Register a Car in Texas Without Going to Texas
If you happen to have a car in Texas, but you are not there to register it in person, here's what to do. This article assumes that you own the car completely (no lien holders) and you have someone in Texas who is responsible for and using the car.
Steps
- Print and fill out Form 130-U].
- On Line 14, put your name and address.
- On Line 14a, put the name and address of the person who is registering the car for you. Note that this is where the registration renewal forms will get sent, so make sure the person is willing and able to take that action down the line.
- On Line 14b, put the address where the car will be stored or parked. This is likely to be the address of the person registering the car for you.
- Write a letter of authorization. The letter should contain the date, your name, your address, your phone number, your signature. You can write this in the body of the letter:
- "I, [your name], the sole owner of the vehicle with VIN # [put number here] ([model, make, year), give [name of person registering] (residing at [address of person registering]) complete authorization to operate and register my vehicle in the state of Texas. I am including a copy of the title along with a copy of my driver's license for your reference. Please feel free to contact me to confirm."
- Get proof of insurance. Make sure to specify to the insurance company where the car is going to be (in Texas, not at your residence).
- Make a copy of your title.
- Make a copy of your driver's license.
- Send all of the above to the person in Texas.
- Have the person in Texas get the car inspected.
- Have the person in Texas go to the DMV office with all the following:
- Form 130-U
- Copy of title
- Letter of authorization
- Copy of your driver's license
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of having passed inspection
- Enough money to pay for the title and registration fees
