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RickS

Apr 20, 2012, 7:51 PM

Post #1 of 5 (1934 views)

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Get Texas Registration/Plates

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Does anyone know the current situation in Texas with regards to a non-resident getting a car registered/plated there? The scenario is: I have a friend who has a car in Mexico with up to date plates. She is selling it so has to take it to the border with the new owner. How does/can the new owner get that car registered/plated in Texas if he does not live there? He lives in Mexico and only has a PO Box address in Laredo (sound familiar?).

If this can be done, does anyone know how much 'time' the new owner must spend in Texas getting the deed done? I realize that Mexico normally requires a title to get a TIP, but if one buys a car but does not have the title yet (bureaucracy) will anything else work in order to get the TIP?

Thanks.

Rolly

Apr 20, 2012, 8:30 PM

Post #2 of 5 (1925 views)

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Re: [RickS] Get Texas Registration/Plates

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Doing it in Texas is not all that fast or easy. Read a story here.

Aduana will accept three papers for a car -- title, registration (if it is current) or bill of sale.

Rolly Pirate

(This post was edited by Rolly on Apr 20, 2012, 8:35 PM)

stevebrtx

Apr 21, 2012, 5:33 AM

Post #3 of 5 (1888 views)

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Re: [RickS] Get Texas Registration/Plates

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When I came in 5 years ago I had just bought a used Jeep and all I had was a bill of sale which really didn't look very official. MX wouldn't accept it and sent me back across the river to Laredo. Webb country was very helpful and issued me temp 30 day plates for a low sum. When I asked the lady "what happens in 30 days?" - she just shrugged her shoulders and smiled. MX accepted that new registration to my already acquired HandyMail box address and as she indicated, nothing happened. I didn't realize at the time that MX doesn't seem to care much about car plates, only your drivers license.

The used car already had a TX plate, but it turned out to be one the car dealer apparently had laying around and wasn't actually valid, so the next year I went back up and got proper registration and plates which I maintain. Of course I received the official registered title long ago.

Yes, you will need an inspection and TX Insurance, I get 30 day insurance from an agency in Laredo when I go to visit. I would guess the inspection would be the biggest nuisance, but I could see all of it eating a day without question.
http://www.chapalaweather.net

Rolly

Apr 21, 2012, 7:07 AM

Post #4 of 5 (1872 views)

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Re: [stevebrtx] Get Texas Registration/Plates

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Interesting that Aduana would not accept your bill of sale. That is what I used when I moved here.
It is also listed on the Aduana website as one of the three acceptable proofs of ownership.

Rolly Pirate

stevebrtx

Apr 21, 2012, 7:58 AM

Post #5 of 5 (1860 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Get Texas Registration/Plates

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The "bill of sale" I received (and I just pulled it out of the file) says "BUYER'S ORDER" at the top. As I said, it doesn't look very official, heck, who knows, maybe I don't even own the thing? - but, I get to drive it so that's all that counts.
http://www.chapalaweather.net