Vehicle Registration Frequently Asked Questions
Disabled Placard Questions
General Questions
Title Questions
License\Registration Questions
General Questions
Q. Can I pay my vehicle registration with a credit card?
Yes, you may use the new online service offered by Harris County Tax Office. See the link on our
homepage. The service accepts VISA, MasterCard,
American Express or Discover.
At this time we do not accept credit cards for over the counter or mail in transactions
Q. How do I register and title a motorcycle?
Follow the same procedures as with any motor vehicle.
Q. How do I contact the Harris County Tax
Office?
You may contact us in a variety of ways. You may
e-mail us. You may telephone us at
713-368-2000. If you wish to correspond with our office, please
address your letters to Leo Vasquez, Tax Assessor-Collector, P.O. Box 4089,
Houston,Texas 77210-4089. Our main office is located at 1001 Preston, in
downtown Houston, Texas. However, you may be able to conduct business at one
of our
branch offices.
There are also more than 200
automobile
license renewal locations throughout Harris County that can help you get your
vehicle license renewed. This can be done if you have received a renewal notice
and if your registration has not already expired. You will be charged an
additional $1.00 fee for processing your renewal, above the regular renewal fee.
Q. Can I download forms that pertain to
motor vehicle registration and titles?
Yes, the
Texas Department of Motor Vehicle Title and Registration Forms Page
has many of the commonly used forms that can be downloaded. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed on your computer in order to view the documents. Link to
Adobe on this page, and from there you can download Acrobat Reader.
Q. What should I do if my license plates are damaged or stolen?
You can obtain replacement plates at the Harris County Tax Office. If your
plates are damaged or you are only missing one plate, please turn in the remaining
license plate(s) to the Tax Office for proper disposal and recycling. Please also bring
with you your current registration receipt. You will be required to fill out a
replacement affidavit, and there will be a $6.30 fee.
Q. How do I replace a windshield validation sticker?
You can obtain a replacement windshield validation sticker at the Harris County
Tax Office. Please bring with you your current registration receipt. You will be required
to fill out a replacement affidavit, and there will be a $6.30 fee.
Q. Is insurance required to purchase a one-trip or 30-day permit?
Yes, insurance must be on the vehicle the permit is for. Also, payment must be in cash, cashier's check or money order.
Q. What does "Registration Purposes Only" mean? What are the circumstances for this type of transaction?
"Registration Purposes Only" means that the vehicle is registered, but not
titled, in Texas. This type of ownership document may be requested when a vehicle that
was registered or titled in another state is subject to registration in Texas but the
owner or operator cannot or does not wish to surrender the negotiable out-of-state
evidence of ownership in order to obtain a Texas negotiable title.
Q. How do I obtain personalized license plates or other special plates?
You may obtain an Application for Personalized License Plates from the
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. There is a charge in addition to the regular
registration fee. The amount charged for personalized and special plates varies
according to the type ordered. In some cases, the applicant must meet eligibility
requirements before applying for special plates. Follow the instructions on the forms.
See the
Special License Plates Listing for pictures of
the specialty plates that are available in Texas. Some special plates are available
at the Harris County Tax Office.
Vehicle Title Questions
Q. I lost my title. How do I get a duplicate?
Applicants for a Certified Copy of title may be the owner of record, lienholder,
or verifiable agent of either. Whether the application is submitted by mail or walk-in,
all applicants must provide:
- A properly completed Application for Certified Copy of Title (Form VTR-34), which is available at all VTR Regional Offices, county tax assessor-collectors offices, and on VTR’s Fax on Demand at 1-888-232-7033.
- The appropriate fee: $2.00 for mail-in applications and $5.45 for walk-in applications. (If mailed, the fee should be in the form of a check, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.) Please do not mail cash.
- Photo ID (State or US-issued photo ID, such as Texas or other state driver’s license, government identification card, U.S. Passport, or military identification) of the person signing the Form VTR-34.
- If mailing by overnight or express mail through a mail service which requires a physical address, mail to the VTR Regional Office nearest you, using the appropriate street address on the back of the Form VTR-34.
