Welcome to GoDMV.com’s Texas DMV Information
Guide. From this page you can choose from our menu of Texas online
driver services or learn about a specific topic related to Texas
driving.
Our New Jersey DMV Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) contain the following sections:
• Texas Driver License Information
• Texas Vehicle Registration
• Texas Vehicle Title issues
Choose from the menu now or read below for our Texas Driver Frequently Asked Questions.
The DMV, or “Department of Motor Vehicles,” is often the generic term used for the agency that enforced driver license laws in a State. The agency responsible for administering driver license laws in Texas is the State of Texas Department of Public Safety (the Driver License Division administers Texas driver’s licenses). The agency responsible for administering registration and car title laws in Texas is the State of Texas Department of Transportation, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division. As you will learn below, application for title in Texas can be done online, by mail, or in person (read the Texas DMV Registration and Title FAQ’s for more information).
Texas DMV Driver’s License FAQs
- What agency in Texas provides driver licenses?
- What are the age requirements and restrictions for getting a Texas driver’s permit or driver’s license (noncommercial)?
- What documents are necessary to obtain a Texas driver’s permit or driver’s license?
- What tests must I take to obtain a Texas learner’s permit or driver’s license?
- How do I change my address of record with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division?
- If I have a Texas driver license, am I required to notify Texas if I change my name?
1. What agency in Texas provides driver licenses?
In the State of Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety, driver license Division administers driver licenses.
New residents who move to the State of Texas who have a valid driver license from another state must obtain a Texas driver license within 30 days of entry into the State of Texas.
2. What are the age requirements for getting a Texas driver’s permit or driver’s license (noncommercial)?
Texas has implemented a graduated driver license program, which is administered by the Department of Public Safety, Texas’s DMV. There are two stages of driving requirements for under 18 drivers under this program: Instructional/Hardship Permit: - Must be held for at least 6 months before obtaining a Texas provisional license
- A person who is at least 21 years of age must accompany holder of the permit while he/she operates vehicle
Provisional License - Must be at least 16 years old and hold valid Texas instructional permit or hardship permit for 6 months
- Must complete Texas classroom drivers education
- Must complete Texas on the road drivers education
- If Under 18, driving privileges are restricted for 6 months. Restrictions include:
(a) not permitted to operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member
(b) not permitted to operate a motor vehicle between 12:00 am and 5:00 am (unless necessary to attend or participate in employment or a school-related activity or because of medical emergency
(c) not permitted to operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device (e.g., cell phone)
See the Texas Department of Public Safety website for information about transferring in to Texas is you have a license or permit from anther State, or for information about motorcycle/moped licenses.
3. What documents are necessary to obtain a New Jersey driver’s permit or driver’s license?
In Texas, a person who is less than 18 years of age and seeking to obtain a license (minor restricted license – instruction permit or hardship permit) must show the Department of Public Safety (at the local Texas Driver License Office): - Proof of completion of Texas driver education
- Proof of current enrollment and attendance (or high school graduation or GED)
- Proof of social security number
- Proof of identification
- Parental authorization signature (parent present to sign)
- Completed application form
- Proof of registration and liability insurance, if you own a vehicle
- Pay the required fee
- Pass written, driver, and vision exams
- Photograph and thumbprints on application
If you are over 18 and move to Texas and have a valid driver’s license from another state, you must: - Show proof of social security number
- Show proof of identify
- Show proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance on all vehicles owned
- Complete required forms
- Pay required fee
- Pass vision exam
To obtain your first-time license in Texas, you must pass written, vision, and driving tests with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, at the local Driver License Office.
5. How do I change my address of record with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division?
To change your driver license address with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, you may notify the State: - Online (if you meet certain criteria; go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website)
- By mail
- In person at the local Texas Driver License Office
You may download the applicable change of address form on the Texas Department of Public Safety website
6. If I have a Texas driver license, am I required to notify Texas if I change my name?
Yes, the State of Texas requires that you notify the Texas Department of Public Safety within 30 days if you legally change your name. You may do so at the local Texas Driver License office.
Texas DMV Vehicle Registration FAQs
- What is a Texas motor vehicle registration?
- When must I register my motor vehicle in Texas?
- Where do I go to register my motor vehicle in Texas?
- What are the prerequisites for registering a vehicle in Texas?
- Am I required to provide proof of liability insurance to register my vehicle in Texas?
- Must I have my vehicle inspected in Texas?
1. What is a Texas motor vehicle registration?
By law, all Texas residents (see the Texas Department of Transportation website for any military, university student or other exceptions that may apply) who own a motor vehicle must renew their motor vehicle registration with the State each year.
2. When must I register my motor vehicle in Texas?
New residents in Texas who own a motor vehicle must have their vehicle registered in the State of Texas within 30 days of moving to Texas. Registration renewal is required annually.
3. Where do I go to register my motor vehicle in Texas?
In Texas, you may register your motor vehicle online, (in participating counties) by mail, or in person. If you are a new Texas resident, or your registration has expired, you must register in person. To register your vehicle in person in Texas, you may go to your county tax office or an official substation in some counties.
4. What are the documents I will need to registering a vehicle in Texas?
To register your motor vehicle in Texas, be prepared to provide: • Texas motor vehicle registration renewal notice
• Texas vehicle inspection certification
• Proof of liability insurance for your vehicle
• Registration fee
• Completed Texas vehicle title/registration form
5. Am I required to provide proof of liability insurance to register my vehicle in Texas?
Yes, the State of Texas requires that you provide proof of current liability insurance for your vehicle to register/title it in Texas.
6. Must I have my vehicle inspected in Texas?
Yes, you must have your vehicle inspected in Texas prior to getting a Texas vehicle title/registration.
Texas DMV Vehicle Title FAQs
- Does Texas require my vehicle to be titled?
- Where do I get a Texas certificate of title?
- Must I disclose my odometer reading in the title process in Texas?
- What is the process to apply for a Texas certificate of title from the Texas DMV?
1. Does Texas require my vehicle to be titled?
Yes. If you are a new resident to Texas, you must have your vehicle inspected, titled/registered within 30 days of moving to Texas (see the Texas Department of Transportation website for any military, university student or other exceptions that may apply).
2. Where do I get a Texas certificate of title?
You may get a Texas certificate of title at your county tax office in Texas or an official substation in some counties.
3. Must I disclose my odometer reading in the title process in Texas?
Yes, if your vehicle is less than 10 years old, you must disclose your odometer reading in Texas as part of the titling process.
4. What is the process to apply for a Texas certificate of title from the Texas DMV?
The steps for vehicle titling/registration in Texas are generally: - Have your vehicle inspected in Texas
- At the county tax office in Texas, provide:
(a) Texas inspection certificate and proof of liability insurance to your Texas county tax office
(b) vehicle odometer reading to the Texas county tax office (if the vehicle is less than 10 years old)
(c) original out-of-state title or current foreign/military ownership documentation. If title is unavailable, you may show your registration document and proof of sales tax payment
- Complete and turn in to the Texas county tax office your Texas vehicle title/registration form
- Pay the Texas county tax office your title fee and registration fee
- Pay a new resident tax, if applicable
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