Vehicle registration requirements - Texas

License plate display

Road tractors, motorcycles, trailers, and semitrailers are issued on license plate to display on the rear of the vehicle. All other motor vehicles are issued two license plates. Vehicles issued two license plates must display one license plate on the front of the vehicle, and the other on the rear of the vehicle.

A truck or truck tractor with a gross weight exceeding 10,000 pounds, that is also used in combination with a semitrailer having a gross weight exceeding 6,000 pounds, must be registered with a combination plate for gross weight equal to the combined gross weight of all vehicles within the combination. Only one combination plate is issued.

International Registration Plan

Texas is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP). The IRP is a base state system for vehicle registration fees allowing a carrier to apply for vehicle registration and pay fees to a single jurisdiction.

Motor vehicles that qualify for apportionment consist of the following:

• A power unit having two axles and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered weight in excess of 26,000 pounds;
• A power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight; or
• A unit used in combination when the weight of such combination exceeds a GVW or 26,000 pounds.

Texas has a mandatory financial responsibility law (liability insurance). The most common proof of financial responsibility is a liability insurance card issued to the policy holder by the insurance company. Copies of proof of financial responsibility insurance will be required prior to the issuance of apportioned registration.

Temporary permit: A temporary trip permit may be issued in lieu of full registration.

Agency: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Motor Carrier Division, Commercial Fleet Services Section.

Fees: The fees for apportioned registration are calculated based on distance percentages for each jurisdiction in which the vehicle or fleet of vehicles operates. If actual distances aren't accrued during the reporting period, average distances will be used to calculate apportioned fees.

Other

Border commercial zone

A foreign commercial motor vehicle that engages primarily in transportation of cargo across the border or from a border commercial zone must be registered within Texas or operated under an exemption provided by Texas law. Foreign commercial vehicles with out-of-state registration must obtain one of the following to legally operate within the border commercial zone:

• A NAFTA annual permit,
• 72-hour permit, or
• 144-hour permit.

The only exemption to legally operating within the border commercial zone without a permit but with an out-of-state registration is listed within section 648.101 of the Texas Transportation Code.