Verifiable Agent of Owner or Lienholder (Mail-in or Walk-in)
- In addition to the requirements above, a verified agent of the owner or lienholder must also provide a letter of signature authority on original letterhead, or a business card, or copy of the agent’s employee ID.
If the Form VTR-34 is signed with a Power of Attorney (POA), the transaction must have, in addition to the requirements above:
- Photo ID of recorded owner/lienholder signing the POA.
- Photo ID of individual signing the Form VTR-34.
NOTE: Businesses given POA will also be required to provide a letter of signature authority on original letterhead, business card, or a copy of employee ID.
Q. I just bought/sold a car. How do I transfer the title?
The seller must write the purchaser's name and address, the odometer reading
and date of sale in the title assignment. Purchaser and seller must each sign both the
title and the title application form (Form 130-U). Both signed documents must be given
to the purchaser, along with the registration receipt. The purchaser must then go to
any Harris County Tax Office location and file the title application. Proof of current
insurance will be required.
If the vehicle was last registered in a
non-affected (attainment) county, proof of emissions-testing will be required. Please
see
Emissions-testing regulations.
The fee is $33, plus motor-vehicle sales tax (6.25 percent). There is also a $2.50
transfer of a current registration fee. If the license is not current, there may be a
registration fee. When you purchase a vehicle from a licensed Texas dealer located in
Harris County, the dealer is required to complete all the paperwork necessary to title
and register the vehicle in your name. The dealer is also required to file the documents
with the Harris County Tax Office within 20 business days of the date you purchased the
vehicle.
Q. I've bought a vehicle and I have liability
insurance on another car. What document can I use to show proof of financial responsibility
when I transfer title and registration?
The personal automobile policy for any other vehicle an individual owns
provides 30-day coverage after an additional vehicle has been acquired. Therefore,
a copy of the personal automobile insurance policy or the card issued for the policy
is acceptable as proof of financial responsibility.
Q. I applied for a title and neither my lien
holder nor I have received it yet.
Customers should receive their titles within three weeks from the date the
application was filed. Contact the Harris County Tax Office and ask to have the record
checked.
Q. Why does the state show a lien on my car if I paid it off?
This occurs if you have not advised the State of Texas that your lien has been
satisfied. To remove the lien information, fill out a Title Application Form (130-U).
Submit the application, title and a release of lien to the Harris County Tax Office.
The fee for this service is $33.00. The State of Texas will mail a title to you that does
not show a lien.
Q. What is required to correct an error in the
odometer reading after the title has been issued?
A statement of fact will be required. This statement must address the discrepancy and must be acknowledged by both the
seller and the buyer involved in the transaction in which the error was made.
Q. If my odometer reading is not available, what
am I required to enter on the Odometer Disclosure Statement?
The Odometer Disclosure Statement should contain an explanation from the seller
as to why a mileage reading is not available. If there is a reading of any sort displayed
on the odometer, this reading must be disclosed, and an indication as to whether the
mileage is actual, not actual, or exceeds mechanical limits must be made.
Q. I sold my vehicle several months ago, but the
registration and title have not been changed to reflect the new owner's name and address.
I'm getting notices about parking tickets involving that vehicle and the registration
renewal notice has also come to me. What can I do?
It is likely the new owner has not transferred title into his or her name.
Contact the Harris County Tax Office or
VTR Regional Office
and fill out the Motor Vehicle Transfer Notification (Form VTR-346). Or write a
letter to: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Titles and Registration
Division, Attention: Customer Information Services Branch, Austin, TX 78779-0001.
Your letter must provide the vehicle description (year, make, vehicle
identification number), date of sale, and purchaser's name and address. Upon
receipt of the form or letter, the State will place a notation on the motor
vehicle record stating that the vehicle has been transferred.
Q. How do I sell a vehicle that is registered
and titled in a former spouse's or a deceased spouse's name?
If the divorce decree awards the vehicle to you, provide the Harris County Tax
Office with a certified copy of the decree and apply for title. If the decree does not
award the vehicle to you, a properly assigned title will be required. In the case of
a deceased spouse, the ownership will be determined based on whether there is a will,
trust, etc. Contact the Harris County Tax Office or a
VTR Regional Office for help.
Q. My title was issued incorrectly. What
should I do?
