Texas Car Registration · expiring registration, replace vehicle registration or update yourcurrent vehicle registration, we will provide you with all the necessary information.To

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TexasCar Registration


Bonus

Features

24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits

24-Hour Towing Service

24-Hour Mechanical First Aid

24-Hour Tire Change Service

Customers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Customers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per seven days, two services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer.

Customers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available.

Customers may have their tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire.

Congratulations on your 60-dayRoadside Assistance membershipWhen out on the road, you will know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere.


Rental Car Discounts

24-Hour Lost Key Service

24-Hour Emergency Delivery

24-Hour Emergency Battery Service

Map Routing Service

Customers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates, which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

If keys are locked inside a customer’s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle’s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer’s expense for labor and key making.

A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies.

Customers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road.

We will, at no charge, provide customers with a four-color mapping and travel route information to destinations they specify.

Theft And Hit & Run Protection

A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing customers’ vehicles. Whenever you travel, you will like the secure and confident feeling of knowing that you are protected by NSD’s Roadside Assistance. Fast response and excellent service are just two reasons why millions of motorists rely on NSD’s Roadside Assistance for on-the-road protection.


Follow the link in your confirmation email to start redeeming your $25 Gas Coupon.

*PLEASE SAVE ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS. You will use your log in information throughout the course of your complimentary gas membership.

CONGRATULATIONS! Redeem Your $25 Gas Card Online

Keeping You Safe Mile After MileOnce your purchase is processed, you will receive an email with the information you need to start your 60-day Roadside Assistance membership.


Table Of

Contents

Registration Insurance Requirements

Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Registration Renewal

Vehicle Safety Tips

License Plates

Register Your Vehicle

Replace Vehicle Registration

DMV Hours and Locations

7

6

14

19

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9

16

23


Registering your vehicle helps the DMV regulate the types of vehicles operating on highways and streets across the state. With this guide, you will obtain all the necessary information regarding motor vehicle registration. Whether you are looking to renew expiring registration, replace vehicle registration or update yourcurrent vehicle registration, we will provide you with all the necessary information.To learn more about vehicle registration and your registration responsibilities, continue reading below.

Vehicle

Registration

Vehicle registration in Texas is an essential task for all car owners. Before you can operate a personal vehicle legally in Texas, you must register your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles.


You must purchase a basic coverage plan as a way to pay for any injuries or damages you may cause during a car accident. You may need to show your car insurance card as proof of financial responsibility during a routine traffic stop. If you are applying for a driver’s license or taking the driving skills test, you must show proof of insurance. Without proof of a policy, you cannot perform essential driving tasks.

Registration Insurance

Requirements

One important part of vehicle registration is making sure you sign up for adequate automotive insurance.


When you purchase car insurance, the coverage helps pay for damages and expenses in accidents you caused. Your insurance policy must cover up to $30,000 for death or injury per person, $60,000 for death or injury per accident and $25,000 for property damage. You may choose to increase your coverage plans with better finical coverage or types of protection policies. Car insurance helps you afford high costs associated with all types of vehicle accidents.


The dealership will process the registration paperwork and you simply must worry about renewal. However, if you need to register a used car or transfer your out-of-state registration, you may follow the below steps.

Registering Your

Vehicle

If you purchase a brand new vehicle from a dealership, you will not have to worry about the new registration process.


If you need to submit car registration, you must first get the vehicle inspected by qualified vehicle inspectors. Texas requires all vehicles registered in the state to receive an annual safety inspection. When you bring your vehicle in for inspection, you must pay half the inspection fee. The other half of the fee is collected during the registration renewal process. Inspection stations licensed by the Department of Public Safety ensure that your vehicle’s safety features follow state guidelines. When you bring your vehicle to an inspection station, you must make sure to bring your insurance card. Some counties require emissions inspections tests along with a review of safety features. You may view a list of licensed stations here and find further detail on emissions testing and criteria for inspection. If you are renewing your vehicle, you may not get an inspection more than 90 days before the registration expiration date.

