Sources: the official wording we quote
The numbered notes on our county and city pages point here. Each line below is copied word for word from a page or document published by TCEQ, the Texas Department of Public Safety, TxDMV or the Texas Legislature, under the page it comes from. Pages on the TCEQ, DPS and Legislature sites were read from an Internet Archive copy of the official address (their servers refuse our build machine); the date of that copy is given, and each line was checked against the text of that copy when this site was built. How we choose and check sources is in our editorial policy.
239 quoted lines from 27 official pages and documents.
TCEQ, Vehicle Emissions Inspections in Texas
page as published Sep 23, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Program Area: Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, and Montgomery Counties
Dallas-Fort Worth Program Area: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, and Tarrant Counties
Austin Area: Travis and Williamson Counties
El Paso Area: El Paso County
San Antonio Area: Bexar County (beginning on November 1, 2026)
Enhanced inspections began in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Harris, and Tarrant Counties on May 1, 2002
in Brazoria, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, and Rockwall Counties on May 1, 2003
Travis and Williamson Counties implemented enhanced inspections on September 1, 2005.
El Paso County implemented enhanced inspections on January 1, 2007.
Enhanced inspections will begin in Bexar County on November 1, 2026.
Enhanced vehicle emissions inspections were implemented in affected areas in Texas to meet federal air quality standards and are integrated with the annual emissions inspection program and operated by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in conjunction with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
On March 1, 2015, the State of Texas stopped issuing vehicle inspection stickers and transitioned to a “Two Steps, One Sticker” vehicle inspection and registration program. Vehicles owners must pass the annual emissions inspection before going to register the vehicle.
Motorists with vehicles registered in Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, El Paso, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson Counties will not be eligible to renew their vehicle's annual registration if the vehicle has not passed its annual emissions inspection or complied with the vehicle emissions inspection program requirements.
Beginning November 1, 2026, motorists with vehicles registered in Bexar County will not be eligible to renew their vehicle's annual registration if the vehicle has not passed its annual emissions inspection or complied with the vehicle emissions inspection program requirements.
Vehicle owners that receive an annual vehicle registration renewal notice that has a “TCEQ - EMISSIONS PRGM NON-COMPLIANCE” remark printed on the front page will be unable to renew registration until the non-compliance issue is resolved.
For information call the TCEQ's Registration Denial Hotline at 1(888)-295-0141
Vehicles must successfully pass the emissions inspection before receiving a passing vehicle inspection report, which is required in order to renew the vehicle's annual registration and obtain a vehicle registration sticker.
Gasoline vehicles model-year 2 through 24 years old are inspected annually beginning with the vehicle's second anniversary.
Not required to inspect: electric vehicles, diesel vehicles, motorcycles, and mopeds.
Remote sensing element randomly inspects vehicles emissions on highways.
All inspections are collected at a central database.
Waivers and time extensions are available for eligible vehicle owners.
TCEQ, Highlights of the Vehicle I/M Program
page as published Jun 16, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
Gasoline vehicles model-year 2-24 years old are required to have an annual emissions inspection beginning with the vehicle's second anniversary.
Model-year 1996 and newer vehicles are subject to OBD inspections.
Inspection Fees: Not to exceed $18.50 for an OBD inspection.
Inspection Fees: Not to exceed $11.50 for an OBD inspection.
$2.50 from all emissions inspections for the TCEQ/DPS administration of the I/M program.
Timing: OBD inspections will begin on November 1, 2026, in Bexar County.
Testing Network: All inspection stations will be required to offer OBD inspections.
Testing Network: All inspection stations are required to offer OBD inspections.
TCEQ, Vehicle Emissions Inspection Types and Certified Analyzers
page as published May 19, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
The OBD system detects malfunction or deterioration in performance of components that would cause the vehicle not to meet emissions standards.
TCEQ, Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program Enforcement
page as published Sep 21, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
Eligible motorists that do not pass the vehicle emissions inspection will not receive the required vehicle registration sticker and will be subject to traffic citations from law enforcement authorities.