Contact the Harris County Tax Office and we'll help you resolve the problem.
Q. Can a certificate of title be issued to
a vehicle which is displaying $6.30 Machinery License Plates?
No. Vehicles issued the $6.30 distinguishing Machinery License Plate cannot
be titled under the Certificate of Title Act.
Q. How do I register and title a rebuilt/salvage vehicle?
For information about rebuilt and salvage vehicles, contact our office via
e-mail or call us at 713-368-2000.
Q. How do I turn a Salvage Document into
a blue negotiable Texas title?
If a salvaged vehicle for which a salvage document has been issued is repaired
and placed in operable condition by a purchaser of
such salvaged vehicle, the person or firm who purchased and repaired the vehicle (Texas
licensed salvage dealers excepted) must apply for title and
registration in their name. The following must support the
application for title:
- Salvage Document
- Form 61- Rebuilt Affidavit
- A $65 Rebuilt fee.
- Odometer statement (If applicable)
- If the vehicle for which the salvage certificate has been issued has a non-conforming USA VIN, proof of compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation safety regulations is required.
- In any case when a negotiable title is issued and a Salvage Document is in evidence, the negotiable title will contain a notation to indicate that the vehicle was previously damaged. "Flood Damaged" will be shown, when applicable, or “Rebuilt Salvage” will be shown. These notations are carried permanently in the master title records and will appear on all subsequent titles.
- Valid proof of financial responsibility, covering the described vehicle, in the applicant’s name.
Q. What information is required, and who
is authorized to execute a Statement of Fact should one be required to correct an error
on a title assignment?
The statement must certify to the correct information and must include a
description of the vehicle identification number and the date the statement was executed.
Only the seller is authorized to execute the Statement of Fact. However, if the
Statement of Fact is required for the odometer disclosure portion of the assignment,
in addition to the seller's signature, the buyer must also acknowledge the statement.
Q. Why am I required to provide certain
documentation to change a vehicle title to my name?
The title law protects ownership rights for more than 15 million vehicles in
Texas. Therefore, the statutes require transfer of ownership by proper execution of
certain ownership documents. When these specific documents are incomplete or unavailable,
Texas statutes require that the applicant apply for a Tax Collector's hearing or bonded
title.
Q. What is a bonded title and what is it used
for?
A bonded title is a notation on a title document, as well as on the motor
vehicle records, which indicates that a Certificate of Title Surety Bond has been
surrendered in support of the application for title. The bond is issued in the title
applicant's name, for a three-year period. The notation (bonded title) is renewed for
another three-year period. The bond is required by statute in cases where proper ownership
documents are unavailable. Purpose of a bonded title is to protect previous and future
owners of the vehicle, as well as lien holders, from potential claims.
Q. How do I title a new manufactured trailer?
A trailer must weigh at least 4001 pounds to be titled. You will need:
Q. How do I register a homemade / shopmade
trailer that does not meet the title requirements?
You will need:
Q. How do I title a homemade / shopmade
trailer that is 4001 pounds or more?
You will need:
Q. What documents do I need to transfer an out of state titled trailer?
You will need:
Q. How much sales tax would I owe if I am gifted a vehicle?
The sales tax on a gifted vehicle is $10.00.
Beginning September 1, 2009 a vehicle can only be gifted from one family member to another. (A family member is defined as a grandparent, grandchild, child, stepchild, sibling, guardian, or decedent estate.)
Q. Do I need any extra forms if I am gifted a vehicle?
Yes, a notarized statement between both interested parties must be
completed explaining the nature of the transaction and the relationship between
both parties. Form 14-317 is now available on the Texas Comptroller's website
http://www.window.state.tx.us/.
Q. How do I process a Mechanic Lien in Harris County after September 1, 2009?
- Recent legislation changed some of the processing requirements and procedures regarding
Mechanic Liens. As a result, effective September 1, 2009, all mechanic liens and supporting
documents must be dropped off at the Downtown Tax Office, Room 100
for processing; or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested to:
| Harris County Tax Office |
| Attn: Mechanic Lien Department |
| 1001 Preston, Room 210 |
| Houston, Texas 77002 |
- The person filing a mechanic’s lien, other than a person licensed as a franchised dealer, is required to give notice to the owner(s) and lienholder(s) recorded on the certificate of title. The notice must also be sent to the address that appears on the work order, if the address on the work order is different than the address on the motor vehicle record. The notices shall include:
- Foreclosure Notice – Not later than the 30th day after
the date on which the charges accrue, the person filing the
mechanic’s lien shall notify the owner(s) and lienholder(s)
of record by certified mail, return receipt requested.
