Buying and Selling FAQs

One of my relatives in another state wants to sell me a car. If I buy it, how do I get a Texas tag for it?

Once you buy it and bring it back to Texas, you'll need to get the vehicle inspected, and then you'll need to register and title it. Depending on where you live, you may be required to get two inspections―a safety inspection and possibly an emissions inspection.

I saw a cool car in an auto magazine, but it's from another country. How do I buy one and bring it to Texas?

First, explore the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site for all the information you need about importing a vehicle. Then, check with your county tax office for information specific to your town.

I'm ready to buy my first car, but don't know how to get started. Can you help?

Sure! Check out DMV.ORG's Buying and Selling Guide to get you started. You'll want to do lots of research on the different makes and models available to fit your budget, so check out Web sites like AutoTrader.com, Cars.com, UsedCars.com, and Kelley Blue Book to explore all your options.

You'll also want to check out DMV.ORG's pages on registering and titling vehicles, and maybe even the license plate information if you want a special tag for your new set of wheels.

My tag expires next week, but I don't get paid for two more weeks. Can I get a temporary tag until payday?

Sure. Just go by your county tax office with proof of insurance and $25 cash. Your temporary tag will be valid for 30 days, and extensions are not issued.

How much will the registration fees cost me for a new car?

The fees for passenger cars are determined by the make and year of your vehicle; fees for pickups are determined by weight. The state provides a detailed chart to help you make calculations.

I'm selling my car. Do I keep the tags?

It depends. If your tags are standard-issue plates, then they stay with the vehicle. If they're specialty or personalized plates, you keep them and transfer them to another vehicle. Contact your county tax office if you have questions about your particular tag.

I want to buy a hybrid car, but they're expensive. Is there any way to qualify for a tax credit?

Yes. If you bought a hybrid car that you started using after December 31, 2005, or if you buy one before December 31, 2010, you qualify for this credit. You must be the original owner of the car.

So even if you wait until the last minute and purchase your hybrid on December 31, 2010, you'll still qualify. Or, if you bought your car before December 31, 2005, but didn't get it until after that date, you qualify.

The amount of the credit varies according to the type of car and year it was purchased. See the above link for more details.

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