How to register your car, get a driver’s license after moving to Texas
So, you’ve made the move to Texas — welcome, y’all! Whether you’re swapping coasts, fleeing high rents, or simply chasing warmer weather, you’re far from alone.
Nearly 612,000 people relocated to Texas between 2022 and 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, making it one of the most popular relocation spots in the country.
But settling into the Lone Star state comes with a to-do list, especially when it comes to your vehicle, ID, and toll roads.
Here’s everything you need to know to make your new residency official.
Quick checklist
To get started in Texas, you’ll need to:
Get a Texas driver’s license or state ID within 90 days
Register your car within 30 days
Pass a vehicle inspection and show proof of insurance
Sign up for a toll tag if you plan to use toll roads
Get a Texas Driver’s License or State ID
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires new residents to obtain a Texas driver’s license within 90 days of moving, even if your out-of-state license is still valid.
If you don’t drive or prefer a non-driver ID, you can apply for a Texas state ID instead.
Schedule an appointment at dps.texas.gov, and bring:
Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or unexpired license)
Proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
Your Social Security number
Some applicants may be asked to complete a vision test or a written knowledge exam, especially if an out-of-state license is expired.
If you’re planning to vote in Texas you can register when you apply for your license or ID by checking the voter registration box during your application.
Register your vehicle
You have 30 days from your move-in date to register your vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Start by getting a vehicle inspection and making sure your insurance meets state requirements.
If you live in a high-population county like Tarrant, Dallas, Travis, or Harris counties, your car will need to pass an emissions inspection. Many mechanic shops and oil change locations are DPS-certified inspection stations.
Texas also requires a minimum amount of liability insurance:
$30,000 per injured person
$60,000 per accident
$25,000 for property damage
Note: It’s easy to mix up the DPS and the DMV, so knowing the difference might save you a lot of time. DPS handles driver’s licenses, state IDs, CDLs and voter registration. The DMV handles vehicle registrations, titles, and license plates.
Finalize your vehicle registration
Once your inspection and insurance are complete, visit your local county tax-assessor collector’s office. Bring:
Proof of insurance
Proof of vehicle ownership (title or out-of-state registration)
Vehicle inspection report (if applicable)
You’ll also need to complete Form 130-U which is the application for Texas title and/or registration.
Note: While you’re there, sign up for eReminder, a free service that emails you when your registration is due for renewal. You’ll be able to renew online in the future.
What fees should I expect?
Texas registration fees vary slightly by county, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay:
Base state registration: $51.75
County/local fees: depending on where you live, these can vary and range from $10 to $40
Emissions/safety inspection fees: Varies by vehicle type and county
Sales tax: $90 or the difference between your old state’s rate and Texas’s
If you’re registering a commercial vehicle, additional inspection and safety related fees may apply.
Navigating the Texas toll road system
Many of Texas’ busiest highways, especially in D-FW, Austin, Houston, and Central Texas, are cashless.
That means no toll booths or cash lanes. To avoid surprise bills, you’ll want to get a toll tag.
Regional Toll Tags (All work statewide):
You can order a tag online, link it to your license plate and credit card, and immediately start using toll roads at a discounted rate.
What happens if I drive without a toll tag?
If you use a toll road without a tag, cameras will photograph your license plate and mail a bill to the address on file, through a system called Pay By Mail, and it comes with extra fees.
If your vehicle isn’t registered in Texas yet, you might miss those notices, which can lead to late fees, penalties, or even registration holds.
This story was originally published May 13, 2025 at 5:18 PM.
