Bringing a vehicle into Texas from out of state requires more than just a road trip. To legally title and register your newly acquired vehicle in the Lone Star State, you must navigate specific federal and state requirements. This guide outlines the essential steps to ensure a smooth process when buying a car out of state and importing it into Texas.
Step 1: Federal Import Compliance for Your Vehicle
Before you can register your out-of-state vehicle in Texas, it must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). These standards are set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Ensuring your vehicle meets these regulations is the first crucial step in the importation process.
For detailed information regarding customs regulations and procedures, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is your primary resource. They provide comprehensive guidance on importing goods, including vehicles, into the United States.
Step 2: Texas Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Once your vehicle meets federal standards, the next step is to pass a Texas vehicle inspection. You’ll need to obtain a Texas vehicle safety inspection at any official state inspection station within your Texas county of residence. For commercial vehicles, this is a mandatory step to ensure roadworthiness and safety.
Furthermore, if you reside in or plan to register your vehicle in one of Texas’s emissions counties, a vehicle emissions inspection is also necessary. These counties include: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson. Remember to have proof of vehicle insurance ready when you go for your inspection. You can locate certified Safety Inspection Stations throughout Texas to complete this requirement and receive your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).
Step 3: VIN Inspection by Law Enforcement
To further ensure vehicle legality, a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) inspection is required. This inspection must be conducted by a trained auto theft investigator who is a law enforcement officer within Texas or its political subdivisions. Contact your local law enforcement agency to inquire about available auto theft investigators or reach out to a Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Grantee to find a qualified inspector.
Alternatively, authorized employees of the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) are also permitted to perform VIN inspections. Upon successful completion of the VIN inspection, you will receive an original Law Enforcement Identification Number Inspection (Form VTR-68-A), signed by the inspecting officer or authorized personnel.
Step 4: Applying for Texas Title and Registration
With federal compliance and Texas inspections completed, you are ready to apply for a Texas title and registration. Visit your county tax office and bring the following documents, along with proof of your vehicle insurance:
- U.S. Department of Transportation Form HS-7, or equivalent documentation confirming customs entry/clearance and adherence to, or exemption from, federal safety standards.
- If applicable, an original bond release letter from the U.S. Department of Transportation if the imported vehicle was under bond.
- Your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).
- The completed inspection report section on the bottom of Form VTR-68-A from a law enforcement agency’s auto theft unit. (Note: U.S. military personnel and their immediate family returning to Texas military bases may have different requirements; refer to the Military Packet for specifics).
- A completed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U).
- The vehicle’s odometer reading, if required for your vehicle.
- Your vehicle ownership document. Crucially, any document not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
By following these steps and ensuring you have all the necessary documentation, you can confidently navigate the process of buying a car out of state and successfully importing and registering it in Texas.
