Vehicle Info
In Texas, you need 2 stickers on the front of you windshield:
The one with a blue background is your vehicle registration. This basically proves you paid your taxes.
The sticker with the cowboy is the inspection sticker, which proves that your car works and isn’t a public safety hazard.
Vehicle Registration
Quick Links: TxDOT Website | Online Vehicle Registration | Bell County Annex Location
Registration fees vary by the make of your car and the year it was made, but are typically between $60-70.
There are 3 ways to register your vehicle:
- Visit the Bell County Tax office. The county seat of Bell County is Belton. Fortunately, in Killeen there is an extension office. Phone: 254.634.0768 | Map Link.
- Register by mail. If you were mailed a registration reminder from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, simply follow directions and mail it back in the no-stamp-needed envelope.
- Register online. If your registration is current, simply go to Texas.gov and follow the directions
Inspection
Quick Links: Texas Dep. of Public Saftey Website | Inspection Station Locater | FAQ’s
First things first. Understand that vehicle registration and inspection are separate processes. In Texas, the Department of Transportation oversees the vehicle titling and registration process and the Department of Public Safety supervises the inspection program. Generally, states honor the laws of other states, and there are even reciprocal agreements, where this state honors other states laws as their own.
What should I do if my out-of-state inspection sticker expires while I’m in Texas?
You may obtain an inspection sticker by presenting your vehicle for inspection at a local inspection station.
My home state requires that I have an emissions test to renew my registration. Where can I obtain an emissions test in Texas?
Counties participating in the emissions (I/M) program include: Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, El Paso, Travis, and Williamson.
Remember: Your vehicle does not have to be registered in Texas in order to be inspected; you do, however, have to show proof of financial responsibility.
I have a valid inspection sticker from another state. Do I need to get my vehicle re-inspected once I cross over state lines?
Texas-registered vehicles with out-of-state inspection certificates. Texas-registered vehicles may operate in Texas on a valid inspection certificate from the District of Columbia or any of the following states provided the certificate was obtained while the owner of the vehicle resided in the other jurisdiction: Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia.
If you are trying to find a place to inspect your car, simply look for the image below in gas station and mechanic shop windows and walls.
Drivers License
Quick Links: TxDPS Website | Renewals and Address Change | Drivers License Office Map Link
The Texas Department of Public safety is located at:
302 Priest Drive
Killeen, TX 76541-7137
254-634-1919
Street Map
New residents moving into Texas, who have a valid driver license from their home state, have 90 days after entry into the state to secure a Texas driver license. To apply for a Texas driver license, applicants will be required to:
Applicants age 18 and over with a VALID out-of-state driver license (Select the highlighted links to receive additional information for each requirement listed below.)
- Provide proof of Identity.
- Provide proof of Social Security Number.
- Provide proof of Texas vehicle registration and proof of liability insurance on all vehicles owned.
- Complete required forms available at any Texas Driver License office.
- Pay the required fee.
- Pass a vision exam.
- If you have a VALID out-of-state license in your possession, it must be surrendered at the driver license office.
NOTE: If you have never been licensed or have an EXPIRED out-of-state license, you will be required to pass both the written and driving exams, in addition to a vision test.
Applicants under age 18 with a VALID out-of-state driver license
In addition to the items listed above, applicants under the age of 18 applying for a first-time Texas driver license and presenting either a valid out-of-state instruction permit or driver license must present proof of completion of driver education and verification of current enrollment and attendance in school (or high school diploma or GED),
Fort Hood Vehicle Registration
Quick Links: Fort Hood Website | Phantom Express | Marvin Leath Visitors Center
It is mandatory that all Fort Hood personnel register their privately owned vehicles (POVs) and obtain a DoD Vehicle Registration Decal. This includes civilians, active military, retired personnel and contractors. To obtain a DoD decal for persons in-processing you must first know your assigned unit.
Phantom Express – Most of Fort Hood’s gates are electronic Phantom Express lanes. To use these lanes, you must obtain a Phantom Express sticker. The system scans your sticker as you swipe you CAC card. Phantom Express registration is conducted at bldg 69005 adjacent to the Marvin Leath Visitors Center on TJ Mills Blvd. The office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The phone number is 553-1104. For more information visit their website.