On-road inspections are used to target high-emitting vehicles commuting from adjacent ozone nonattainment counties. Targeted motorists are required to have their vehicle inspected within 30 days of notification.
Vehicles targeted by the on-road inspection program that do not pass the required emission inspection may be ineligible to receive their vehicle registration.
On-road inspections may also be used as a program validation tool to inspect vehicles exiting from inspection and repair sites.
TCEQ, Affidavit, Waivers and Extensions, and the Vehicle Inspection Report
page as published Jun 24, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
This waiver is available to a vehicle owner whose vehicle has failed both its initial emissions inspection and re-inspection and in which at least $100 in emissions related repairs have been performed.
The vehicle is required to have been driven less than 5,000 miles in the previous emissions inspection cycle and is expected to be driven fewer than 5,000 miles before the next emissions inspection is required.
This extension is available to owners of vehicles experiencing emission inspection failures due to a vehicle part not being readily available.
The Low-Income Time Extension is valid for one inspection cycle, but may be granted more than once during the life of a vehicle.
This waiver is available to a vehicle owner that has spent at least $600 ($450 in El Paso) on emission-related repairs and is still unable to pass an emissions inspection or unable to qualify for another type of waiver.
The waiver may be granted based upon the belief that granting the waiver will not cause a significant impact on air quality.
The following waivers and extensions are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The vehicle inspection report (VIR) is provided to the vehicle owner upon completion of the inspection and indicates whether the vehicle passed or failed the inspection.
A copy of the VIR can be obtained from any inspection station within 13 months of the last inspection.
The inspection results can also be viewed on the TCEQ's vehicle inspection history Web site at www.MyTxCar.org
Beginning June 1, 2021, the VIR will provide vehicle recall information to improve motorist awareness of urgent recalls with the goal of increasing recall completion rates.
Affidavits can be obtained by eligible vehicle owners during the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) registration renewal process.
AirCheckTexas Drive a Clean Machine (Vehicle Repair Assistance Program) is Closed
TCEQ, 2024 Fee Analysis for AirCheckTexas Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program
page as published Oct 5, 2025 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
the Texas Information Management System (TIMS) database identified 4,675 active vehicle emissions inspection stations (excluding fleet and government stations) in the four active program areas
HGB/DFW 1,468 2,533 4,001
El Paso 73 169 242
ARR 125 307 432
Total 1,666 3,009 4,675
Table ES-2. Number of Texas Emissions Inspection Stations in the TIMS Database by Program Area and Station Type (November 2023)
From 2022 to 2024, the number of stations overall decreased by 574 (−12.5%) in HGB/DFW and 17 (−3.8%) in ARR but increased by 12 (5.2 %) in El Paso.
the motor vehicle emissions inspection fee charged by inspection stations is capped at $18.50 for on-board diagnostic ( OBD ) inspections in the HGB and DFW program areas, $11.50 in the El Paso program area, and $11.50 in the ARR program area
In November 2023, TCEQ established a fee of $18.50 for the forthcoming Bexar County program area
On January 1, 2020, all vehicles with model years of 1995 and older became exempt from the vehicle emissions inspection requirements in Texas
OBD became the only type of emissions inspection performed across AirCheckTexas program areas
in the HGB/DFW program areas, 17% of test-only stations and 22% of test-and-repair (T&R) stations reported the emissions inspection fee covered their costs
TCEQ, 2024 Inspection and Maintenance Program Evaluation
page as published Apr 8, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
over 20.1 million On Board Diagnostic ( OBD ) tests were performed on 1996 and newer Model Year ( MY ) light-duty passenger cars and trucks, resulting in over eight million unique vehicle OBD tests
This analysis was based on the two-year evaluation period, including all of 2022 and 2023.
The DFW and HGB areas are evaluated because only the enhanced programs are required to be evaluated every two years.
