I'm moving to just outside of Austin this week-end, (Bastrop County). I've read there are 2 ways to register my 55. I can do it as an antique or classic. I'd rather not run a front plate but will if I have to. Also what does the car inspection consist of? Looks like out of state cars are subject to a $90 fee for bringing a car into the state.
just talk to the county tag office, and they will send you in the right direction...just be sure to be NICE!
antique, some limited use, but no inspection and no front tag. Classic, inspection and front tag... we go antique. Most areas do not pay too much attention to what tag is on the car, just that it qualifies to run it. Mark
I have a 55, registered as antique on plates (1 plate), good for 5 years(no renewal until then), no inspection sticker required. I also have a 40 that I run an original front plate on the front, not legal I've been told but never had a problem. cooger
Sorry fella, but that is the worst advice ever! Go INFORMED! I am always nice as can be, but everytime I have been into the County Clerks for old tags and registration I've had to put on school. Everytime they go pull out the old books and whisper amongst themselves whats right then usually get the maganger who still doesnt know but can make the call. If you are informed and show them everything you have and NEED you will make their jobs easy, and get you out of there faster. Unless you are registering a 2005 Honda Civic (joke) they dont and will not know how to handle it. Since you are out of state moving in, you'll need to get it inspected at a certified station and they will give you a "Blue" or "Green" sheet. You will take this and your title to the DMV. Antique or Classic. The state does not define them the way we do, AT ALL!!! Antique is restricted use, Classics are not but require annual inspection. Antique or Classic your call if you run "NEW" state issued plates you will required to run front and back as issued. If you run "YOM" (year of make) you MUST have both plates with you to register them, but you are only required by law to run the rear. They will photocopy your YOM's and send them to Austin for approval. Once you register the pair of YOM plates, the law says you only have to run the rear plate. http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/txm...tm#Chapter%204 Section 502.275, subsection (l) "Notwithstanding any other section of this code, a vehicle issued plates under Subsection (a) shall be required to display only one license plate, which is to be attached to the rear of the vehicle." The last thing you may be asked to fill out an Affidavit of VIN if the car is "X" years old. Sucks, but they've been asking for these alot lately. As said, GO INFORMED And if you just hit the Search button at the top of the page "Texas Plates" there is a ton of info on the HAMB about exactly this topic.
I've never had any issues registering my oldies as "Antique" using "YOM" plates. I live in Hays County, and use a branch office in a small nearby town for all my registrations instead of going to the main tax office (Which I have used twice recently with no problems). I plop the YOM plates on the counter, along with the vehicle title/registration and a copy of insurance and say "I want to register this vehicle with these plates" They verify that the plates are the correct colors & style for that year in their book, make sure the the number sequence on the plates are not currently used on someone elses plates, and I pay the registration fee and walk out. Less than 10 minutes every time. I've never had to fill anything else out, or show proof of any inspections. I've used my "antiques" as daily drivers and have never had a problem. I think being in Bastrop County, much like Hays County, being more rural that you won't encounter any issues like you might with the counties that have big cities like Travis/Harris/Tarrant, etc. PS: The "Antique" registration lasts 5 years, on a cycle. I registered my '56 F-100 in July 2010, and it expires July 2013. That's only 3 years, but had I registered it in 2008, it would last the full 5 years. They pro-rate the difference, and knock 2 years off the cost, it's just a few bucks. Then when I renew the registration in July 2013, it will then expire in July 2018, the full 5 years.
I only said this because the OP is coming from Iowa and should have an Iowa title. to title it in Texas and get registered here, he'll have to have the Inspection.
Better hurry up and do it, though. by jan of next year YOM plate will not be allowed for "Classic" like they are now, only Antique.
Depends on if you are going to use it as a daily driver. If occasional use would go antique. Regardless, as previously mentioned, you are going to have to have inspected for VIN coming in with an out of state title, not a big deal.
Yes both cars, 55 & the 66 have Iowa titles and current registration. So I will need them to be inspected for the vin numbers only? Proof of TX insurance will be required as well? Sounds antique is the way to go as I don't plan on using either as a daily driver.
I registered my '66 Caddy as an antique. (Castro County) No inspection, paid like $35 for 5 years registration. I did have to pay the $90 state title transfer from California. I've heard I do not have to run a front plate on a vehicle that is registered as an Antique. When you register antique you are only SUPPOSED to use the car for shows and parades.
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