Moving from California to Texas? One of the most important tasks on your checklist is transferring your vehicle registration. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process.

Understanding Texas Registration Requirements

When you establish residency in Texas, you have 30 days to register your vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). Failing to do so can result in fines and penalties.

<Callout type="warning"> Texas law requires you to register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. Don't wait until the last minute! </Callout>

Required Documents

Before heading to your local county tax office, make sure you have all the necessary documents:

Step 1: Get a Texas Vehicle Inspection

All vehicles must pass a Texas safety inspection before registration. This includes:

Brake system check
Steering and suspension inspection
Lighting and electrical systems
Horn and exhaust system
Windshield wipers and mirrors
Tires and wheels

Find an authorized inspection station near you and obtain your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). The inspection typically costs $7-$25 and is valid for 90 days.

Step 2: Obtain Texas Auto Insurance

Texas requires minimum liability coverage:

$30,000 per person for bodily injury
$60,000 per accident for bodily injury
$25,000 per accident for property damage

<Callout type="info"> Many California insurance companies operate in Texas. Contact your current provider to see if they can transfer your policy. </Callout>

Step 3: Complete Form 130-U

The Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) is required for all out-of-state vehicle transfers.

Fill out the form completely and accurately. You'll need:

Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Current odometer reading
Purchase price or current market value
Lienholder information (if applicable)

Step 4: Visit Your County Tax Office

Take all your documents to your local county tax assessor-collector's office. They will:

Verify your documents
Calculate registration fees and taxes
Issue your Texas license plates
Provide your registration sticker

Fees to Expect

Title fee: $33
Registration fee: $50.75 (standard passenger vehicle)
Local fees: Varies by county ($10-$20)
Motor vehicle sales tax: 6.25% of vehicle value

<Callout type="success"> Texas doesn't charge sales tax on vehicles you already own and are transferring from another state, as long as you can prove you've owned it for more than 90 days. </Callout>

Step 5: Surrender Your California Plates

California requires you to surrender your license plates when you move out of state. You can:

Mail them to: California DMV, PO Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269
Drop them off at any California DMV office
Recycle them at a California metal recycling facility

Special Considerations

Leased Vehicles

If your vehicle is leased, you'll need additional documentation from the leasing company, including:

Leasing agreement
Power of attorney from the lessor
Lienholder information

Military Personnel

Active-duty military members stationed in Texas may be exempt from certain requirements. Contact your base's vehicle registration office for guidance.

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicle owners pay an additional $200 annual fee in Texas to offset lost gas tax revenue.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting too long: Register within 30 days to avoid penalties
Incomplete inspection: Ensure your vehicle passes all inspection points
Missing documents: Double-check you have everything before visiting the tax office
Incorrect form completion: Fill out Form 130-U accurately to avoid delays

Timeline Summary

Here's a realistic timeline for the entire process:

Day 1-3: Obtain Texas auto insurance
Day 4-7: Get vehicle inspection
Day 8-10: Gather all required documents
Day 11-14: Visit county tax office and complete registration
Day 15-30: Surrender California plates

Need Help?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the registration process, our interactive checklist tool can help you stay organized and ensure you don't miss any important steps.

<Callout type="info"> Use our [Vehicle Registration Checklist Tool](/start) to get a personalized checklist for your specific situation, including all required forms and deadlines. </Callout>

Conclusion

Transferring your vehicle registration from California to Texas doesn't have to be complicated. By following this guide and gathering all necessary documents in advance, you can complete the process smoothly and avoid any penalties.

Remember, the key is to start early and stay organized. Good luck with your move to Texas! ```

How to Register Your Car After Moving from California to Texas