During the evaluation period, analysis of the TIMS data indicated that 94,372 repairs were made to vehicles to bring them into compliance with the Texas I/M program.
The program requires reporting repair types according to five categories: fuel system, ignition electrical system, emissions system, engine mechanical, and miscellaneous. The fractions of total repairs in these five categories were approximately 46 %, 7% , 12 %, 2% , and 34% , respectively .
approximately 85% of OBD tests that initially fail for an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) with stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) eventually receive a passing inspection.
Texas motorists spent approximately $5.4 million during this evaluation period performing 32,000 repairs so that they would be in compliance with the Texas I/M program.
According to the edited dataset, which leaves out zero cost and greater than $2,000 cost observations, vehicle owners performed 32,000 repairs while spending approximately $5.4 million.
a large percentage (64.1 %) of the repair costs in the TIMS were recorded as zero.
with zero repair costs and those over $2,000 removed, the median and mean repair costs ranged from $40 to $257 and $96 to $357.
It should be noted that repair costs are hand-entered by the vehicle emissions inspectors, which can lead to transcription errors.
About 96 % of the vehicles measured by RS had I/M sequences produced by passing their initial inspections, while 3.5% had a Fail-Pass I/M test sequence.
Texas DPS, Cost of Inspection
page as published May 19, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
All non-commercial vehicles registered in Texas that reside in one of the 17 non-attainment counties will need to receive an annual emissions inspection.
Commercial $40.00
Emissions-only vehicles (El Paso, Travis & Williamson counties) $11.50
Emissions-only vehicles (DFW/Houston) $18.50
Amounts shown are the maximum charge for each inspection type
Gasoline-powered vehicles two through 24 years old are required to have an emissions inspection.
Texas DPS, Bexar County Emission Inspections (FAQ)
page as published Aug 22, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
Bexar County will begin emission inspections on Nov 1st, 2026.
Yes, a passing emission inspection is required for registration of gasoline powered vehicles 2-24 years old in Bexar County.
If your vehicle fails the initial inspection, have the item(s) that failed repaired and take your vehicle back to the inspection station that originally performed the inspection within 15 days for a free re-test.
Only businesses with a Bexar County address are eligible to become a certified emissions station.
all safety only licenses expired on December 31, 2024, and are no longer valid.
Both stations and inspectors must apply and be approved for a new license in order to conduct vehicle inspections.
Texas DPS, Inspection Criteria: Emission Inspection
page as published Aug 16, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
Bexar County will be an emissions county starting November 1, 2026.
All gasoline powered vehicles from 2 through 24 years old which are registered in emissions counties will receive the On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) test.
Insurance Catalytic Converter System EGR System (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Evaporative Emissions Control System Exhaust System Gas Cap Intake System PCV System (Positive Crankcase Ventilation)
Texas DPS, DPS news release (Bexar County emissions inspections)
page as published Jan 6, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
The price of vehicle emissions tests in Bexar Co. will be $18.50.
Drivers with unexpired vehicle registration are not required to obtain a passing emissions test until it is time to renew their registration.
Beginning Nov. 1, 2026, Bexar Co. will join the list of emissions counties in Texas – those are counties that require vehicles to pass an emissions test before being registered.
The department encourages drivers in Bexar Co. to begin preparing for emissions testing requirements now by taking their vehicles in for service.
Vehicles exempt from emissions inspections, including electric-only vehicles, continue to be exempt.
Texas DPS, Vehicle Safety Inspection Program Changes Now in Effect
page as published Dec 16, 2025 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
These changes—which took effect on Jan. 1, 2025, and eliminate many vehicle safety inspections—are due to House Bill 3297
The bill was passed by the 88th Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023, abolishing the Vehicle Safety Inspection Program for non-commercial vehicles.
As a reminder, as of Jan. 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles no longer need a vehicle safety inspection prior to registration.
All non-commercial vehicles in the state are still subject to a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee per HB 3297.
