1) Vehicle Registration in Texas (first the car, then the license)

Deadline: within 30 days from the moment of relocation. Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Steps in brief

1. Get Texas auto insurance. You cannot register without insurance. See the "New Texans" checklist. Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
2. Check if emissions inspection is required (safety inspection for passenger vehicles was eliminated in 2025, but the emissions test remains in 17 counties). Texas Department of Public Safety+1
3. Gather documents and go to the DMV office (Department of Motor Vehicles):

• Passport/ID (identity),
• Title/certificate of ownership or current registration from another state,
• Insurance (Texas),
• If your county requires — emissions inspection (emissions test).
• Office addresses: "Find Your Local Tax Office". Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

1. Complete and submit form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration). For new residents there is a fixed tax of $90 instead of 6.25% use tax. Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
2. Pay the fees, receive license plates and sticker. General rules and TxDMV online services: registration, renewal, address change for notifications. Texas.gov+2Texas Department of Motor Vehicles+2

Good to know

• As of 01.01.2025 there is no annual safety inspection for passenger (non-commercial) vehicles, but a $7.50 "inspection program replacement fee" has been introduced and the emissions test remains in "emission" counties. Texas Department of Public Safety+1

2) Exchanging driver's license for a Texas one

Deadline: within 90 days after relocation. Until you exchange it, you can drive with a valid license from another state for up to 90 days. Texas Department of Public Safety+1

Sequence

1. First register all your vehicles in Texas (DPS requires proof of current Texas registration for each vehicle owned when exchanging license). Texas Department of Public Safety
2. Schedule an appointment at the DPS office (Texas Department of Public Safety) through the official scheduler. Texas Department of Public Safety
3. Prepare documents:

• Form DL-14A (application for license/ID), can be completed in advance (PDF). Texas Department of Public Safety
• Proof of identity and citizenship/legal status,
• SSN,
• 2 documents proving residence in Texas (for new residents there is a "30 days of residence" accommodation, but 2 documents are still needed),
• Proof of Texas registration for each of your vehicles,
• Valid license from another state (will be surrendered upon exchange). Texas Department of Public Safety+1

4. At the office: vision test, photo, biometrics, fee payment. Written/driving test usually not required if you have valid license from another state and it has not been expired for more than 2 years. Texas Department of Public Safety+1

3) Complete list of links (official)

Driver's License (DPS):

• Guide for those who moved (Moving to Texas) — requirements and 90-day rule: Texas Department of Public Safety
• How to apply for Texas license (list of documents): Texas Department of Public Safety
• Proof of residency (2 documents, 30 days accommodation): Texas Department of Public Safety
• Online appointment booking at Driver License office: Texas Department of Public Safety
• Form DL-14A (PDF): Texas Department of Public Safety
• FAQ/exams and statute of limitations for expired licenses: Texas Department of Public Safety

Vehicle Registration (TxDMV/Texas.gov/TCEQ/DPS):

• New to Texas — 30 days for registration + general steps: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
• Checklist "Vehicle Title & Registration for New Texans" (PDF, with steps and document examples): Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
• Application Form 130-U (PDF) — with $90 New Resident Tax rule: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
• Find County Tax Office (where to go to register): Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
• TxDMV online services (renewal, address change for notifications, etc.): Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
• Registration/renewal through Texas.gov: Texas.gov
• Changes to vehicle inspection from 2025 (elimination of safety inspection for passenger vehicles, $7.50 fee): Texas Department of Public Safety
• List of counties with emissions test (TCEQ/or DPS): TCEQ+1

Frequently Asked Questions (brief)

Do I need to pass vehicle inspection before registration? As of 01.01.2025 — no safety inspection for passenger vehicles, but in 17 counties the emissions test is still required. A $7.50 fee is added during registration. Texas Department of Public Safety+1

What taxes/fees when registering? New residents pay $90 New Resident Tax instead of 6.25% use tax, plus standard fees for title/registration/plates. Details — in form 130-U. Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Are exams required when exchanging license? Usually no, if you have valid license from another state and it has not been expired for >2 years (only vision test will be required). Texas Department of Public Safety

If you tell me which county you are in, I can compile a personalized checklist for you with the address of the nearest office and local specifics (for example, whether emissions test is required).