Moved with you car? Bought a car Private Party? Get New Registration & Transfer the Title in Fort Worth Texas

Either you've moved to Texas recently and brought your car, or you just bought a used Private Party car. Either way, if you didn't use a dealership you'll be doing the paperwork yourself.

If you are new to Texas you have 30 days from the time you move here to register your vehicle  in Texas (not until your tags expire from your old state). Check out the state New To Texas page here.

Special Note: Title and Registration are TWO different things. If you bought a new car you are paying for both. If you are renewing you are only paying for registration.

Drivers Licenses (DL) are NOT processed by the same department as automotive registrations and titles. If you need a DL, click HERE, for the Texas Department of Public Saftey.

You'll want to visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website (TXDMV.Gov) for the most up to date information.

What you will need:

1. Current Inspection, in Texas.
1. Most auto shops, Jiffy Lube, NTB, etc., do these inspections.
2. There used to be an inspections sticker, this has gone away as of 03/01/15. The state will electronically verify your inspection.
3. Once past, keep the inspection papers (the VI30 form from the inspection station) to take with you to registration.
2. Insurance Card.
1. Make sure to bring your proof of insurance with you.
3. Proof of ownership.
1. Title (signed over to you if you just bought it), registration, foreign/military documentation of ownership, etc.
4. Money.
1. It costs money to title and/or register your vehicle. Weird huh?
2. Check the costs before you go, be prepared.
5. Check Ahead on Parking.
1. Bring some coins (quarters) for parking. Most buildings near government areas will have metered parking.
6. Signatures!!!
1. You don’t want to be turned away for missing signatures and have to come back.
2. Two People on Title/Registration?
1. You don't both need to be there, per-say. It could be better that you are. If you aren't both coming, at least bring both signatures on all paperwork ahead of time. It would be good to check all the things you need. Call if you're not sure.
3. Seller Signatures
1. If you bought a car Private Party. The Seller needs to sign the Title  AND the title transfer form/application (130-U). Print these when you go so that you can get the signatures. You may have to drive back to the seller if you don't get them.
2. Missing Title? Also bring a VTR-272 form to apply for a new title. This will be signed by you only, but will be used in conjunction with the 130-U that the Seller needs to sign!

Where do you go?

• County Tax Office. You'll be taking your paperwork to your local county tax office. Yes, that's right. Not the "DMV", but a tax office.
• Where is that? The TXDMV.Gov website has a handy tool to look up your County Tax Office. BUT, you'll need to know what county you are in to use it.
• You can check what count you are in on the US Census website.

 

How Much Will I Pay?

From the  TXDMV.Gov website (as of 02/08/15):

• $50.75 - The base registration fee in Texas is $50.75
• Plus $1 for TexasSure, the electronic insurance verification program and other Department of Public Safety initiatives,
• Plus $1 for improvements to the registration and titling computer system.
• $52.75 - So, total state registration is $52.75 but counties may add other fees to this cost.
• In addition, as a new resident, you also will pay sales tax-related fees required by the state's Comptroller of Public Accounts. Sales tax fees on a vehicle can be $90 or the difference between your previous state's sales tax and the Texas sales tax.
• In addition, on a new purchase, you will calculate sales tax as the purchase price, or the Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) based on their calculations. You can access the SPV calculator on the website using the VIN and Odometer. Based on that value, find out what the sales tax is for your county, and factor that in to the total cost. 
  
  Other costs may apply, check their website for most current information. 

Life In Fort Worth By Darrell Wolfe
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Disclaimers:
* This information is AS IS. I make no assumptions to know everything, or be up to date. I am a fellow traveler passing on what I learn to you. If you need official assistance from a professional, please get that help from them. 

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