- The physical address of the real property at which the repairs to the motor vehicle were made;
- The legal name of the person that holds the possessory lien for which the notice is required;
- The taxpayer identification number, employer identification number, or social security number, as applicable, of the person that holds the possessory lien for which the notice is required; and
- A signed copy of the work order authorizing the repairs on the motor vehicle.
- After providing notice, the holder of a possessory lien shall, on request, not later than the 30th day after the date on which the charges accrue, make reasonable efforts to allow an owner and each lienholder of record to inspect the motor vehicle to verify that the repairs were made.
- The holder of the lien shall provide a copy of the notice with
all other evidence supporting the lien to the county tax
assessor-collector’s office in the county in which the repairs were
made.
- Not later than the 10th day after the date the Tax Office
receives a copy of the notice and all other evidence supporting the
lien from the holder of the mechanic’s lien, the Tax Office shall
notify the owner(s) and lienholder(s) of record by certified
mail, return receipt requested.
- The Tax Office will contact the holder of the lien by telephone after the transaction has been processed, or rejected in the event the transaction cannot be processed.
- Effective September 1, 2009, in addition to normal mechanic
lien processing fees, an administrative fee of $25.00 is required for
each possessory lien submitted for processing. The administrative fee is specific to mechanic liens only.
- A check or money order is the only form of payment accepted by the Harris County Tax Office for mechanic lien fees and the $25.00 administrative fee. The lien fees and administrative fees cannot be combined and must be paid separately.
- The information included in this FAQ is strictly highlights of SB543. For more comprehensive information regarding this law in its entirety, please visit our website at
http://www.tax.co.harris.tx.us/.
License/Registration Questions
Q. How do I renew my registration by mail?
Follow the instructions on the renewal notice. Send the renewal notice,
registration fee and all requested information to the Harris County Tax Office. Add
an additional $1 for the processing and mailing fee. Include a photocopy of your
current insurance card to show proof of financial responsibility. Please make your
check payable to Leo Vasquez. Our mailing address is Leo Vasquez, Tax
Assessor-Collector, P.O. Box 4089, Houston, Texas 77210-4089. You may also renew
online, using the link on our homepage.
Q. I registered my vehicle in August.
So why does the registration expire in July?
A vehicle registration period is for 12 consecutive months or any
portion thereof. Registration for vehicles registered during August will expire on July 31.
Q. Why does it cost less to register my new
pickup truck than it does my older car?
State law makes the fee structure for passenger vehicles different from that
of trucks. Passenger vehicle registration is determined by the manufacturer's model year.
The annual license fee for trucks is $25 plus an amount based on the empty weight of the
vehicle and its net carrying capacity.
Q. Which types of vehicles may be used on
the highway without having to be registered?
The following vehicles may be operated upon the highway without registration:
- A farm trailer or farm semi-trailer used in farming operations that does not exceed 4,000 pounds gross weight
- A farm tractor used in a farming operation and not "for hire" and
- Implements of husbandry (those devices used to till the soil and harvest crops)
Q. I'm going out of town for vacation,
and my registration will expire while I am gone. May I renew it in advance?
Yes. You can renew you registration up to two months prior to your
expiration month.
Q. I just moved to Texas. How do I register my vehicle?
Before it can be registered, your vehicle must pass a State of Texas vehicle
safety inspection and a visual verification of the vehicle identification number. These
services are available at state-approved Safety Inspection Stations.
The inspection facility will provide you with a Vehicle Identification Certificate
(Form VI-30-A). You must submit this form to the Harris County Tax Office along with
an Application for Texas Certificate of Title (Form 130-U) and an out-of-state title
or out-of-state registration. A new resident fee of $90, or a sales tax fee of 6.25% of
the vehicle’s purchase price will be charged. Title and registration fees are due at the
time the application for title is made. You may do this in person at any Harris County Tax
Office or by mail. Proof of liability insurance is required in Texas in order for
these services to be provided (please read more info in next question).
