SECTION 217.23. Initial Application for Vehicle Registration

(a) An applicant for initial vehicle registration must file an application on a form prescribed by the department. The form will at a minimum require:

(1) the signature of the owner;

(2) the motor vehicle description, including, but not limited to, the motor vehicle's year, make, model, vehicle identification number, body style, carrying capacity for commercial motor vehicles, and empty weight;

(3) the license plate number;

(4) the odometer reading, or the word "exempt" if the motor vehicle is exempt from federal and state odometer disclosure requirements;

(5) the name and complete address of the applicant; and

(6) the name, mailing address, and date of any liens.

(b) The application must be accompanied by the following:

(1) evidence of vehicle ownership as specified in Transportation Code, §501.030, unless the vehicle has been issued a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 501, Subchapter E;

(2) registration fees prescribed by law;

(3) any local fees or other fees prescribed by law and collected in conjunction with registering a vehicle;

(4) evidence of financial responsibility required by Transportation Code, §502.046, unless otherwise exempted by law;

(5) the processing and handling fee prescribed by §217.183 of this title (relating to Fee Amount); and

(6) any other documents or fees required by law.

(c) An initial application for registration must be filed with the tax assessor-collector of the county in which the owner resides or any county tax assessor-collector who is willing to accept the application, except as provided in subsection (d) of this section.

(d) An application for registration, as a prerequisite to filing an application for title, may be filed with the county tax assessor-collector in the county in which:

(1) the owner resides;

(2) the motor vehicle is purchased or encumbered; or

(3) a county tax assessor-collector who is willing to accept the application.

Source Note: The provisions of this §217.23 adopted to be effective March 12, 2015, 40 TexReg 1096; amended to be effective August 8, 2016, 41 TexReg 5777; amended to be effective March 1, 2022, 47 TexReg 968