Motor Vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I am disabled and would like to obtain license plates with the international symbol of access. What should I do? (back to top)
Texas law allows disabled residents to obtain either a) one set of plates with the international symbol of access plus one placard, or b) two placards. A placard may be displayed in any vehicle being used to transport the disabled person. If the vehicle does not have disabled-person license plates, the law requires that the placard be displayed on the rear-view mirror whenever the vehicle is parked in a disabled-person parking space. A disability statement form is available from the Hays County Tax office. The applicant's physician must complete the form, have it notarized and/or provide a written prescription. The fee for a placard is five dollars ($5.00). Placards must be renewed every four years. There is an exchange fee of $1.30 (plus $1.00 processing fee if done through the mail) for a set of disabled-person license plates when the registration is current. Additional sets of disabled person plates may be obtained for vehicles specially equipped for operation by a person who has lost the use of one or both legs.
For more information on disabled person placards and license plates, please see the Frequently Asked Questions About Disabled Person Placards/License Plates provided by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Q. What should I do if my license plates are damaged or stolen, or I need to replace a windshield validation sticker? (back to top)
You may obtain replacement plates or a validation sticker at the Hays County Tax Office. If your plates are damaged or you are missing one plate, then you will need to bring in the old or the remaining license plate(s) with your current registration receipt. A replacement affidavit will be given to you to fill out and sign at the tax office. There will be a $6.30 fee.
Q. Is insurance required to purchase a one-trip or 30-day permit? (back to top)
Yes, insurance must be on the vehicle the permit is for, unless it is a trailer.
Q. What does "Registration Purposes Only" mean? What are the circumstances for this type of transaction? (back to top)
"Registration Purposes Only" means that the vehicle is registered, but not titled, in Texas . This type of ownership document may be requested when a vehicle that was registered or titled in another state is subject to registration in Texas , but the owner or operator cannot or does not wish to surrender the negotiable out-of-state evidence of ownership in order to obtain a Texas negotiable title.
Q. How do I obtain personalized license plates or other special plates?
You may obtain an Application for a Special License Plates through http://www.txdot.state.tx.us/vtr/vtrreginfo.htm?pg=form2. There is a charge in addition to the regular registration fee each year. The amount charged for personalized and special plates varies according to the type ordered. In some cases, the applicant must meet eligibility requirements before applying for special plates. Follow the instructions on the forms. See the Special License Plates Listing for pictures of the specialty plates that are available in Texas .
Vehicle Title Questions
Q. I have lost my title. How do I obtain a duplicate title? (back to top)
Complete the Application for Certified Copy of Texas Title which is available at any Hays County Tax Office or online at ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/vtr/forms/vtr-34.pdf . Make sure it has been signed by the registered owner(s) or lien holder. Mail the form and the $2 fee (no cash) to the address shown on the back of the form. For same-day service, an owner, lien holder, or verified agent of either may apply at a VTR Regional Office, and pay a $5.45 fee. These applicants must provide valid personal identification that includes a photograph issued by an agency of the State of Texas or the United States government. If a person is acting as an agent, he or she must provide proof, verifiable by telephone, that he or she is authorized to pick up the copy of the title. Otherwise, the application will be held for four days before the copy is issued and mailed.
Q. I just sold a car. How do I transfer the title? (back to top)
The seller must write the purchaser's name and address, the odometer reading and date of sale in the title assignment. Purchaser and seller must each sign both the title and the title application form (Form 130-U). This form may be picked up from our office or through the internet at ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/vtr/forms/130-u.pdf . Both signed documents must be given to the purchaser. The purchaser must then go to any Hays County Tax Office location and file the title application. Proof of current insurance will be required. The fees are: $33 for a title, motor-vehicle sales tax of 6.25 percent if selling price, and $2.50 transfer of registration. If the registration is expired at the time of sale, a full year's registration will be collected. When you purchase a vehicle from a licensed Texas dealer, the dealer is required to complete all the paperwork necessary to title and register the vehicle in your name. The dealer is also required to file the documents with the County Tax Office within 20 business days of the date you purchased the vehicle.
Q. I bought a vehicle and I have liability insurance on another car. What document can I use to show proof of financial responsibility when I transfer title and registration? (back to top)
The personal automobile policy for any other vehicle an individual owns provides 30-day coverage after an additional vehicle has been acquired. Therefore, a copy of the personal automobile insurance policy or the card issued for the policy is acceptable as proof of financial responsibility.
