New to Texas: the emissions test and registering your vehicle

You have 30 days from the time you move here to register your vehicle in the state.

New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.

If you live in one of the following emissions counties you will need to obtain a passing vehicle emissions inspection before attempting to register your vehicle

Many mechanic shops, oil change locations and service stations are certified by DPS as inspection stations.

Gasoline vehicles model-year 2 through 24 years old are inspected annually beginning with the vehicle's second anniversary.

To do this, you must visit your local county tax-assessor collector office.

first-time registrants must fill out and complete Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)

In Texas, you must show you have insurance coverage for a minimum of $30,000 per injured person, up to a total of $60,000 for everyone injured in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

For non-commercial vehicles the required Inspection Replacement Fee and Emissions Inspection Fee (if applicable) will be due at this time.

Sales tax fees on a vehicle can be $90 or the difference between your previous state's sales tax and the Texas sales tax.

Active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces and non-resident, full-time students attending a Texas college or university are not required to register or title their vehicles in Texas.

first-time registrants must fill out and complete Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)