Q. Will my proof of insurance from
out-of-state or out out-of-the -country be acceptable to cover a vehicle required to be registered in Texas? If so,
should approval be based on the minimum amounts of coverage required in Texas?
Proof of liability insurance coverage from
out-of state insurance companies is acceptable. If you have
out-of-state insurance, you will need to bring the policy when
registering the vehicle. The policy must be for at least the
minimum limits prescribed by Texas law. Insurance from
a "no fault" State is not acceptable as proof of liability.
Q. For how long may a new Texas resident
operate his or her vehicle in this state while displaying current out-of-state license
plates?
He or she can operate the vehicle for a period of thirty days after
establishing residence or entering gainful employment, after which time the vehicle must
be registered in Texas.
Q. I have not received my registration
renewal notice. What do I do?
Your vehicle registration can be renewed at any of the Harris County Tax
Office locations, by using your
license receipt from the previous year, the title, or the license plate number along
with proof of insurance and identification. The Harris County Tax Office is able to
verify your registration, electronically, either by using your Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) or your license plate number. The Department of Motor Vehicles can also
mail you another renewal notice, depending on the amount of time remaining before
your registration expires. Just call the Harris County Tax Office 713-368-2000 and
we'll help you correct the problem. You can also renew your registration online.
Click the link on our homepage
to access the service.
Q. I moved to another location within Texas.
How can I be sure that my registration renewal notice will get to me when the time comes?
Your mail will be forwarded if you filed a Change of Address Form with the
U.S. Postal Service. However, the registration record will not be updated in the State's
system. Contact this office
or one of the VTR Regional Offices and fill out the Notice of Address Change for
Texas Motor Vehicle Registration (Form VTR-146). Or, write a letter to: Texas Department
of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Attention: Customer
Information Services Branch, Austin, TX 78779-0001. They will take the information you
have provided and update your vehicle registration record accordingly. You must provide
the description of each vehicle you own. You may also call their Customer Help Desk at
512-465-7611, TDD 512-302-2110.
Q. I did not receive my renewal notice and my
registration has expired. Why am I being forced to pay a 20% penalty?
The 20% penalty is required by law if a vehicle is driven on public highways
with expired registration after the five-day grace period and you were issued a ticket
by law enforcement.
Q. Can a vehicle be operated after its
registration expires?
Yes. A vehicle may be operated for five County working days after its
registration expires without penalty.
Q. Can I mail in my renewal if my registration has expired more than 5 county working days?
Yes. You will need to send a completed and signed Expired Registration Form MV-469 with your payment and proof of insurance on the vehicle being renewed. If a citation was issued for expired registration, please contact our office for the correct fee. Our number is 713-368-2300. If the vehicle has been driven after the 5 county working day grace period you will be charged the 12 month registration fee and your month of expiration will not change.
Q. What if I haven't driven the vehicle
since my registration expired. Do I still pay the 20% penalty?
You do not have to pay a penalty as long as you have not been ticketed for
driving your vehicle with expired registration. You will pay for 12 months registration
from the time you purchase your registration.
Q. What documents do I need to provide to
renew my vehicle registration at the County Tax Office?
Q. Can I send someone else to renew my vehicle registration?
Yes, please be sure that the person you assign bring the following documents:
Q. What documents do I need to provide to renew my vehicle registration at a participating grocery store?
Q. If my registration renewal receipt
indicates "New Plates Required" do I have to go to the Tax Office to renew?
If your renewal notice indicates "New Plates Required" you may renew online,
by mail or at any one of our Harris County Tax Office locations.
If renewing online or by mail, we will return your new plates along with the registration
sticker by return mail.
No extra fees or forms required when obtaining new plates when mandatory.
Please note that you cannot renew your registration at any of our participating
grocery stores if new plates are required.
Q. Can I purchase a registration sticker for more than one year
Yes. You can purchase a 23-month registration sticker at any of our
Tax Office locations.