Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Texas?

Yes, you need car insurance to register a vehicle in Texas. The state requires every driver to show proof of minimum liability coverage before registration. This mandatory car insurance law ensures that you can pay for damages or injuries if you cause an accident.

The minimum required Texas car insurance limits are 30/60/25, which means $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Without valid insurance, your county tax office cannot process your vehicle registration or renewal. 

To make things easier, here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll typically need when registering your car in Texas: 

Quick Checklist: 

• Proof of insurance (paper card or digital copy accepted) 
• Vehicle title or out-of-state title for new residents 
• Valid photo ID (Texas driver’s license or out-of-state license) 
• Vehicle inspection report (if required in your county) 
• Completed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) 
• Payment for registration fees and local taxes

Make sure your insurance information matches your vehicle’s VIN, policy number, and coverage dates. If your policy can’t be verified through TexasSure, you may be asked to show your printed or digital insurance card at the tax office. 

Why Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Texas?

Texas law requires every driver to show proof of financial responsibility before registering a car. This means you must carry at least the state’s minimum liability insurance—30/60/25 coverage. It helps cover medical bills, vehicle repairs, or property damage if you cause an accident. 

The TexasSure system automatically verifies your insurance with the state, so the county tax office knows your coverage is active. 

Requiring proof before registration protects other drivers and ensures you’re legally and financially prepared to be on the road.  

Without valid insurance, your registration request will be denied, and you could face penalties later for driving uninsured. 

Also Learn: Is Car Insurance Required in Texas? 

What Do You Need to Register a Vehicle in the State of Texas?

Registering a car in Texas is easy once you know what to bring and where to go. The process confirms that your vehicle meets state safety, emissions, and insurance requirements before it’s legally driven. Whether you’ve just bought a new car, a used one, or moved to Texas, the steps remain similar with a few small differences. 

Step-by-Step Checklist for Vehicle Registration

• Get your car inspected at a state-approved inspection station (As of January 1, 2025, most non-commercial vehicles do not require a safety inspection for registration in Texas) 
• Gather your documents, including your proof of insurance, vehicle title, and photo ID. 
• Complete Form 130-U, the Texas Title and Registration Application. 
• Visit your county tax office or register online if eligible. 
• Pay registration fees and taxes to receive your plates and sticker.

Each step ensures your vehicle is road-ready and fully verified through TexasSure, the state’s electronic insurance database. 

Documents Required for New, Used, and Out-of-State Vehicles

The paperwork slightly varies depending on your situation. 

For a new car, your dealer typically provides the title application and inspection certificate. 

When buying a used car, you’ll need a signed title transfer, a bill of sale, and proof of insurance. 

If you’re an out-of-state driver, bring your out-of-state title, current registration, proof of insurance, and vehicle inspection report. 

Pro Tip: Always double-check that your name, VIN, and insurance details match exactly. 

When a Vehicle Inspection Is Required

Starting January 1, 2025, most Texas drivers no longer need a safety inspection before registration. This change, under House Bill 3297, applies to non-commercial vehicles statewide. However, the state still collects a $7.50 Inspection Program Replacement Fee at the time of registration. 

Although safety inspection is waived, emissions inspections are not. You’ll still need an emissions inspection if you live in one of 17 Texas counties, including:  

1. Brazoria County 
2. Fort Bend County 
3. Collin County 
4. Parker County 
5. Galveston County 
6. Dallas County 
7. Rockwall County 
8. Harris County 
9. Denton County 
10. Tarrant County 
11. Johnson County 
12. El Paso County 
13. Travis County 
14. Kaufman County 
15. Ellis County 
16. Williamson County 
17. Montgomery County

However, the emissions check must be completed before registration and confirmed through the state system. For all other counties, the emissions test is no longer required, making the process faster and simpler. 

Fees and Taxes You May Need to Pay During Registration

Texas registration costs vary by vehicle type, weight, and county. Most standard passenger vehicles (up to 6,000 lbs.) pay about $50.75 in base state fees, plus local county add-ons for roads and bridge fees that range from $10 to $21.50. 

You’ll also pay the new Inspection Program Replacement Fee of $7.50 (or $16.75 for a new two-year registration). 

If you’re transferring a title or buying from a private seller, expect to pay sales tax (6.25%), a title transfer fee, and possibly a local road and bridge fee. 

Besides, from September 1, 2023, if you drive an EV, you must pay an additional $200 annual fee ($400 for a new two-year registration) to compensate for the gas taxes you aren't paying. 

Counties accept credit, debit, or check, and some offer online or kiosk payments for renewals. Always confirm accepted payment options and exact totals before visiting your local office. 

What Counts as Proof of Insurance in Texas for Registration

When you register your car in Texas, you must show proof of auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum liability limits (30/60/25). 

Accepted forms include: 

• Paper insurance ID card 
• A digital copy on your phone 
• An insurance binder 
• Or a policy declarations page showing your active coverage.

The proof must clearly list your name, vehicle identification number (VIN), and policy effective dates. 

Please note that Texas accepts digital or photo proof of insurance at the county tax office. You can show it through your insurer’s mobile app, an emailed document, or a saved image on your phone. However, make sure the details are readable and current before your visit. 

If TexasSure, the state’s electronic verification system, can’t confirm your coverage, the clerk may ask you to present a printed copy or contact your insurance provider. To avoid delays, always keep an updated insurance card and verify that your VIN and policy number match exactly. 

What Information Does Your Proof of Insurance Provide?

Your proof of insurance card isn’t just a formality. It confirms your active liability coverage and connects your vehicle to your insurance policy. Texas law requires the document to include key details that verify your eligibility to register a car. 

