Texas Vehicle Registration - Do I Qualify as a NEW Resident??? (Howe: sales, insurance)

[geministical]

I am moving back to Texas after being gone for 3 years and 3 months. I bought a vehicle where I currently live that I plan on bringing back with me. I'm wondering if I'll have to pay the 6.5% sales tax or if I qualify as a new resident (only $90) since I no longer have a TX drivers license.

Also, my husband has never been a resident of Texas. Could I register the car in his name with me as a second person and avoid paying the sales tax?

Thanks in advance!!

[TVC15]

Not sure since I have only lived in Texas all of my life until last year. So I am not sure about what you need to do upon returning...heck I still have my Texas state inspection sticker on my front windshield as well as my vehicle registration sticker. They both just expired but I am leaving them on...I am proud of where I am from and I like to show the Californians where I am from...especially since I don't wear my Don't Mess with Texas T-shirt everyday!

I found a few links that will help you figure it out. BTW where are you moving back from?

ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/vtr/misc/vtr450forms.pdf (broken link)

TxDPS - Out-of-State Motorists

http://www.dot.state.tx.us/

You will need both sites...the DPS and the TXDOT since vehicle registration and inspection are separate processes. In Texas, the Department of Transportation oversees the vehicle titling and registration process and the Department of Public Safety supervises the inspection program. Generally, states honor the laws of other states, and there are even reciprocal agreements, where this state honors other states laws as their own.

Good luck!

[kreeyax]

I don't believe you'll have to pay sales tax on the vehicle when you register it here. Didn't you pay sales tax on it in the state you purchased it in? By the way, here's the new resident vehicle registration page for TX DMV:

New Residents

[RVD26]

You will not have to pay a sales tax because you already (assuming) paid the sales tax where you currently live.
I have moved from here and moved back before.
You will just have to have the car registered in the county you will be living in, which you are supposed to have done within 30 days of moving back.

[Seoid]

Originally Posted by kreeyax

I don't believe you'll have to pay sales tax on the vehicle when you register it here. Didn't you pay sales tax on it in the state you purchased it in? By the way, here's the new resident vehicle registration page for TX DMV:

New Residents

Be sure to bring cash or check. They do not take credit or debit cards.

[geministical]

I live in Alaska. We don't pay sales tax here but it says new residents only have to pay the $90 fee. I'm just not sure if I qualify because I was previously a resident.

[LostInHouston]

Originally Posted by geministical

I live in Alaska. We don't pay sales tax here but it says new residents only have to pay the $90 fee. I'm just not sure if I qualify because I was previously a resident.

Info for you: : Texas Administrative Code

(2) A new resident may also be a resident of other states. However, once residence is established in Texas, a person, firm, corporation, or association may not subsequently become a new resident within the meaning of the Texas Tax Code, §152.023, without a showing that the residence formerly established in Texas was abandoned.

If you established residence in Alaska (obtained DL there, titled/registered cars there) and have no property/other ties to Texas, then you should be considered a new resident. Has the car you just purchased been titled in Alaska in your name? I imagine if you haven't retitled the car since the sale, and you try and do that in Texas, you will be responsible for paying the sales tax here.

[sheikh.yerbouti]

I've found Texas DMV to be pretty responsive when submitting e-mails. I've often got responses within 24 hours.

Here's the link to Texas DMV question submission form for Vehicle Title and Registration questions.

Contact Us

This statement concerns me since you mentioned the vehicle was purchased in Alaska and sales tax was not collected.

http://www.txdmv.gov/vehicles/drivers/new_residents.htm - an original out-of-state title, proof of registration, proof of sales tax payment or current foreign/military ownership document,

Be sure to get in touch with the Tax Collector office of the county where you will ultimately take up residence as well.

[KellayM]

I am going through this right now. First things first; you can call this number (888)368-4689 to ask any questions you have. You will have to sit on hold for a bit but once they answer they are INCREDIBLY helpful. I would write down your questions beforehand so you make sure you dont hang up before you get them ALL answered.

Here's my take on things: If the car is titled in your name then you should not need to pay taxes on the car. Really, that is just in the case of your initial purchase. When you register your car, there is a fee for registration. They will also give you new plates (assuming you also no longer have Texas plates)

When you go to get your license you will need to show proof of insurance and registration for any car that you own. Make sure you bring this with you!!! You will also NEED your social security card. ESPECIALLY if you have an ID from another state.

These websites were of help to me throughout this frustrating process -
For your license: TxDPS - Texas Drivers License / ID
For titling and registration, etc: About the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

hope it helps!