New Resident Practical
Just Moved to Waco? The Clock on Registering Your Car Is 30 Days
Texas gives a new resident 30 days to register an out-of-state vehicle. The clock starts when you move, not when the boxes are finally unpacked. You can do the auto work at N 5th in Waco or at the McGregor and West substations.
Bring proof you own the car, proof of Texas liability insurance, and a completed Form 130-U. You will pay the state registration plus county fees at the counter. McLennan County is not one of the emissions-test counties, so most new residents do not have that extra inspection stop.
Your Texas driver license is a separate errand. DPS gives you 90 days for that, and it runs through a different office.
Content last revised 2026-07-11