The inspection program replacement fee will be paid when you register your vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
New vehicles (those of the current or preceding model year on the date of purchase) purchased in Texas that have not been previously registered in Texas or another state are required to pay an initial inspection program replacement fee of $16.75 to cover two years.
the inspection program replacement fee is not an increase in the cost of your vehicle registration
this fee simply replaces the revenue source for state programs and operations—like the construction and expansion of state highways—once supported by vehicle safety inspections.
emissions tests are different than vehicle safety inspections
While comprehensive vehicle safety inspections are eliminated for all non-commercial vehicles, Texans whose vehicles are registered in emissions counties are still required to have emissions tests.
The price of vehicle emissions tests varies by vehicle and county.
All commercial vehicles in all counties are still required to obtain a passing vehicle safety inspection. Because they still need to pay for a safety inspection, commercial vehicles are exempt from the inspection program replacement fee.
Driving a vehicle without many of these properly working safety features is against the law and puts everyone at risk.
Texas DPS, 88th Legislation (vehicle inspection)
page as published Mar 6, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
Exempts electric only vehicles from emission system and exhaust system related inspection items.
The bill does not eliminate vehicle emissions inspections on non-commercial vehicles.
The bill does not eliminate safety inspections on commercial vehicles.
Texas DPS, 89th Legislation (vehicle inspection)
page as published Jan 14, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
Caption: Relating to elimination of the motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program.
Eliminates the vehicle emissions inspection requirement only if specific federal legislative changes are triggered.
HB 5033 Effective September 1, 2025
Miniature vehicles will require an emissions test when applying for registration in a county with an emissions inspection requirement.
Texas DPS, Emissions Testing (FAQ)
page as published Sep 10, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 7, 2026
On Board Diagnostics-Second Generation (OBDII) is a computerized system on 1996 and newer model year vehicles that monitors emissions-related components and systems for proper functionality.
OBDII testing uses a scan tool that plugs into the vehicle's computer and determines that the emission system and components are working properly.
When an emissions control malfunction is detected, a dashboard light illuminates stating "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon."
The light must come on when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the light must go OFF when the engine is started.
If the light is not working, the vehicle will FAIL the test
If the MIL command status is ON with a DTC set, the vehicle will fail.
For vehicles year model 2001 and newer, we allow one (1) non-continuous monitor to be Not Ready and still pass the test, but two (2) or more Not Ready's will cause the vehicle to fail.
For vehicles year model 1996 – 2000, we allow two (2) non-continuous monitors to be Not Ready and still pass the test, but three (3) or more Not Ready's will cause the vehicle to fail.
There are three (3) continuous monitors that are always Ready: Misfire, Fuel System, and Comprehensive Components.
These non-continuous monitors are considered Ready until either DTC's have been cleared with a scan tool or if battery power has been disconnected, then the monitors will reset back to Not Ready
In order to get the monitors set back to Ready, the vehicle must be driven through a drive cycle, which is a combination of city/highway driving for a set period of time.
Catalytic Converter failure, Faulty gas cap, Fuel metering out of specification, Incorrect ignition timing, Inoperative injection system and/or thermostatic air cleaner, Mis-routed vacuum lines, and Faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System or Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System.
Transmission DTC repairs can range from $1500 to $3000, although some types may be cheaper (e.g., a transmission speed sensor problem). A waiver may be issued if the diagnosis shows the extent and cost of repair to be unreasonable.
Only diagnosis and repair estimates from a Recognized Emissions Repair Facility (RERF) or a dealership will be accepted to qualify for this type of waiver.
causing the vehicle's exhaust emissions to be 1 1/2 times the allowable emissions for the vehicle, as determined by the manufacturer.
If the OBDII system detects a problem, a corresponding diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored in the computer's memory.
Using an OBDII scan tool, a repair technician can quickly retrieve diagnostic codes from the vehicle computer and make necessary repairs before a more serious problem develops.