Q. I applied for a title and neither my lien holder nor I have received it yet. (back to top)
New Titled owners should receive their titles within three weeks from the date the application was filed. Contact the Hays County Tax Office to have the record checked.
Q. Why does the state show a lien on my car if I paid it off? (back to top)
This occurs if you have not advised the State of Texas that your lien has been satisfied. To remove the lien information, fill out a Title Application Form (130-U). This form may be picked up through our office or online at ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/vtr/forms/130-u.pdf . Submit the application, title and a release of lien to the Hays County Tax Office. The fee for this service is $33.00. The State of Texas will mail a title to you that does not show a lien.
Q. What is required to correct an error in the odometer reading after the title has been issued? (back to top)
A statement of fact will be required. This statement must address the discrepancy and must be acknowledged by both the seller and the buyer involved in the transaction in which the error was made.
Q. If my odometer reading is not available, what am I required to enter on the Odometer Disclosure Statement? (back to top)
The Odometer Disclosure Statement should contain an explanation from the seller as to why a mileage reading is not available. If there is a reading of any sort displayed on the odometer, this reading must be disclosed, and an indication as to whether the mileage is actual, not actual, or exceeds mechanical limits must be made.
Q. I sold my vehicle several months ago, but the registration and title have not been changed to reflect the new owner's name and address. The registration renewal notice has come to me. What can I do? (back to top)
It is likely the new owner has not transferred title into his or her name. Contact the Hays County Tax Office or VTR Regional Office and fill out the Motor Vehicle Transfer Notification (Form VTR-346), or download the form at ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/vtr/forms/vtr-346.pdf . You may also write a letter to: Texas Department of Transportation, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Attention: Customer Information Services Branch, Austin , TX 78779-0001 . Your letter must provide the vehicle description (year, make, and vehicle identification number), date of sale, and purchaser's name and address. Upon receipt of the form or letter, the State will place a notation on the motor vehicle record stating that the vehicle has been transferred.
Q. How do I sell a vehicle that is registered and titled in a former spouse's or a deceased spouse's name? (back to top)
If the divorce decree awards the vehicle to you, provide the Hays County Tax Office with a certified copy of the decree and apply for title. If the decree does not award the vehicle to you, a properly assigned title will be required. In the case of a deceased spouse, the ownership will be determined based on whether there is a will, trust, etc. Contact the Hays County Tax Office or a VTR Regional Office for help.
Q. I recently married, how do I change my name on my registration?
To change your name on your registration, you must surrender your original title, a Title Application (form 130-U), proof of insurance, a title fee of $33.00 and a transfer of current registration fee of $2.50. The Form 130-U may be picked up at our office or you may obtain one through ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/vtr/forms/130-u.pdf .
Q. My title was issued incorrectly. What should I do? (back to top)
Contact the Hays County Tax Office and we'll help you resolve the problem.
Q. Can a certificate of title be issued to a vehicle which is displaying $6.30 Machinery License Plates? (back to top)
No. Vehicles issued the $6.30 distinguishing Machinery License Plate cannot be titled under the Certificate of Title Act.
Q. How do I register and title a rebuilt/salvage vehicle? (back to top)
For information about rebuilt and salvage vehicles, contact our office.
Q. How do I turn a Salvage Title into a blue negotiable Texas title? (back to top)
TxDot will issue a Salvage Vehicle Title and mail it to the owner or lienholder, as applicable.
Step 1: Complete vehicle repairs and keep the receipts for all repair parts and services.
Step 2: After repairs are complete, obtain a new vehicle safety inspection.
Step 3: Submit the following to your County Tax Assessor-Collector's office:
a. Salvage Vehicle Title
b. A properly completed Form 130-U, Application for Texas Certificate of Title
c. A Form VTR-61, Rebuilt Affidavit recording component parts used (and their origin)
d. Safety Inspection Form
e. Proof of Insurance
f. A $65 rebuilt salvage fee
g. $33 Title Application Fee for new negotiable Title
h. Registration renewal fees will be assessed (if applicable).
Upon completion of Step 3, the vehicle title will be appropriately branded and the vehicle may again be operated on public roadways.
Q. What information is required and who is authorized to execute an Affidavit of Fact should one be required to correct an error on a title assignment? (back to top)
The statement must address the error; have full description of the vehicle, the date the statement was executed and the date of sale. Only the seller is authorized to execute the Affidavit of Fact. A copy of a government-issued photo ID, such as a Texas or other state driver's license or government identification card is required of the person(s) signing the Affidavit of Fact.