Here’s what your insurance card or declaration page typically shows: 

• Policy number and insurance company name 
• Effective and expiration dates of your coverage 
• Vehicle information, including year, make, model, and VIN 
• Policyholder’s name and address 
• Coverage type and limits (for liability, collision, or comprehensive)

Before heading to your county tax office, double-check that your card is valid and up to date. Your insurance must be active on the day of registration, not pending or expired. 

Common mistakes that cause rejection include: 

• Expired insurance cards or incorrect coverage dates 
• VIN mismatches between your policy and vehicle title 
• Illegible or incomplete digital copies that fail verification in TexasSure

Always confirm that your information is accurate and readable. 

To get instant proof of insurance or same-day car insurance coverage, connect with your nearest agent or visit a reliable and affordable insurance agency in Texas. 

Are There Any Ways to Register Your Vehicle Without Insurance in Texas?

In the Lone Star State, you generally cannot register a car without active liability insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements. The law expects every vehicle owner to show financial responsibility before getting plates, and you won’t be approved by the county without it. 

Some drivers ask about temporary permits or short-term options, but even these usually require proof of coverage. For example, most transit permits and timed temporary permits still ask for insurance that meets the minimum $30,000/$60,000/$25,000 coverage. Although temporary tags let you drive for a short period while you complete registration, they don’t excuse you from having insurance. 

There are rare financial alternatives to traditional auto insurance in Texas. For companies or individuals with large fleets (often 25+ vehicles), self-insurance certificates may be possible. Likewise, posting a surety bond or cash deposit with the state can meet financial responsibility requirements, although this route is uncommon for most drivers. 

Finally, if your insurance lapses after registration, you must reinstate coverage immediately. Driving without the required insurance is illegal and can lead to fines, suspension, and other penalties under Texas law. 

Can You Register Your Car in Texas with Out of State License and Insurance?

Yes, you can register your vehicle in Texas with an out-of-state driver’s license and insurance, but you must meet specific requirements first. If you’ve recently moved here, Texas law gives you 30 days from the date you establish residency to register your vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and your county tax office. During that period, your out-of-state insurance may be used as long as it meets Texas minimum liability limits of 30/60/25. 

However, if your out-of-state policy doesn’t meet those minimums, you’ll need to adjust it or buy a Texas-compliant policy before registration can be completed. In many counties, you must still bring a declarations page or full policy document so the county clerk can verify coverage that meets Texas requirements. 

To fully switch to Texas, you’ll need to transfer your license and update your insurance to reflect your new address within the 30-day window. This usually means visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office to get a Texas driver’s license and notifying your insurance company about your move so your policy accurately shows Texas residency. 

Here are a few tips for special situations: 

• Students: If you’re attending school in Texas temporarily, check with your county tax office. Some allow continued use of out-of-state insurance if you’re a full-time student. 
• Military personnel: Active duty members and their families often have extended time frames and specific rules. Contact your local tax office for details. 
• Leased vehicles: Make sure the leaseholder’s name and insurance policy are properly reflected on both the lease and registration forms before applying.

Common Problems and Scenarios and How to Solve Them

Sometimes, small issues can delay your Texas vehicle registration, but most have simple solutions. 

If TexasSure can’t verify your policy, contact your insurance company right away and ask them to update your record with the correct VIN and policy number. You can also bring a printed insurance card or declarations page to your county office as backup. 

If your insurance is under someone else’s name, such as a family member or spouse, you can usually register the car as long as your name appears on the policy or as a covered driver. 

For private sales, you must show proof of insurance before applying for title and registration. Even temporary tags require active coverage. 

For leased or financed vehicles, use the name listed on your lease or loan agreement. Lost your insurance card? Simply print one from your insurer’s app or request an emailed copy before visiting the office. 

What Happens If You Drive Without Insurance in Texas? 

Driving without insurance in Texas can lead to fines, penalties, and license suspension. A first offense can cost up to $350, while repeat violations may exceed $1,000 and result in vehicle impoundment. Your registration renewal may also be blocked until you show proof of coverage. 

If your license is suspended, you might need to file an SR-22 certificate, which proves financial responsibility for future coverage. Multiple offenses can raise your insurance premiums and make it harder to find affordable rates. 

Texas Car Registration with Proof of Insurance FAQs

Can I register my car without insurance in Texas? 

No. You must show proof of active liability insurance that meets Texas’ minimum 30/60/25 coverage limits to register any vehicle. 

Do you need insurance to register a used car in Texas? 

Yes. Whether you buy from a dealer or a private seller, you must have valid insurance coverage before the title and registration can be processed. 

Can you register a car if the insurance is not in your name? 

Yes, but only if your name is listed as a covered driver on the policy or on the same household policy as the vehicle owner. 

What happens if you get into a car accident and can’t show proof of insurance? 

You may face fines, license suspension, and SR-22 requirements. You’ll also be responsible for all damages if you’re found at fault. 

Is out-of-state insurance valid for Texas registration? 

Only if it meets Texas minimum liability limits. Otherwise, you must update your policy to a Texas-compliant plan before registering. 

How long do I have to register my car after moving to Texas? 

You have 30 days from establishing residency to register your vehicle at your county tax office. 

Can I show digital proof of insurance when registering my car? 

Yes. Digital or mobile proof is accepted, as long as the document clearly shows your VIN, coverage dates, and insurer name. 

What’s the penalty for letting your insurance lapse after registration? 

A lapse can trigger fines, registration suspension, and SR-22 filing requirements. You must reinstate coverage immediately to avoid penalties.