Texas DPS, Ready or Not (FAQ on readiness monitors)
page as published Apr 19, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 7, 2026
Readiness Monitor Status is NOT the same as Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Readiness represents whether or not the emissions control system in question has been evaluated.
Ready - the OBDII system has checked this emissions control system.
Not Ready - the OBDII system has NOT checked this emissions control system.
N/A or N/S - the OBDII system is not required to check this emissions control system.
Disconnecting the battery is the most common reason why monitors are "Not Ready"
Tune-ups and other engine repairs Dead battery replacement Car radio installations Car alarm installations
The Emissions Tests Results section of the VIR shows the status of each readiness monitor.
If you've cleared the DTCs (using a scan tool or disconnecting the battery), monitors will reset to "Not Ready".
The vehicle will need repairs to correct the malfunction before it will pass the OBDII inspection.
With a generic OBDII scan tool, verify the monitors are "Ready" before returning the vehicle to the customer.
Driving the vehicle through the drive cycle/drive trace will set the monitors back to "Ready" and verify that the repairs were effective.
Automobile repair technicians need to check for service and recall bulletins that may apply to certain vehicles with readiness issues.
MIL CMND Status: OFF
02Sensor Not Ready
EGR Sys: Not Ready
Catalyst: Not Ready
Overall Result - FAIL
Texas DPS, General Inspection (FAQ)
page as published May 19, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 7, 2026
Inspection fees have not changed. You now pay the inspection fee in two parts, at the inspection station and at the time of registration.
You do not have to pay to get your vehicle re-inspected if it fails inspection. If your vehicle fails the inspection, have the item(s) repaired and take it back to the inspection station that originally performed the inspection within 15 days for a free re-test.
If you choose not to take it back to the station that originally performed the inspection or should you present the vehicle after the 15 days , then your vehicle is no longer eligible for the free re-test.
If your vehicle is out-of-state and you are unable to complete a Texas vehicle inspection to renew your vehicle’s registration, you will be able to self-certify the vehicle is out-of-state and will be permitted to register.
The self-certification process is limited to: Active Duty Military Full-Time Students Seasonal Texans, RVers Apportioned Vehicles Elected Congressional Officials
Once you return to the state, you must complete a Texas vehicle inspection within three days of arrival at your home, duty station or destination.
If you renew your vehicle’s registration using the out-of-state self-certification option, a remark will be placed on your vehicle record indicating an inspection is still due.
If the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) doesn’t match the registration, you may obtain a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) by returning to the inspection station where the inspection was originally performed.
Open safety recall information is provided on the back or second page of the VIR.
Present your current, passing Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) to DMV and they will renew your registration.
Texas DPS, Waivers and Time Extensions
page as published Jun 24, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
The motorist may apply once each annual testing cycle for the Low Mileage Waiver, Individual Vehicle Waiver, and Parts Availability Time Extension.
The local DPS waiver/challenge stations are responsible for issuing waivers/time extensions.
If you choose a Recognized Emissions Repair Facility of Texas to repair your vehicle, all diagnostic, parts and labor costs associated with the emissions-related repairs go toward the waiver requirements.
if you choose an independent, non-recognized facility or perform the emissions repairs yourself, only the cost of certain emissions-related parts involved in the emissions-related repairs apply to the waiver requirements.
All receipts related to the repairs must be retained and presented to a Department representative when applying for a waiver.
If your vehicle fails the re-test and you choose to apply for a waiver, where you have the repairs performed will have a bearing on how much of the emissions-related repairs can be applied toward the waiver.
The VIE-7 (Vehicle Repair Form) must be completed for a customer to receive a re-inspection or to apply for a waiver.
If your vehicle failed the emissions test and your annual income is below the national poverty level, you may be granted a one-year extension.
Motorists may apply for the Low-Income Time Extension every other testing cycle.
Fail both the initial test and free retest Incur $100 of emissions related repairs Drive less than 5,000 miles/year
Vehicles will be visually inspected by a Texas Department of Public Safety representative to insure that emission repairs being claimed have been performed.
