Buying a Car In Texas From Out Of State
Buying a car in Texas from out of state can be complicated, but the process for registering an out-of-state vehicle is relatively simple.
Written by Mariza Morin
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Did you buy a vehicle in a different state, but you want to register it in
Texas
? No problem! The process includes paying vehicle sales tax and submitting the original out-of-state title
to your local county tax office in the Lone Star State. Purchasing a car can be stressful enough in your home state—but if you’re thinking about buying a vehicle in another state, the process can be a bit more complex. That’s why
Jerry
, the world’s first trustworthy car insurance
broker app, is here to walk you through everything you need to know about buying a vehicle in Texas from out of state. Make auto loan refinancing easy with PriceProtect™
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversHow to buy a car out of state as a Texas resident
If you live in Texas but want to buy a car in another state—how do you register it, pay associated taxes, and transfer the certificate of title to Texas?
It’s not as uncommon as you’d think for Texas drivers to purchase new or used vehicles in neighboring states like
New Mexico
, Oklahoma
, Louisiana
, and beyond. You just have to register it in Texas, pay the vehicle sales tax, and additional fees, and submit some vital documents to complete the process at your local county tax office
in person. Your vehicle must be titled in your name within 30 days of the date of sale, and also inspected and registered within 30 days of bringing it to Texas. Before you fill out your form, make sure to have your
driver’s license
, vehicle identification number (VIN), and other important information ready to go to make the process as smooth as possible. Along with the completed Form 130-U, you should include:
- Original out-of-state car title
- Proof of inspection (vehicle inspection report)
- Proof of sale tax payment
- The vehicle’s odometer reading (if required)
You’ll also have to pay the following fees:
- Registration fee ($50.75 for passenger cars and light trucks)
- Title application fee ($28 or $33, varies based on county)
- Vehicle inspection fee up to $30.75 (State portion)
- Local county fees up to $31.50
- 6.25% vehicle sales tax
- $1 insurance verification fee
- $4.75 process and handling fee
After you submit all the appropriate documents and pay the required fees, you’ll be issued a Texas title and a set of Texas license plates.
How to buy a car in Texas if you live out of state
But what if you’re purchasing a vehicle in Texas from out of state? The process is basically the same, though some factors will depend on where you plan to register your car.
Generally, you’ll need to:
- A valid bill of sale (some states require a notary stamp on it too)
- Photo ID
- Proof of insurance and residency
- Odometer reading
You’ll also need to complete your vehicle registration in your state of residency and bring the bill of sale with you to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Additionally, you’ll likely have to pay local vehicle sales taxes as well.
What if I don’t have a physical title?
Texas requires a physical copy of the original out-of-state title before you can properly register the vehicle in the state.
If a lienholder still holds your new car’s title, they must go through the
Electronic Lien and Title Program (ELT)
that allows the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle (TxDMV) and the lienholder to swap title information electronically. Once the lienholder is removed from the record, TxDMV will send a paper title to the new owner. But if you lost your title, you can easily request a duplicate copy by completing the
Application for a Certified Copy of Title
, or Form VTR-34 by mail or in person. You’ll need to provide your driver’s license, along with a $2 vehicle title fee (by mail) or $5.45 (in person). Tips for buying a vehicle out of state
Whether you snagged a great deal or found a one-of-a-kind vehicle out of state, the process can get complicated, especially if this is your first time buying a car in another state.
If you’re thinking about buying a vehicle out of state, keep these tips in mind:
- Always get a vehicle history report. If you’re buying from a private owner, a vehicle history report is a must. Services likeCARFAXwill provide you with vehicle history reports that include any accidents or other issues in the vehicle’s history.
- Schedule your vehicle inspection in your state. Your new car will need to meetTexas car inspection requirements—not the state where you purchased it.
- Get an emissions test. Depending on where you live in Texas,emissions testingmight be required for you!
- Research your state’s vehicle sales tax laws. If you purchase a vehicle out of state, you’ll have to pay taxes based on your home state—not where you bought it.
- Don’t leave the dealership without car insurance. Driving your new car back to your home state? Don’t forget about insurance! You’ll still need to purchase insurance that meetsTexas state minimum requirements, even if your paperwork is still in limbo.
How to save on car insurance in Texas
Car insurance is one of the most important aspects of the car-buying process, regardless of where you live. But if you’re also dealing with an out-of-state vehicle purchase, you might not have all the time in the world for
comparison shopping
—until now! That’s right, with Jerry
in your pockets, you can find affordable rates
in record time. Here’s how it works: just download the app, answer a few basic questions about your current policy, and in less than one minute, you’ll receive an array of competitive rates from a host of over 55 top-rated providers in the nation. Once you find a new policy that works for you, our team of expert agents will quickly switch you over while helping you cancel your old policy.
How much can you actually save? On average, Jerry customers save over $800 a year on car insurance when they switch!
“I just had to buy a new car, and I needed quick help to get insurance before I could get my plates. Because I work so many hours,Jerrywas the ideal choice for getting things done without long phone calls and waiting periods.” —Rosa G.
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