Vehicle Inspection

https://www.dps.texas.gov/rsd/vi/


Once you have received a satisfactory vehicle inspection report, you may continue with the registration process. For all cars in Texas, you must register the vehicle within 30 days of purchase or moving into the state. For first time registration or a title transfer, you must visit a local county tax office. If you are purchasing a used car, you may wish to do the title transfer application at the office to avoid any issues or misunderstandings before registration. When you visit the office to apply for registration, you must bring the following items:

Vehicle Inspection Report

Proof of vehicle ownership

Proof of insurance

• Insurance policy must meet Texas minimum requirements

Form 130-U

• Available online here under the Title & Registration tab

Payment for registration

• Fees and payment methods vary by location

Registration

Registration fees and payment methods vary by county tax office, so you should contact your local office for further details. The basic registration fee for passenger vehicles starts at $50.75, but local fees and additional charges can vary based on location.

When you fill out the 130-U form, you can apply for any combination of a certificate of title and vehicle registration as needed.

http://www.txdmv.gov/tax-assessor-collectors/county-tax-offices


http://www.txdmv.gov/forms


When moving to Texas, you do not have to title your vehicle in the state. However, you must make sure to update your registration to reflect your Texas residency. Military personnel and non-resident students attending a Texas university or college from out of state do not have to change registration information.

The registration of a used vehicle follows the same steps as all other first time registrations. However, used car buying has additional steps that you may wish to take to protect all parties from legal issues of ownership. During the purchase of a used vehicle, the vehicle seller may keep the original license plate and registration. In such scenarios, you may apply for a Texas Vehicle Transit Permit to drive your vehicle to the tax collection office without any legal issues. The Transit Permit is only valid for five days after application, so you must apply for registration within this time. You cannot receive multiple Transit Permits for this vehicle after the expiration date. You may apply for the Transit Permit online here.

For a used car purchase, buyers and sellers alike should make sure they properly complete all documentation. Without a proper transfer of ownership, sellers can still receive tickets and violation notices for a car that they no longer own. Sellers should complete a Transfer Notification within 30 days of a sale to remove any responsibility of ownership. Sellers can complete the notice by mailing a form to the DMV or online here. Sellers should make sure to get contact information from the buyer to put on the Transfer Notification form to protect themselves from ownership issues.

Buyers of a used vehicle must make sure to transfer the vehicle title within 30 days of purchase. They can transfer the title in person at a county tax collector’s office with the seller to avoid paperwork issues. Buyers should make sure to get the seller’s information in case of any legal issues of ownership. Used car buyers should make sure to apply for registration within 30 days of purchase and bring the following information:

Register a Used Vehicle

Proof of insurance




• May include vehicle title or power of attorney documents

Form 130-U




https://etag.txdmv.gov/Vehicle/VehicleLookupForPermit.aspx

https://etag.txdmv.gov/Vehicle/TransferNotification.aspx?Val=2

https://etag.txdmv.gov/Vehicle/VehicleLookup.aspx



When moving to Texas, you do not have to title your vehicle in the state. However, you must make sure to update your registration to reflect your Texas residency. Military personnel and non-resident students attending a Texas university or college from out of state do not have to change registration information.

If you are moving to Texas with your vehicle, you must make sure to register the car within 30 days of your move. During this time, you must bring your vehicle to an inspection station and submit all necessary documents to the county tax collector’s office in your area. You must bring the following information to submit your out-of-state vehicle

You must bring the following information to submit your out-of-state vehicle:

Register an Out-Of-State Vehicle



Proof of insurance


Form 130-U






Vehicle Registration

Renewal

As a Texas driver, you must renew your vehicle registration every 12 months. Your registration will expire on the last day of the month listed on your registration decal. You have a five-day grace period in which you may still drive with the expired registration without any consequences. After five business days, you can receive financial penalties for failing to renew. To renew your registration, you can submit payment online, by mail or in person at a local county tax collector’s office.

renewal request. For the by-mail option, drivers should submit the following to their local county tax office:

For a convenient way to renew your registration, you maygo online to the Texas DMV registration renewal portal.With online renewal, you must make sure you have your vehicle license plate number, the last four digits of your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) and your insurance card. Once you input the license plate number and the lastfour digits of the VIN, you must follow the steps to pay and complete your registration renewal. With the online renewal process, you must use a credit card to submit therenewal fees. Registration fees for a passenger vehicle will vary based on location, so you may wish to contact your county tax office for a complete list of fees.Once you submit the necessary information and payment, you should receive your new registration within three weeks.

Additionally, applicants can renew their registration online quickly and conveniently through a trusted third-party provider here.

The Texas DMV offers by-mail renewal options for all motorists in Texas. Drivers should receive a renewal notice by mail with instructions for submitting the registration

Online

By Mail

Proof of insurance

Renewal notice

Payment for registration fees

• Click here for an explanation of DMV fees under the Fees tab


• Available here

Drivers must gather the necessary documentation and send the renewal request back to their local county tax collector’s office.

https://www.texascarregistration.org/?utm_source=Guide&utm_campaign=TX

http://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/register-your-vehicle

http://www.mytxcar.org/txcar_net/SecurityCheck.aspx




If you have trouble with the online or mailing renewal options, you can visit a county tax collector’s office in person for renewal assistance. You may visit the tax collector’s office or an approved substation, if available. To locate a tax collection office near you, click here. To submit a registration renewal in person, you must bring the following documentation with you:

Texas registration fees for passenger vehicles start at $50.75, but county fees, inspection fees and any additional charges will increase the total amount you pay to the

In Person

Fees

Notice of registration renewal

Proof of insurance

License plate number

Vehicle identification number or the receipt of registration renewal from the year prior

Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR)

• Payment for registration fees. Click here for an explanation of DMV fees under the Fees tab

Although your VIR should be available to the DMV, you may wish to bring your copy from the inspection station. If your report is unavailable in the DMV’s system, providing your copy of the VIR will allow you to renew your registration without issue. For further details on fees and accepted payment methods, make sure to contact your local county tax office.

county tax office. Your charges can include donations and license plate fees, when applicable. For a registration fee chart and a full list of potential charges, click here and view the Fees tab.





Replace Vehicle

Registration

Driving without your vehicle registration information can result in fines during a traffic stop.If your registration documents are lost, stolen or damaged, you may request duplicate documentation in person or by mail with your local county tax collector’s office. You must fill out a VTR-60 form, available online or in person, and submit payment for the replacement. The VTR-60 form also allows you to request replacement license plates, if necessary. You must submit payment of $6.50 to the county tax office for replacement registration. You should contact your local tax office for accepted methods of payment, office mailing addresses and business hours.




Updating Your Vehicle Registration

Changing Your Name

Changing Your Address

By Mail

Online

When moving to a new place of residence you must replace your vehicle registration to reflect the new address. Without the correct address, your registration is no longer accurate and the DMV cannot send you renewal notices or other important notifications. If you change your name, you may submit an update so all of your ownership documentation reflects your legal name.

When you apply for a legal name change, you must be sure to update important vital records and legal documents. Once you change essential documents like your Social Security card and update your license to reflect a new name, you can apply for a name change on your vehicle registration. If you need to change your name on your vehicle registration, you must change your name on your vehicle’s certificate of title. To apply for an update certificate of title, you can fill out a 130-U form available here under the Title & Registration tab.Along with the 130-U form, you must attach a statement that indicates the reasons for your name change, such as a marriage or divorce. You may apply for the certificate of title in person at your local county tax collector’s office. Title fees vary based on county, so you should contact your nearest tax office forfees and accepted forms of payment, when applicable.

