Home › FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How late can I renew my Texas registration?
TxDMV says you may drive up to five working days after expiration without penalty, then you can be cited up to $200. Online renewal is open from 90 days before to 12 months after expiration if you have not been cited.
How long do I have to register my car after moving to Texas?
TxDMV says 30 days from the time you move. A Texas driver license is due within 90 days of moving, from DPS.
How long does a buyer have to title a car in Texas?
TxDMV says the vehicle must be titled in the buyer's name within 30 days from the date of sale.
Does Texas still require a safety inspection?
Not for non-commercial vehicles since January 1, 2025, per TxDMV. Commercial vehicles still need one, and 18 counties still require an emissions test.
How much is an emissions test in Texas?
TCEQ caps the station fee at $18.50 in the Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth areas and Bexar County, and $11.50 in the Austin area and El Paso. A state fee is added at registration.
When did Bexar County emissions testing start?
November 1, 2026, per TxDMV RTB 003-26, TCEQ and DPS. Bexar is now the 18th Texas emissions county.
What is the maximum tow fee in Texas?
For a private property tow, TDLR lists $272 for vehicles up to 10,000 lbs as the statewide maximum. Cities or counties may set lower rates.
How much can a Texas storage lot charge per day?
TDLR lists $22.85 per day for vehicles 25 feet or less and $39.99 for longer vehicles, per the 2023 adjustment.
How long do I have to request a tow hearing in Texas?
Occupations Code 2308.456 says before the 14th day after the car was removed and stored, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. The 14 days do not start until the towing company or storage lot gives you the information needed for the request, and if you were not given the required notice of your hearing rights, there is no deadline.
How long do I have to file a Texas Lemon Law complaint?
Six months after the earliest of warranty expiration, 24 months after purchase, or 24,000 miles after delivery, per TxDMV. The fee is $35.
Do I need an emissions test in Houston?
Yes. Harris County is an emissions county, so gasoline vehicles 2 to 24 years old must pass before renewal.
Do I need an emissions test in San Antonio?
Yes. Bexar County is an emissions county, so gasoline vehicles 2 to 24 years old must pass before renewal.
Do I need an emissions test in Dallas?
Yes. Dallas County is an emissions county, so gasoline vehicles 2 to 24 years old must pass before renewal.
Do I need an emissions test in Austin?
Yes. Travis County is an emissions county, so gasoline vehicles 2 to 24 years old must pass before renewal.
Do I need an emissions test in Fort Worth?
Yes. Tarrant County is an emissions county, so gasoline vehicles 2 to 24 years old must pass before renewal.
Do I need an emissions test in Arlington?
Yes. Tarrant County is an emissions county, so gasoline vehicles 2 to 24 years old must pass before renewal.
Do I need an emissions test in El Paso?
Yes. El Paso County is an emissions county, so gasoline vehicles 2 to 24 years old must pass before renewal.
Do I need an emissions test in Plano?
Yes. Collin County is an emissions county, so gasoline vehicles 2 to 24 years old must pass before renewal.
Do I need an emissions test in Corpus Christi?
No. Nueces County is not one of the 18 emissions counties. TxDMV collects a $7.50 Inspection Replacement Fee at registration instead.
Do I need an emissions test in Lubbock?
No. Lubbock County is not one of the 18 emissions counties. TxDMV collects a $7.50 Inspection Replacement Fee at registration instead.
Do I need an emissions test in Laredo?
No. Webb County is not one of the 18 emissions counties. TxDMV collects a $7.50 Inspection Replacement Fee at registration instead.
On this site: When is my Texas registration due, and what if it is late? · I just moved to Texas. What are the vehicle deadlines? · Buying or selling a car in Texas: title and transfer deadlines · Do I still need a vehicle inspection in Texas? · Texas emissions test: cost, timing and retests · Bexar County emissions testing: required from November 1, 2026 · Towed from a private lot in Texas: what can they charge? · Texas vehicle storage lot fees and getting your car back · How to challenge a tow in Texas (tow hearing) · Texas Lemon Law: tests, deadline and fee · Texas vehicle fees at a glance · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV): Register Your Vehicle (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV): Registration and Title Bulletin RTB 003-26: Bexar County Emissions Testing Requirements (PDF) (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV): New to Texas (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV): Buying or Selling a Vehicle (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): Towing and Vehicle Storage: Consumer Information (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV): Lemon Law (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ): Vehicle Emissions Inspections in Texas (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ): Highlights of the Vehicle I/M Program (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): Bexar County Emission Inspections FAQ (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): VSF Fees and Other Charges (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes): Occupations Code Chapter 2303: Vehicle Storage Facilities (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes): Occupations Code Chapter 2308: Vehicle Towing and Booting (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV): County Tax Offices (checked November 1, 2026)
Last updated: