Texas Vehicle Shipping Guide
For many, the thought of moving to Texas is an alluring prospect because of the frontier landscape and legendary culture. There’s the coastal energy of Houston, the emerging tech scene of Dallas, and the bustling music and college culture of Austin.
If you’re planning on bringing your car along for the ride, however, it’s important to know that Texas has some of the strictest vehicle regulations in the country. So, whether you’re driving your car down south yourself or entrusting a professional carrier to do the hauling, here is the ultimate guide on what to expect.
Registering Your Vehicle in Texas
Upon moving to Texas, you have 30 days to register your vehicle. It’s important to know that if your vehicle will be in Texas for over 30 days, it must be registered in the state even if you’re splitting residency in other states or visiting temporarily. The registration and title do not have to match, so an out-of-state title is allowed. When you get to the DMV, you will need the following to register your vehicle:
- The Vehicle’s Out-of-State Title and Registration
- A Valid Texas driver’s license or state ID
- Proof of Insurance
- A passing vehicle inspection report (if applicable*)
- A Completed Application for Title or Registration (Form 130-U)
- Payment
*Non-Commercial vehicles in Texas no longer need to pass a mandatory safety inspection, but vehicles registered in one of these 17 counties are required to pass an emissions inspection prior to registration: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, Williamson.
Texas Vehicle Registration Fees
The overall cost and fees for car registration in Texas depend on vehicle type, size, and the county in which the vehicle is registered. An owner of a standard passenger car under 6,000 pounds can expect to pay these fees when registering their vehicle:
- Base Fee: $50.75
- Title Application Fee: $28-$33, depending on the county
- Local County Fees: (up to $31.50)
- New Resident Fee: $90
- Processing & Handling: $4.75
- Inspection & Emissions Fee: $19-$26
- Electric Vehicle Fee (if applicable): $200
Heavier trucks or vehicles are required to pay a higher base fee, while the base fee is lower for motorcycles and small trailers.
Texas Vehicle Insurance Requirements
Texas requires proof of insurance for all vehicles registered in the state. You must carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times and must provide it to law enforcement when requested or when involved in a collision. Texas’ minimum liability coverage goes by 30/60/25:
- $30,000 for injury/death to one person
- $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person
- $25,000 for damage to property
Although Texas recently ended the “Texas Driver Responsibility Program” that imposed extra penalties and fines for people driving without insurance, you can still expect to face a minimum $175 fine and possible driver’s license suspension if found guilty of driving without insurance.
Shipping Your Car to Texas
In some cases, whether it’s costs or timing, it’s better to have your vehicles shipped to your new home rather than drive them yourself. When it comes to vehicle shipping, there are plenty of options available, and RunBuggyOne offers them all.
Open Carrier Shipping is the most common method, which is where your car sits on a multi-car carrier. This is the most budget-friendly option. If you’re moving a luxury or classic vehicle, enclosed transport might be a better option as it protects the car from weather and debris.
Before the driver arrives, follow these standard industry rules:
- Quarter-Tank: Do not fill your gas tank. Most carriers require the tank to be at or below 1/4 full to reduce weight and minimize fire hazards.
- Empty the Interior: Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations prohibit carriers from hauling personal household goods and items inside vehicles.
- Take Pictures: Take clear, high-quality photos of your car from every angle in daylight. If there’s a scratch when it arrives in Texas, you’ll need the before photos to file an insurance claim.
Moving to Texas is just as stressful as it is exciting, but knowing the vehicle registration details ahead of time can make adjusting to life down south a little bit easier. Get a quote today and experience the peace of mind that comes with secure, transparent tracking.
