Moving-buy car in one state and register in Tx??? (Dallas: renting, insurance)

[phsus]

I am scheduled to move to Tx in the second week of April.
I am considering buying either a new or used car in California (yes another Californian moving to Tx!) and driving it to Tx.

Is there any way of buying in one state (CA) then registering in another (Tx)? I will be paying all the taxes here but do not want to pay registration fees x2. My understanding is that Texas does not refund reg fees paid to another state. I heard that there may be a one-way or temporary registration!? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

[dino702]

I believe u can ask for a "3day" trip permit. It allows u to pay a little fee and just register at your new place. I used to sell cars and we did this up in WA for people that came from Oregon etc. Not sure if this is still availble but just check with your local dealer or dmv. I'm moving there too very soon....... Dallas area. GOOD LUCK!!!!

[texdav]

I'd also investiagte not paying the registrtion fes in California an dusing a dealer plate because registrtion in Texas is much cheaper. No fro waht i know they do not refund fees paid to california ;n fact it seems a crazy idea that Texas would refund fees paid to california.

[phsus]

Thanks to you both. I would hate to double pay so I am searching for options. The confusing part of all this is that a salesperson at the local dealership that "for sure" I'd be refunded the reg fees in Texas and I told him probably not. Why would Tx refund the money I paid to CA? Anyways, I am still trying to find out of about the trip permit! Thanks again.

[love roses]

We weren't refunded fees we paid in Colorado.

[S6Sputnik]

Refunds don't happen, it is better not to pay and just get a temp plate!..

[texdav]

Personally;I'd see about renting something like a small moving truck drive it to Texas and then buy a 48 state emissions vehicle in Texas.I won't want to buy a vehicle with more emiision controls than required and maybe run into parts problems.

[achtungpv]

Originally Posted by texdav

Personally;I'd see about renting something like a small moving truck drive it to Texas and then buy a 48 state emissions vehicle in Texas.I won't want to buy a vehicle with more emiision controls than required and maybe run into parts problems.

I believe all Big 3 (Toyota, Honda, Mazda) are all 50-state emissions so it's no problem.

[iceshots]

Originally Posted by achtungpv

I believe all Big 3 (Toyota, Honda, Mazda) are all 50-state emissions so it's no problem.

That rumble you just felt was Detroit turning over in its grave.

[sanmiguel]

Do you have friends or anyone else whose Texas address you could use at the time of the car purchase? Some friends who were living in Mexico at the time bought a new car in Phoenix but gave our address here in Austin for registration purposes. They then drove over from Phoenix, got an inspection, proof of insurance, Texas drivers licenses and then registered the car. They are driving all over Mexico with Texas plates but have never actually lived here. There is always some way to work the system to your advantage.