Vehicle Registration and Inspection Stickers have "Partnered-up" in Texas

As a reminder, effective March 1, 2015, Texas stopped issuing vehicle inspection stickers and it is transitioning to a “Two Steps, One Sticker” inspection and registration program.

Texas vehicle owners still need to pass inspection prior to renewing their registration.

If your current vehicle registration has not yet expired, no need to do anything yet; the first year of the program is designated as a "transition period" to allow inspection and registration expiration dates to align.

As provided by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, here are the steps:

1. Vehicle Inspection

Take your vehicle to a certified Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) inspection station. Many mechanic shops, oil change locations and service stations are certified by DPS as inspection stations. Ensure you take your insurance card.; you must show you have insurance coverage for a minimum of $30,000 per injured person, up to a total of $60,000 for everyone injured in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

The state's portion of the inspection fee will be due at the time of registration.

2. Registration

Next, you must visit your local county tax-assessor collector office. You will need your insurance card, proof of vehicle inspection (the Vehicle Inspection Report or VI30 form from the inspection station), and proof you own the vehicle, such as the registration or title from your previous state. You can also show a current foreign/military ownership document or foreign evidence of ownership.
Visit your local county tax office. You are not required to title your vehicle in Texas, but first-time registrants must fill out and complete Form 130-U. If you do not possess the title because it has a lien, you also must complete Form VTR-272.

3. Driver License

 If you have not applied for your Texas Drivers License, visit your local Drivers License Office to apply; to find your nearest office, click here.

4. Now it's time to get out and Travel Texas!