New Travis County residents handle vehicles at the tax office

Just moved to Travis County with a car from out of state? Don't let it sit. Getting it onto Texas plates takes four things lined up: proof of ownership, proof of Texas liability insurance, a passed inspection, and a completed Form 130-U.

The order is what catches people — inspection comes before registration. Travis County belongs to the Austin-area emissions inspection program, so the car needs to clear a passing emissions test at a certified station before the tax office can hand you a sticker.

One last practical thing: the Tax Office's walk-in and drive-thru lines can shut early once a branch hits capacity, so a mid-morning weekday is a far better bet than rolling up near closing time.