Bought a car in Dallas–Fort Worth, TX: how do I title and register it?

In Texas, vehicle titles and registration are run by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) [1]. Its site explains the rules and the forms you need [1]. The paperwork itself is usually done at the tax office of the county where you live [1]. In the Dallas–Fort Worth area, that might be Dallas County or Tarrant County, among others [2][3]. Each county site explains how its own tax office works and how to get served [2][3]. If you live in a different county, check that county's site instead.

Steps to follow: 1. Get proof of insurance for the car. It is part of the registration process in Texas [1]. 2. Get the vehicle inspected. Inspection is also part of the process [1]. 3. Gather the papers from your purchase, such as the signed title and the forms TxDMV lists [1]. 4. Take everything to your county tax office, or follow the steps on your county's site [2][3].

If you bought from a dealer, ask whether they handle the title and registration for you. The TxDMV site explains how dealer sales and private sales differ [1].

There are fees and time limits, and they can change. Check the TxDMV site and your county site for the current amounts and time limits before you go [1][2][3].

Sources [1] Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (titles and registration): https://www.txdmv.gov/ [2] Dallas County: https://www.dallascounty.org/ [3] Tarrant County: https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/