When you register your car in another state

alphatarget1

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Dec 9, 2001
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I have a CA titled car (fully paid for) with a CA title and I'm thinking about switching the registration to TX. Do I need my title with me to do that and do I get a new TX title?
 

Zenmervolt

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Oct 22, 2000
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Yes. You will need to title the car in the new state and you will need the previous title to do so. You will also have to pay use tax on the value of the car at the time you transfer the title in most states (check TX law specifically, but it is almost certainly the case there as well).

ZV
 

alphatarget1

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Dec 9, 2001
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Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Yes. You will need to title the car in the new state and you will need the previous title to do so. You will also have to pay use tax on the value of the car at the time you transfer the title in most states (check TX law specifically, but it is almost certainly the case there as well).

ZV

Meaning when I bought the car? I paid a use tax in CA for that... Double taxation?

I'll look at the DPS website now...
 

dsity

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Jan 5, 2005
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IF you already paid the tax. all you need is the get state inspection, plates, and title transfered. (all have fee's)

Give the texas tax office a call in the area in which you are moving to, they can give you a quote.
 

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
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Originally posted by: dsity
IF you already paid the tax. all you need is the get state inspection, plates, and title transfered. (all have fee's)

Give the texas tax office a call in the area in which you are moving to, they can give you a quote.

Some states will apply a use tax to a title transfer from out of state. For example, Washington State does this. When I moved here from Ohio, my cars were paid off, but I still had to pay Washington State use tax on their value in order to transfer the titles to WA.

ZV

EDIT: It looks like Texas has a flat $90 tax when registering from out of state rather than a tax that is based on the vehicle's value. Link.
 

alphatarget1

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2001
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Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Originally posted by: dsity
IF you already paid the tax. all you need is the get state inspection, plates, and title transfered. (all have fee's)

Give the texas tax office a call in the area in which you are moving to, they can give you a quote.

Some states will apply a use tax to a title transfer from out of state. For example, Washington State does this. When I moved here from Ohio, my cars were paid off, but I still had to pay Washington State use tax on their value in order to transfer the titles to WA.

ZV

EDIT: It looks like Texas has a flat $90 tax when registering from out of state rather than a tax that is based on the vehicle's value. Link.

I'm going to school in Texas right now and have been here for over a year with CA plates. I'm not establishing residency here.
 

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
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Originally posted by: alphatarget1
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Originally posted by: dsity
IF you already paid the tax. all you need is the get state inspection, plates, and title transfered. (all have fee's)

Give the texas tax office a call in the area in which you are moving to, they can give you a quote.

Some states will apply a use tax to a title transfer from out of state. For example, Washington State does this. When I moved here from Ohio, my cars were paid off, but I still had to pay Washington State use tax on their value in order to transfer the titles to WA.

ZV

EDIT: It looks like Texas has a flat $90 tax when registering from out of state rather than a tax that is based on the vehicle's value. Link.

I'm going to school in Texas right now and have been here for over a year with CA plates. I'm not establishing residency here.

I don't think you can get plates in a state that the vehicle is not titled in, but I'm not sure. This is an odd case. When I was in college, I just kept my car registered and titled in my home state.

ZV
 

woodie1

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Mar 7, 2000
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Originally posted by: alphatarget1
I have a CA titled car (fully paid for) with a CA title and I'm thinking about switching the registration to TX. Do I need my title with me to do that and do I get a new TX title?

You'll need your CA title and a TX inspection in order to register your car here. The inspection fee varies by location but should be $15-45 depending on the age of the car and if emission testing is required. Each county is allowed to add to the state fee for tags plus the title so figure on $105-125. The tag office can tell you what the exact figures are. Yes, you will get a TX title.