Texas DPS, Vehicle Emissions Testing Exemptions (FAQ)
page as published Jun 14, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
Company fleet vehicles owned by business entities registered at a central office located in an affected county but operated from branch offices and locations in non-affected counties on a permanent basis.
Hunting and recreational vehicles registered to the owner in an affected area, but permanently maintained on a hunting property or vacation home site in a non-affected county.
the vehicle registration indicates it is registered in an affected county, but the owner has moved, does not currently reside in, nor will primarily operate the vehicle in an affected county.
Examples of this exception include vehicles operated by students enrolled at learning institutions, vehicles operated by persons during extended vacations, or vehicles operated by persons on extended out-of-county business.
Under this exception the vehicle will be re-inspected at a vehicle inspection station certified to do vehicle emissions testing immediately upon return to an affected county.
A vehicle registered in an affected county may receive a safety inspection at a vehicle inspection station in a non-affected county if:
Texas DPS, Military Personnel (vehicle inspection)
page as published Mar 17, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
All vehicles on military installations in emission counties are required to be in compliance with the emission testing program.
This includes vehicles registered in Texas and vehicles registered in all other states.
operated on federal facilities more than 60 days per year, regardless of the state where the vehicle is registered. Military tactical vehicles are exempt.
Texas DPS, New to Texas (vehicle inspection)
page as published Mar 6, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
Vehicle registration and inspection are separate processes. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees vehicle registration and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) supervises the vehicle inspection program.
Texas DPS, Unique Vehicles (vehicle inspection)
page as published Jul 30, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
Vehicles registered as “Antiques” are exempt from annual inspection.
A street rod is a vehicle manufactured before 1949 or after 1948 that looks like a vehicle manufactured before 1949.
A custom vehicle is a vehicle at least 25 years old and of a model year after 1948 or built to resemble a vehicle at least 25 years old and of a model year after 1948.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV) is responsible for issuing certificate of title and creating a safety inspection program for custom vehicles and street rods.
The vehicle must pass an emissions test just like any other new vehicle.
Texas requires that all safety and emissions components for that model year vehicle be installed and operational.
Motor homes in EMISSIONS counties are also required to have the appropriate emissions test performed.
The model year of a reconstructed vehicle will be the same year in which it was reconstructed and not the year of original manufacture.
TxDMV, Register Your Vehicle
read Oct 6, 2026
As of January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles are no longer required to obtain a safety inspection prior to vehicle registration
Inspection requirements for commercial vehicles have not changed. All commercial vehicles must continue to obtain a passing commercial inspection regardless of county of residence.
At the time of inspection, motorists pay only the inspection station’s portion of the fee. The state’s portion of the inspection fee is collected at the time of registration or renewal.
Emissions Inspection Fee $2.75
Inspection Replacement Fee $7.50
Inspection Replacement Fee (new two-year vehicles) $16.75
The fee amounts displayed here are for demonstration purposes only. Fee amounts will vary based on your vehicle type, county of registration, and county of inspection.
The Inspection Replacement Fee is mandated by state law to be collected at the time of vehicle registration.
The standard fee for cars and lighter pickup trucks is a base registration fee of $50.75.
Your vehicle registration may be renewed online 90 days prior to the expiration date or up to 12 months after the expiration date if you have not received a citation for an expired registration.
If you need proof of a safety inspection (commercial vehicle) or emissions inspection to complete your vehicle’s registration renewal, visit www.mytxcar.org to download, display electronically, or print a copy of the document.
Most inspection records are available in near real time, but there may be instances when the record is not immediately available.
If you are renewing your registration at a county subcontractor location, such as your local grocery store, they may not accept your VIR as proof of a passing safety inspection (commercial vehicle) or emissions inspection.
A vehicle may be operated up to five working days after the registration expires without penalty. After those five days, you can receive a citation of up to $200.