When you move to a new residence, it is important that you update your important documentation with a current address. Changing your car registration address is especially important for registration renewal purposes.If your address is not up to date, you may not receive important correspondence from the DMV. You may change your primary or mailing address by mail or in person at a county tax office as needed. Title fees vary based on county, so you should contact your nearest tax office for fees and accepted forms of payment, when applicable..

If you cannot go to the TX DPS office, you can download and print a Changeof Address for Texas Vehicle Registration (VTR-146) form here in the Title & Registration tab.Once you fill out the necessary information, you can sendthe document to:

TxDMV Vehicle Titles and Registration DivisionP.O. Box 26417Austin, TX 78755-0417Contact your local tax collector’s office for fees and accepted forms of payment, if applicable.

The Texas DMV offers online address updates only if you are changing your registration mailing address. For a permanent address change, you must choose the in-person or mailing option. To change your mailing address, go online here and follow the instructions. To make this mailing address update, make sure you have the last four numbers of the VIN and the vehicle’s license plate number. The DMV will update your mailing address should within two business days.

When you must submit an address change for your vehicle registration, you should contact speak with the county office to confirm in-person services. If you can make the change at the office, fill outa VTR-146 form with any necessary updates. Contact your local tax collector’s office for fees and accepted forms of payment, when applicable.

In Person





https://rts.texasonline.state.tx.us/NASApp/txdotrts/AddressChangeServlet



License

Plates

When you register your vehicle, the Texas DMV will assign a license plate number for your vehicle. Per Texas state laws, you must have a rear and a front license plate on your vehicle at all times. If you do not have both plates on your vehicle, you can receive a fine up to $200. You can choose to keep the standard plates, but the Texas DMV offers specialty and customized plates if you want to add personal flair to your vehicle.

Your license plate is how law enforcement and DMV authorized parties can identify your vehiclefor inspection or legal purposes. You must be certain that you have both plates at all times and that they are legible to law enforcement. Should you need to replace your license plates, you may do so through the DMV. If your license plate is lost, stolen or defaced, you may request anew one in person at a county tax office. You must also replace your license plates every seven years, but per a Texas law in 2016, the DMV no longer provides automatic plate replacement. If your plates are over seven years old, you no longer need to pay a plate renewal fee.

The cost of replacement license plates is $6.50. Before you submit payment, you should contact your local county tax collector’s office to verify accepted methods of payment. If you need to request a replacement, you must go in person to the tax collector’s office to submit the VTR-60 form, available here under the License Plates tab. If you need to replace your plates after theft, you should contact your local police department to report the stolen plates.

Although the Texas DMV assigns drivers a license plate

License Plate Replacement

Specialty License Plates

Surrendering License Plates

You may surrender your Texas license plates after selling your car or after the loss or theft of one of your current plates. You can submit the plates for recycling at a DMV office, or you may simply place the plate with your recycling materials. Before you recycle the plate yourself, make sure to deface the surface. If you apply for specialty plates, you must surrender your basic Texas license plates to the DMV.

with a basic design, you may choose to order custom plates for your vehicle. To order specialty plates, you must fill out an order form based on the type of plate desired. For example, if you want to order a college-specific license plate, you can use the VTR-228 form provided online. You may also use the non-specific VTR-999 form to place your specialty plate order. On these specialty order forms, you may customize the letters and digits for your specialty plate. You may find all specialty license plate order forms online here in the License Plates tab. You can submit the form in-person or by mail to a local county tax collector’s office. You may also order plates online here and check the availability of personalized license plate numbers. You should contact the tax office or check the online order forms for specialty plate fees and accepted forms of payment.







https://rts.texasonline.state.tx.us/NASApp/txdotrts/SpecialPlateOrderServlet?grpid=60


Vehicle Safety

Tips

Before getting behind the wheel, it is important that your vehicle be prepared for a trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive.

