Other Vehicle Registrations in Texas

SUMMARY: How to Register Special Vehicle Types in Texas

Vehicles other than standard cars and trucks, such as custom-built cars and trailers, have different registration requirements in order to get them out on the roads. Find your vehicle type below for details about your specific situation.

Off-Highway Vehicle Registration in TX

Low speed vehicles (LSV) and neighborhood electric vehicles (NEV) must be titled and registered to travel on Texas roads.

A vehicle is classified as LSV or NEV if:

  • Its normal top speed is 25 MPH for an LSV or 35 MPH for an NEV.
  • It has all of the following equipment:
    ―Seat belts
    ―Headlights
    ―Taillights
    ―Turn signals
    ―Brake lights
    ―Reflectors
    ―Windshield.
    ―A 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN)

To get your LSV or NEV titled and registered, visit your local county tax office with:

  • Proof of ownership (manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO) or a current title from another state).
  • A completed Application for Texas Certificate of Title (Form 130-U).
  • Proof of insurance.
  • Payment to cover all fees.

Golf carts, ATVs, utility vehicles, and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) are not normally allowed to be driven on public roads and therefore do not qualify to be registered. Some cities do allow for golf carts to travel on certain roads.

Exceptions to Road Restrictions

  • NVE's may be driven on a public road with a posted speed limit of 45 MPH or less at maximum speed of 35 MPH.
  • Golf carts may be operated within a planned community that allows them to be driven within the neighborhood.
  • Farmers, ranchers, and their employees may operate an ATV, a utility vehicle, or an ROV on public roads within 25 miles of the farm they own or work on.

Trailer Registration in Texas

All non-farm trailers operating on public roads require registration, but only certain ones require titling The exact requirements vary by trailer type and weight. This includes a homemade trailer. Trailers with a gross weight of 7,500 lbs. or more must pass an annual safety inspection.

Manufactured Trailers

Trailers heavier than 4,000 lbs. (gross weight) must be titled.

To get a title, visit your county tax office with:

Farm Trailers

Farm trailers do not have to be titled unless excessively large.

  • Trailers under 4,000 lbs. are not required to be titled.
  • Farm trailers weighing 4,000 to 34,000 lbs., are exempt from titling and qualify for farm trailer license plates (see below).
  • Trailers weighing more than 34,000 lbs. must be titled, and display regular trailer license plates.

Farm Trailer License Plates

Farm trailers weighing more than 4,000 to 34,000 lbs. qualify for a farm trailer license plate if restricted to hauling agricultural products or livestock on Texas roads.

Homemade Trailers

Any trailer built by its owner is a homemade trailer. If the trailer exceeds 4,000 lbs. (gross weight), it must be titled and given a vehicle identification number (VIN).

Trailers over 4,000 lbs.

If your trailer requires to be titled, visit your local county tax office with:

  • Proof of ownership:
    ―For a newly-built trailer bring a completed Trailer Verification Statement of Fact (Form VTR-141).
    ―For a homemade trailer bring the Certificate of Title.
  • A completed Application for Texas Certificate of Title (Form 130-U).
  • If the trailer has never been registered bring a completed Trailer Verification Statement of Fact (Form VTR-141).

OR

  • If the trailer has been previously registered bring the title or a bill of sale and registration receipt.
  • Payment for the registration fees.

Trailers Under 4,000 lbs.

Although titling is not required for trailers under 4,000 lbs., the Texas DMV recommends titling and applying for a VIN.

RVs and Motorhomes in Texas

If you have a motorhome or recreational vehicle (RV) in Texas, make sure it's registered first before you take it for a drive. Follow the steps listed on our guide to Registering a Car in Texas. Fees may vary depending on your vehicle and the county you reside in.

Custom-Built Cars

If you have a custom-built car in Texas, the registration process is slightly different. You'll need to have your vehicle inspected to make sure all safety equipment is in working condition.

You'll also need to apply for a vehicle identification number (VIN) by visiting your local Texas DMV office with:

  • A completed Rebuilt Vehicle Statement (Form VTR-61).
  • Receipts or bills of sales for all major parts you used in constructing your vehicle.
  • Payment for any applicable fees.

When you're ready, follow the steps outlined on our Texas Title Transfers and Car Registration pages to register and title your custom car.

TX Scooters and Mopeds

If you have a moped, it must be registered with the Texas DMV.

Other motor-powered cycles or scooters are generally NOT eligible for registration because they do not meet safety standards and cannot be operated on public roads.

For more information, see our scooters and mopeds page for Texas.

Other Vehicles

Check out the following pages for more information about registering your:

Forms

VTR-61
Rebuilt Vehicle Statement
Submit this form when applying for a title on a rebuilt salvage vehicle. Must be completed by a certified vehicle inspector. Form only available from the Texas DMV's form library.
VTR-52-A
Application for Farm Trailer/Semitrailer, Farm Truck, or Farm Truck Tractor License Plates
Submit this form to request license plates for a farm truck, farm truck tractor, OR farm trailer/semitrailer from the Texas DMV. Only available for download from the Department of Motor Vehicles' forms library.
130-U
Application for Texas Certificate of Title
Use this TX DMV form to apply for a title OR registration for your vehicle
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