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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

RequirementsThe following are the requirements for title and registration in Texas. Link to checklist, but below should cover everything:Texas:

  • Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)

  • Proof of current vehicle insurance. insurance
  • Your current driver's license or government-issued photo identification.identification
    • Click here for photo identification requirements. requirements
  • Title a new vehicle
    • Law Enforcement Identification Number Inspection (Form VTR-68-A) from an authorized inspector.
    • ProperlyOriginal assignedJapanese evidence of ownership may include:
      • foreign evidence in the name of the owner/dealer or assigned to the owner/dealer
        title
      • Translated Japanese title in the name of or properly assigned to the applicant, which may be used when the original VIN is identified by an authorized inspector.
      • billBill of sale or receipt, which may be used in limited situations.
      • bonded title application, which may be used for assembled or homemade vehicles.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. 

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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