How to Register a Custom or Antique Vehicle in Texas
Like most other motor vehicles, custom-built and antique vehicles must be properly registered and titled in the state of Texas. However, the process of registering an antique or custom-built vehicle is different from registering a regular vehicle. If you have brought an antique or custom-built vehicle into Texas for a first time registration, or if you have custom-assembled a vehicle in the State, you will be referred to a County Tax Office near you.
WHAT ARE ANTIQUE AND CUSTOM BUILT VEHICLES?
- In Texas, an antique vehicle is defined as any motor vehicle that has at least a twenty-five year old body, frame and motor.
- The State defines a custom-built/assembled vehicle as any motor vehicle that has been reconstructed using three basic parts (body, frame, motor) and does not look like a known brand. Assembled vehicles are registered with the make as "assembled." The model year will be determined by the year of the body used to build the vehicle. A ‘Replica' is an assembled vehicle that uses manufactured prefabricated body and resembles a known brand.
HOW TO REGISTER AN ANTIQUE OR CUSTOM BUILT VEHICLE
You will have to visit a County Tax Office near you to register your antique or custom-built Vehicle. When registering a custom-built or antique vehicle, you will need to bring the following materials to the renewal office:- A completed and notarized Title Application, when obtaining a title for a new, custom- built/rebuilt vehicle.
- The Certificate of Title or manufacturer's certificate of origin, for antique or custom/rebuilt vehicles that have already been titled.
- A Bill of Sale showing vehicle ownership and also of all components used.
- A completed Builder's Affidavit, for custom-built/rebuilt vehicles. If a motor, frame or body has been changed in an existing vehicle it has to be recorded by correcting the Title certificate. For rebuilt vehicles, you will need pencil tracings of body, motor and frame number, duly filled Form VTR-68-N (for reassigned vehicle identification number), weight certificate, proof of financial responsibility and a vehicle photograph.
- A completed application for Vehicle Identification Number for vehicle located out of Texas.
- An Inspector's Report, certifying that the vehicle is safe to take on the road is required for "classic" vehicles. The Department of Safety's Safety Inspection Station will provide the report, following the vehicle inspection. Depending on the age of the car, some parts do not have to be inspected unless the original parts have been retained. Rebuilt vehicles will also need safety inspection.
FEES
When registering an antique or custom-built assembled vehicle, you will be required to pay the appropriate titling fees. Accepted modes of payment are cash, money orders, checks or credit cards ($1 is charged as processing fee for this option).RENEWING A CUSTOM-BUILT OR ANTIQUE VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Your custom-built assembled or antique vehicle's registration will clearly indicate when it will expire. The process for renewing the registration on a custom or antique vehicle is the same as renewing the registration on a regular motor vehicle.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Auto Insurance is exempt for antique vehicles that meet provisions of restricted use in Texas.
- See also Title Transfers and Registering a Non-Custom Vehicle.
- Antique vehicles are exempt from inspection. "Classic" vehicles have to be inspected annually for safety by the Texas Department of Safety in your county.
- If the vehicle is not owned by you any more or is destroyed/ junked or ceases to exist then apply for a refund on unused part of the registration fee.
- Motor cycles, passenger car, travel trailer and classic light truck can apply for antique license plates.
Reviews of How to Register a Custom or Antique Vehicle in Texas
I Just bought a 1971 Chevelle from Tucson, AZ, on the title it is registered as a "1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Custom Coupe" the vehicle is stock inside except for a B&M Megashifter. The Engine is a brand new GM small block Ramjet 350 and a brand new 700r4 transmission both with only 500 miles on it. Would that be defined as an Antique or a Classic, I'm not sure if it would pass emissions test, but would pass a safety inspection. So what are my options, and what forms do I need to fill out to get it registered in Texas, by the way I live in Fort Bend County.
We just purchased a 1960 Airstream Travel Trailer that had vintage plates on it and we wanted to keep those plates as they were already registered. The Bastrop County Tax Assessor has said we need to remove them because they do not say "Travel Trailer" on them. The challenge is that as far as we can determine, Texas did not put "Travel Trailer" on plates until sometime in the 1970's. She showed us the rule saying it has to say Travel Trailer. Obviously, we want a 1960 plate on our 1960 Airstream. Travis County allowed it but Bastrop County is not. How can I proceed?
i have a 1971 chevelle that i am completing the rebuild on. basicaly a frame up restoration with a big motor and a blower. beautiful car. red white interior. lady at local tax office is telling me i can't register as a classis. im wanting to know on what grounds she has to stand on. it is a classic and will be driven only 100-200 miles per year
It says here that Antique Vehicles are exempt from Inspection, but the Travis County Tax office is telling me that I have to get an inspection done on my 1922 motorcycle. It says Classic vehicles have to be inspected, but it does not define Classic vehicles. The tax office is classifying my 1922 motorcycle as a classic vehicle, when it is an antique. So I took my 1922 motorcycle to an inspection station and he said he has no guidelines that cover my vehicle and cannot inspect it. How am I supposed to register my 1922 motorcycle??? I bought it in Europe. I have sent forms back and forth to Europe several times. I have paid for Homeland Security inspections, EPA inspections, paid EPA penalty fees (Carbon Tax) on my 1922 vehicle. I have bought a title bond. I have taken it out to Manor and paid for County Inspection by the Travis County Vehicle Theft unit way out in Manor. I have gotten copies of forms I was never provided with from New York and Houston. Every time I have tried to complete this process, I have talked to either someone that did not know what I needed or else told me that I needed another form which someone previously has told me that I do not need as it doesn't apply to my vehicle. Is there anyone anywhere in the government of the State of Texas that actually knows what is required to register an antique 1922 motorcycle.
You will have to have it inspected ONCE, in order to obtain title. They will probably only need to check the brake and headlight/taillight. It will be like a moped inspection. The inspectors are idiots, they may need to phone their supervising DPS officer or look up what to do in their manual. They should be able to hand you the sticker for you to put in your wallet. Just throw it away. What you need from them is called a "green sheet," but it is a white form now. It is an extra $1.00 charge in addition to the inspection which should be $14.50. After your title transfer is completed you will not need an annual safety inspection.
are you saying that they wont let you register it as an antique?and issue antique plates? that seems strange, they shouldnt have any chioce if your title says 1922 unless there are no antique motorcycles. however, travis county is one os the worst in texas, williamson co. is the worst. you might think about another county, dont know if there are any residency requirements though. if you dont have a title yet, that might be the problem. title application can be filed for without insurance and inspection if you fill out the form(dont remember the number) and state that it isnt operable.
I have tried on three separate computers and I am unable to open the form for antique license plates
Having read the HB 890. the steps of this process is a little clearer. But the Belton Office told me it had to be an assembled vehicle and the Year would be based on the Year completed(built. I see the bill became effective 1 Sep 2011. You make no mention of Street Rod(pre 1948). I have built a BoBBer 1945 Studebaker PU and was told it would be licensed as a 2012 when i was done I will put a book of information together to get this thing Titled and Registered. I just think State could be more outlined and consistant. Reading HB 890, Title procedures should reflect the registration Law?
hb 890 should have gone into effect 9/01/11 but it hasnt in bell co yet. the instructions for this local branch is "continue status quo until we are set up to implement the new act,, sounds like bad to me. i tried to contact gov's office to let him know the act isnt being used even though they are instructed to do so.. some else should complain also