One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, first-aid kit, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks, and a shovel.

Emergency Kit

Inclement Weather Driving

If you live an area with snow or icy conditions during winter, you must take extra precautions when driving. Even rainy weather can create hazardous driving situations. Consider the below tips below to drive safely during inclement weather.


Do Not Rush!

Ice, snow and rain can create slippery and dangerous roads. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for an appointment. You should also slow down further back than you might normally do in favorable weather conditions so you can avoid abrupt and dangerous stops or turns.

Do Not Panic If You Skid or Slip

In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. You must also gently steer your vehicle in the direction you need to go. You must not make sharp wheel turns or brake suddenly. Following this advice will prevent you from spinning further out of control.

Check Your Vehicle

Before you leave your house, make sure your vehicle’s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze, and exhaust are all in working order. You should make sure your tires are not too smooth, as poor tire tread can cause an accident. If you need to, you can replace your tires during the winter with snow tires or add snow chains to help provide safe driving conditions. It is also important that you remove all ice and snow from your car before you begin driving. You should never leave your windows icy or covered in snow, as this can obstruct your vision.


Driving while using your cellphone is incredibly dangerous. Distracted driving can cause accidents, injuries and death. In 2017, Teas legislation banned the use of cellphones while driving. Some cities have additional restrictions to prevent the use of cellphones while driving. If you need to use your cellphone, you should pull over and come to a complete stop or wait until you get to your destination.

Phone Use

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a dangerous situation that can kill or severely injure drivers and passengers alike. You can prevent a tragedy by planning ahead and making responsible choices. Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. If you need to stop someone from driving while intoxicated, take away his or her keys and call for alternative transportation. If you cannot find safe transportation home, try to stay in your location overnight.

If you see someone who you suspect is drunk and showing signs of intoxication while driving – such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, breaking erratically or turning abruptly – call 911 and contact authorities immediately. Make sure to avoid impaired drivers on the road to ensure your own safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car.

Drinking and Driving


Driving is not always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while driving on the road. Read the below tips to see potential behaviors and actions that can help you improve your driving experience.

Things To Avoid

Car Accidents

One way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive. You should perform routine maintenance on essential vehicle functions like brakes, tires and steering. Tires may lose traction or inflation and you can easily lose control of your vehicle. You should also check to see that your brakes are functioning correctly or if they need any maintenance or replacement. You can take your vehicle to a mechanic or car dealership to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.

Wasting Gas

If you drive often, start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. You should avoid sudden acceleration and excessive speeding to make the most of your gasoline. Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well tuned, and that you use the correct type of fuel in your vehicle.

Aggressive Driving

Some drivers may exhibit dangerous and aggressive behavior while driving. Some of these aggressive driving tactics can include verbal or physical harassment of another motorist and unsafe vehicle operation. Aggressive driving can lead to reckless and dangerous behavior that can cause serious injuries on the road. Drivers should pay close attention to the road and avoid aggressive drivers when possible.


If you have questions about vehicle registration, you can contact your local county tax collector’s office for county-specific concerns. For general questions, you can contact the Department of Motor Vehicles and the representatives can address your concerns.

DMV

Hours and Locations

The headquarters of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is located in Austin,Texas. If you need to send correspondence to the Texas DMV, you can use the following mailing address:

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV)4000 Jackson AvenueAustin, Texas 78731

You may contact the Texas DMV through its email form, which is available online here in the Email tab.

For comments, complaints and further contact instructions, you may visit the DMV contact page here.

Toll-free phone number

• 1-888-DMV-GOTX (1-888-386-4689)

Local phone number

• 512-465-3000

Fax number

• 512-465-4129

http://www.txdmv.gov/contact-us

http://www.txdmv.gov/contact-us


Documents

Texas Car Registration · expiring registration, replace vehicle registration or update yourcurrent vehicle registration, we will provide you with all the necessary information.To