🚗 1. When You Apply

• You must title and register most vehicles within 30 days of purchase or establishing residency to avoid penalties.

📄 2. Documents

🆕 A. Proof of Ownership

New Vehicle

• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) — issued by the dealer.
• Dealer will likely handle titling paperwork, but you still need to bring proof of purchase and ID.

Used Vehicle

• Signed title from the seller — with seller’s signature, date, sale price, and odometer reading when applicable.
• If the title is missing or replaced with a “salvage title,” additional forms may be required.

Out‑of‑State Vehicle

• Out‑of‑state title (current)
• This will be surrendered when the Texas title application is processed.

📊 B. Odometer Disclosure

• Included on Form 130‑U for vehicles 10 years old or newer.
• If the title lacks this info, you must include your current odometer reading.

🧾 C. Proof of Identity & Residency

• Acceptable ID: driver license or state ID card, passport, or other accepted government ID.
• Texas does not require proof of residency for titling, but your address must be listed consistently on the application.

🚘 D. Proof of Insurance

• Proof of liability insurance is required to register a vehicle.
• Your insurance must meet Texas minimum liability limits (30/60/25 for most drivers).
• Insurance information is verified electronically or via your insurance card.

🪪 E. Vehicle Emissions Inspection

• TX emissions for vehicles that are garaged at emissions counties: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis and Williamson.  If vehicle is going to be registered on a non-emission county VTR-270 form is required.

💰 3. Taxes 

• 6.25% of the sales price
• Trade in allowed
• Reciprocal with CA

🕒 4. Deadlines & Residency

🗓 Within 30 Days

• Title and register the vehicle within 30 days of purchase or establishment of residency to avoid late penalties.

🚚 New TX Residents

• If you move to Texas with a vehicle already owned, you generally must title and register it within 30 days of establishing residency.

📋 5. Special Situations

📦 Dealer Purchase

• Dealers typically submit title/registration paperwork on your behalf.
• You must provide proof of insurance and ID.

🤝 Private Party Sale

• Signed title from the seller
• Completed Form 130‑U
• Odometer reading
• Proof of insurance
• Payment for tax/fees

🎁 Gifted Vehicle

• If vehicle was a gift, include an affidavit of motor vehicle gift transfer (Form 14‑317) to document the transaction.

📋 Quick Checklist 

✔ Original title or MCO
✔ Copy of contract
✔ Original Odometer disclosure
✔ Proof of insurance
✔ Driver’s License or EIN/FEIN number
✔ Emissions inspection, if applicable
✔ Bill of sale or Purchase order
✔ Vehicle color
✔ Fees
✔ Power of Attorney