Texas
Legality
As of May 21, 2025, Kei vehicles that follow federal standards are legally codified by law in Texas, according to SB 1816 (This is thanks to Lone Star Kei)
Article covering passing of SB 1816
Vehicle inspection
As of January 1st, 2025, cars in Texas no longer need a safety inspection. Counties can still require an emissions test and most populous counties in Texas do (Harris, Travis, Tarrant, etc) but there is an exemption for cars 25+ years old.
- Gasoline vehicles model-year 2 through 24 years old are inspected annually beginning with the vehicle's second anniversary.
For street legal Kei vehicles, no inspection or emissions test in Texas is required.
Title and registration
The following are the requirements for title and registration in Texas:
-
Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)
- Proof of current vehicle insurance
- Your current driver's license or government-issued photo identification
- Click here for photo identification requirements
- Law Enforcement Identification Number Inspection (Form VTR-68-A) from an authorized inspector.
- Authorized inspectors can be found by contacting an MVCPA grantee organization or by contacting a TxDMV Regional Service Center.
- Authorized inspectors can be found by contacting an MVCPA grantee organization or by contacting a TxDMV Regional Service Center.
- Original Japanese title
- Translated Japanese title
- Bill of sale or receipt
- Proof of US Customs Entry/Clearance (CBP 7501)
- Proof of Form HS-7 (DOT HS-7 Short)
You will also have to pay a 6% title tax, so ensure the bill of sale includes only the cost of the car, not the shipping.
Link to how to title a new vehicle
Temporary permit
You can apply for a temporary 30-day permit here before you get a law enforcement inspection. You are allowed three 30-day temporary permits.
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