You need to go to your local County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office to register your car in Texas. This office handles vehicle registration and titling. If you've just bought the car, you typically have 30 days to get it registered. The process requires several documents: the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U), proof of current liability insurance that meets Texas's minimum requirements, a valid Texas vehicle inspection certificate, and proof of ownership like the vehicle’s title or a signed Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) for a new car.
You'll also need to pay various fees, which can include the registration fee, title application fee, and state and local sales taxes. The exact cost depends on your vehicle's weight, age, and your county of residence. Many counties allow you to complete part of the process online through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) website to save a trip, but first-time registrations often require an in-person visit. It's a good idea to call your local office ahead of time to confirm their hours and required documentation.
Here is a sample of registration fees for a standard passenger vehicle in different Texas counties:
| County | Standard Registration Fee (1 year) | Local Fee | Total Estimated Fee (excluding taxes) |
|---|
| Harris (Houston) | $50.75 | $10.00 | $60.75 |
| Dallas | $50.75 | $10.00 | $60.75 |
| Tarrant (Fort Worth) | $50.75 | $10.00 | $60.75 |
| Bexar (San Antonio) | $50.75 | $10.00 | $60.75 |
| Travis (Austin) | $50.75 | $10.00 | $60.75 |
| Collin | $50.75 | $10.00 | $60.75 |
| El Paso | $50.75 | $10.00 | $60.75 |
| Denton | $50.75 | $10.00 | $60.75 |
| Hidalgo | $50.75 | $10.00 | $60.75 |
| Williamson | $50.75 | $10.00 | $60.75 |