Fully electric cars and trucks, with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 lbs. or less, will be assessed an annual $200 fee at the time of registration renewal starting September 1, 2023.
The Electric Vehicle (EV) fee will not apply to hybrids or vehicles with combination fuel types or motorcycles, mopeds, autocycles, and neighborhood electric vehicles.
A copy of your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR), if you reside in one of the following 17 counties: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, Williamson.
You must register your vehicle in the state or jurisdiction where you currently live, unless you are a full-time student or active military.
TxDMV, New to Texas
read Oct 6, 2026
You have 30 days from the time you move here to register your vehicle in 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.
For non-commercial vehicles the required Inspection Replacement Fee and Emissions Inspection Fee (if applicable) will be due at this time.
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.
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.
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.
To do this, you must visit your local county tax-assessor collector office.
TxDMV, Bexar County Emissions (notice dated 2026-09-15)
read Oct 6, 2026
Beginning November 1, 2026, vehicles registered in Bexar County must pass an emissions test as required under House Bill 3297
The emissions test fee in Bexar County will be $18.50, paid to the inspection station at the time of the test, plus $2.75 paid to the state at the time of registration renewal.
Vehicles statutorily exempt from emissions inspections, including electric vehicles and classic cars, will remain exempt.
Vehicle registration renewals can be completed up to 90 days in advance of expiration; a passing emissions test can be obtained within that period.
Bexar County joins the 17 other Texas counties where emissions testing is mandatory
Bexar County is joining Texas’ emissions program to comply with federal air quality standards
Bexar County drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and ensure their vehicles are ready for emissions testing to avoid delays in the registration process.
TxDMV, FY 2025 Vehicles Registered and License Fees by County and Regional Office
read Oct 6, 2026
VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSE FEES BY COUNTY SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2025
Texas Legislature, H.B. No. 3297 (88th Legislature), enrolled version
page as published Jun 11, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
relating to the elimination of regular mandatory vehicle safety inspections for noncommercial vehicles and the imposition of replacement fees.
the applicant shall pay an annual fee of $7.50.
Instead of the fee provided by Subsection (a), an applicant shall pay a one-time fee of $16.75 if the application is for the initial registration of a passenger car or light truck
(1) $3.50 to the credit of the Texas mobility fund; (2) $2 to the credit of the general revenue fund; and (3) $2 to the credit of the clean air account.
(7) a commercial motor vehicle that is required to be inspected under Subchapter D or that is subject to fees under Section 548.203(c);
at the time of application for initial registration or renewal of registration of a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile home, the applicant shall pay an annual fee of $7.50.
An applicant who pays a fee under Subsection (b) for a registration year is not required to pay a fee under Subsection (a) for the next registration year for the same vehicle.
Sec. 548.511. VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO INSPECTION PROGRAM REPLACEMENT FEE. Section 548.510 does not apply to:
(4) a former military vehicle that is issued a specialty license plate under Section 504.502;
(6) farm machinery, road-building equipment, a farm trailer, or a vehicle required to display a slow-moving-vehicle emblem under Section 547.703;
(9) a neighborhood electric vehicle, as defined by Section 551.301;
(10) a trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile home that: (A) has an actual gross weight or registered gross weight of 4,500 pounds or less; or (B) will move under or bear a factory-delivery license plate or in-transit license plate;
(11) a vehicle that will move under or bear a paper dealer in-transit tag, machinery license, disaster license, parade license, prorate tab, one-trip permit, vehicle temporary transit permit, antique license, custom vehicle license, street rod license, temporary 24-hour permit, or permit license; or
(12) a vehicle qualified for a tax exemption under Section 152.092, Tax Code.
shall collect at the time of registration of the motor vehicle the portion of the inspection fee that is required to be remitted to the state.
can verify is driven an average of less than 5,000 miles each year
This Act takes effect January 1, 2025.
I certify that H.B. No. 3297 was passed by the House on May 5, 2023