receive your new Texas license plates and registration sticker. Note: you need to complete this process within 30 days of the purchase. Otherwise, you may be charged delinquent transfer penalties.
How to Transfer Car Registration from Another State to Texas
Moving to Texas car registration follows a similar process. First, you’ll need to take care of the inspection and insurance. With these completed, you can go to your local county tax-assessor collector office. Make sure to bring proof of insurance, proof of inspection, and proof of ownership, such as the out-of-state title.
Complete form 130-U and pay the registration and titling fees. You’ll be given your new Texas license plate and registration sticker once the registration is complete. Make sure you complete this process within 30 days of moving here if you want to avoid extra fees.
Does a Dealer Handle Your Car Registration?
If you buy a car from a dealership, such as Tipton Hyundai in Brownsville, the dealer will handle the registration process for you. This includes submitting the paperwork, paying the initial registration fees, and applying for your Texas license plates and title. The dealership will collect all necessary documents from you as well as the sales tax and registration fees and include them with your paperwork.
Once the paperwork is finished, most dealerships issue temporary tags that are valid for 30 days. This allows you to drive the new vehicle while waiting for your plates and registration to arrive by mail. After the first registration, you can easily renew online for subsequent years.
Texas Car Registration Cost Conclusion
How much is car registration in Texas? The answer depends on the type and weight of the vehicle you’re registering. Base fees start at $50.75, with additional fees that add up to around $80 or $90 for a typical passenger vehicle. If you’re moving to Texas, car registration requires proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and proof of inspection, in addition to fees for transferring the title.
If you’re looking for a new car, you can find it here at Tipton Hyundai. We’re in Brownsville and we serve McAllen, Weslaco, Harlingen, San Benito, Pharr, and the rest of the state including Austin and San Antonio. We also have highly trained and qualified auto repair mechanics in Brownsville to serve you. If you buy from us, we can deliver your car to you or pay for your gas home! We have a wide selection of new and used cars and will handle the registration for you at the time of sale. Come check us out today to find your next ride!
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