How To Register Your Car In Texas

Emission Testing in Texas

The emissions test is part of your required vehicle inspection and confirms that your car meets Texas air quality standards. The type of test you'll get depends on your vehicle's model year and where in Texas you live.

OBDII Test (1996 and Newer Vehicles)

If your car was made in 1996 or later, you'll get the On-Board Diagnostics: Second Generation (OBDII) test. Your car's onboard computer monitors your emissions while you drive, so when you bring it in for inspection, the mechanic uses a scanner to pull that stored data. If something's wrong, like a Check Engine light, the system logs a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that helps the mechanic determine whether your car passes.

ASM/TSI Test (1995 and Older Vehicles)

Older vehicles don't have onboard computers, so they use tailpipe-based tests instead. The Acceleration Simulation Mode (ASM) test measures NOx, CO2, HC, and CO by simulating real driving conditions and is used in the Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston/Galveston areas. The Two-Speed Idle (TSI) test measures CO2, HC, and CO at two engine speeds and is used in El Paso and the Travis/Williamson County area.

Who Is Exempt from the Emissions Test?

You don't need an emissions test if you live outside these counties: Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, Williamson, and El Paso. Vehicles that run on diesel or non-gasoline fuels are also exempt. Hybrids are not exempt since they still use gasoline.

What If Your Car Doesn't Pass?

If your vehicle fails the emissions test, you have a few paths forward:

Get it repaired and retest. Once the issue is fixed, bring it back for another inspection.
Apply for a waiver or extension. If your vehicle still doesn't pass after repairs, visit TCEQ's waiver pageMobilesource Vim Waivers.html Airquality to see if you qualify.
Look into the Drive a Clean Machine Program. If repair costs are a concern, this state program offers up to $600 toward repairs or $3,500 toward replacing your vehicle. Eligibility is based on net family income, your car must have already passed the safety inspection, and repairs must be completed at a state-recognized Recognized Emission Repair Facility (RERF).

How to Register Your Vehicle

Once your insurance and inspection are in order, you're ready to register. Head to your local county tax assessor-collector's office with your proof of insurance, vehicle inspection report, and payment for your registration fees. Once everything checks out, you'll get your registration sticker. Keep in mind that registration needs to be renewed every year, so make a note and watch for your renewal notice.

Renewing Your Texas Vehicle Registration

Texas vehicle registration runs on an annual cycle. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 90 days before your registration expires, but it's your responsibility to renew on time even if you don't get one. Texas uses a system called Two Steps, One Sticker for renewals, which replaces the old process of having both an inspection sticker and a registration sticker. Now there's just one sticker that covers both.

Step 1: Get Your Vehicle Inspected

Within 90 days of your registration expiration date, take your car to any certified inspection station for a safety inspection (and emissions test if required for your vehicle and county). You'll pay the inspection fee at that time, which ranges from $4.75 to $14.25 for a standard one-year inspection depending on your location.

Step 2: Renew Your Registration

Once you've passed inspection, you can renew your registration in three ways:

Online. The TxDMV's preferred method, and you'll get a $1 discount for renewing online. Your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) should already be in the Texas inspection database. If it's not, you can print a copy at mytxcar.orgSearchVehicleTestHistory.aspx Txcar_net and bring it to your local county tax office. Have your credit card and driver's license ready. Your new sticker will arrive in the mail within three weeks.
By mail. Fill out your renewal notice, include your Vehicle Inspection Report, and mail everything to your local tax office. Your sticker will be mailed to you after the renewal is processed, usually within a day or two of receipt.
In person. Visit your local county tax office or DPS. Bring your VIR just in case it's not in the system. Fill out the renewal form and you'll get your sticker on the spot.

For all renewal methods, you'll need proof of insurance and your driver's license. For online and mail renewals, the TexasSure Vehicle Insurance Verification Program checks your insurance automatically. For in-person renewals, bring a printed copy.

Where to Put Your Registration Sticker

Place your new registration sticker in the lower driver's side corner of your front windshield. That single sticker now serves as both your inspection and registration sticker, so there's nothing else you need to display.

If you purchased a new car from a dealership, you may have a two-year registration. You can keep that extended registration, but you'll still need to get your annual vehicle safety and emissions inspection. You'll receive a notice with your inspection due date so you always know when it's coming up.

Registering Other Types of Vehicles

The standard registration process covers most passenger vehicles, but other vehicle types have their own rules. Boats are registered through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (not the DMV), and most motorized boats and sailboats 14 feet or longer require registration. ATVs and off-highway motorcycles used for recreation need a title but don't require registration. Mopeds on the Texas DPS approved list follow the standard registration process. Motor homes are registered at your county tax assessor-collector's office, with fees based on vehicle weight, and you'll need proof of insurance and inspection. For full details, check with the appropriate agency for your specific vehicle type.

Replacing a Lost Registration, Sticker, or License Plates

Misplaced your registration certificate, sticker, or license plates? You can get replacements through the Texas DMV. Here's how depending on what you need:

Duplicate registration certificate. Visit a Texas DMV Regional Service CenterRegional Service CentersRegional Service Centers or county tax office in person. Submit a completed Form VTR-275 (Request for Texas Motor Vehicle Information) and pay the fee listed on the form.
Duplicate registration sticker or replacement license plates. Visit your local county tax office, submit an Application for Replacement License Plate(s) and/or Vehicle Registration Sticker (Form VTR-60), and pay the $6 fee plus a $1 automation fee.

Replacing a Lost Title

Lost your vehicle title? You can apply for a duplicate title (a certified copy) either in person or by mail through the Texas DMV. Keep in mind that if there's a lien on the vehicle, the lienholder will need to submit the application. If there are multiple names on the title, all owners must sign.

In person. Visit a Texas DMV Regional Service CenterRegional Service CentersRegional Service Centers with a valid photo ID, a completed application for a certified copy of the certificate of title, and $5.45 to cover the fee.
By mail. Send a copy of your valid photo ID, your completed title application, and $2 to cover the mail-in fee to a Texas DMV Regional Service Center. For more information, visit the TxDMV websiteBuying Or Selling A Vehicle Get A Copy Of Your Title Motorists.

Disabled Parking Placards and Disabled Plates

If you have a qualifying disability, you may be eligible for a disabled parking placard or a specialty license plate. There are a few different options depending on your situation:

Blue placard: For individuals with a permanent disability. Hangs from your rearview mirror and is renewable every four years.
Red placard: For individuals with a temporary disability. Expires within six months.
ISA license plate: Displays the International Symbol of Access and is issued for permanent disabilities.

Having a disabled placard or ISA plate lets you park in any designated disability parking space and exempts you from local and state government parking meters.

Who Qualifies?

You're eligible if you meet the legal definition of "disability," which includes visual acuity of 20/200 or less in your better eye with correcting lenses, a limited field of vision subtending 20 degrees or less, or a condition that significantly impairs mobility. That covers things like paralysis, cardiac deficiency, lung disease, wheelchair confinement, arthritis, a foot disorder, or any condition requiring the use of a brace, crutch, cane, or other assistive device.

How to Apply or Renew

Apply or renew at your county tax assessor-collector's office. Your doctor will need to complete the disability statement section of the application formAce VTR 214.pdf Xgrit Ecom.imgix.net. If you're renewing, bring your original application or expiring placard. You can also find more details in this disability placards and plates brochureAce Placard_plates.pdf Xgrit Ecom.imgix.net.