Q. What is a bonded title and what is it used for? (back to top)
A bonded title is a notation on a title document, as well as on the motor vehicle records, which indicates that a Certificate of Title Surety Bond has been surrendered in support of the application for title. The bond is issued in the title applicant's name, for a three-year period. The bond is required by statute in cases where proper ownership documents are unavailable. Purpose of a bonded title is to protect previous and future owners of the vehicle, as well as lien holders, from potential claims.
License/Registration
Q. How do I renew my registration by mail? (back to top)
Follow the instructions on the renewal notice. Send the renewal notice, registration fee and all requested information to the Hays County Tax Office. Include a photocopy of your current insurance card to show proof of financial responsibility. Please make your check payable to Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector. Our mailing address is Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector, Attention: Motor Vehicle, 102 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666.
Q. I registered my vehicle in August. Why does the registration expire in July? (back to top)
A vehicle registration period is for 12 consecutive months or any portion thereof. The month you register your vehicle is month one, then continue counting for 12 months.
Q. Why does it cost less to register my new pickup truck than it does my older car? (back to top)
State law makes the fee structure for passenger vehicles different from that of trucks. Passenger vehicle registration is determined by the manufacturer's model year. The annual license fee for trucks is $25 plus an amount based on the empty weight of the vehicle and its net carrying capacity.
Q. I'm going out of town for vacation and my registration will expire while I am gone. May I renew it in advance? (back to top)
The Tax Office can process your renewal two months in advance. If longer, it can be mailed to almost any location in the world.
Q. I just moved to Texas . How do I register my vehicle? (back to top)
Bring to the Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector's office the following:
--Proof of insurance (Policy that shows the owner's name, effective date, expiration date, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN#), and amounts of coverage ($20,000/ $40,000/ $15,000 are the minimum for Texas ),
--Texas State Inspection Certificate
--Take the vehicle to a Texas State Inspection Station. The inspector will give you an Inspection Certificate (Form #VI-30A). Be sure to check the VIN# on the Inspection Certificate before you leave the station. If any information is incorrect or altered on the Inspection Certificate, request a new form from the inspector.
--Out-of-state Title or Out-of-state registration showing vehicle information and owner information
--Form 130-U, "Application for Texas Certificate of Title". This form may be picked up through the county tax offices or on the Internet at www.txdot.state.tx.us (On the internet, click on “Automobiles”, “Register and Title”, “Forms”. The form number is 130-U).
--Lien information or lease information, if any (date of loan, name and mailing address of lien holder).
--Approximate Fees: If the vehicle is purchased out of state and brought to Texas , the sales tax is 6.25% of the sales price, $33.00 title fee, and registration.
- OR-
If the vehicle is titled in your name, the fees are:
$90.00 New resident fee, if the vehicle has not been registered in Texas (same owner).
$33.00 Application fee
????? Registration fee (this fee varies depending on type of vehicle; truck by gross weight, passenger vehicle by year model). (back to top)
-- Valid Drivers license if writing a check or paying with MC/Visa (If paying with MasterCard or Visa, there is a 2.5% convenience fee added)
Q. How long may a new Texas resident operate his or her vehicle in this state while displaying current out-of-state license plates? (back to top)
He or she can operate the vehicle for a period of thirty days after establishing residence or entering gainful employment, after which time the vehicle must be registered in Texas.
Q. I have not received my registration renewal notice. What do I do? (back to top)
Your vehicle registration can be renewed at any of the Hays County Tax Office locations by using your license receipt from the previous year, the title, or the license plate number along with proof of insurance and identification.
Q. I moved to another location within Texas. How can I be sure that my registration renewal notice will get to me when the time comes?
Your mail will be forwarded if you filed a Change of Address Form with the U.S. Postal Service. However, the registration record will not be updated in the State's system. Contact this office or one of 17 VTR Regional Offices and fill out the Notice of Address Change for Texas Motor Vehicle Registration (Form VTR-146). Or, write a letter to: Texas Department of Transportation, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Attention: Customer Information Services Branch, Austin, TX 78779-0001. They will update your vehicle registration record accordingly. You must provide the complete description of each vehicle you own (including VIN number and plate number). You may also call their Customer Help Desk at (512) 465-7611, TDD (512) 302-2110.
Q. I did not receive my renewal notice and my registration has expired. Why am I being forced to pay a 20% penalty? (back to top)
The 20% penalty is required by Texas State law if a vehicle is driven on public highways and a citation is issued for expired registration.
Q. Can a vehicle be operated after its registration expires? (back to top)
Yes. A vehicle may be operated for five working days after its registration expires without penalty.