If you just moved to Bastrop from another state, put your car on the to-do list early. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles says you have 30 days from the time you move here to register your vehicle, and you do it at a Bastrop County tax office.
What do you need to bring?
TxDMV lists these for new residents:
- Proof of Texas insurance that meets the state minimums: $30,000 per injured person, up to $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage
- Proof of ownership, such as the registration or title from your previous state
- Form 130-U, the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration, for first-time registration
TxDMV notes you are not required to title the vehicle in Texas.
Do you need an inspection in Bastrop County?
Bastrop County is not on TxDMV’s list of 18 counties that require an emissions inspection. Nearby Travis and Williamson counties are on that list. For non-commercial vehicles, TxDMV says an Inspection Replacement Fee is paid when you register.
How much does it cost?
TxDMV lists a base registration fee of $50.75 plus $1 for TexasSure, for $51.75. Counties may add local fees. You may also owe a new resident sales tax fee, which TxDMV says can be $90 or the difference between your old state’s sales tax and Texas’s. Fully electric vehicles pay an extra annual fee.
Where is the tax office in Bastrop County?
The Bastrop County Tax Assessor-Collector lists four locations:
| Office | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bastrop (main) | 211 Jackson St., Bastrop | Mon. to Fri., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (drive-thru 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) |
| Cedar Creek | 5785 FM 535, Cedar Creek | Mon. to Fri., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Elgin | 1125 Dildy Drive, Elgin | Mon. to Fri., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Smithville | 1624 NE Loop 230, Smithville | Tue. and Fri. only, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.) |
The county says no title transfers are done after 4 p.m. TxDMV notes some county offices require appointments, so call ahead before you go.
What about your driver license?
That is a separate trip. TxDMV says new residents must get a Texas driver license from the Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving.
More help with the move
Our Moving to Bastrop guide covers utilities, taxes and the commute. If you are still deciding where to land, our Neighborhoods guide and Renting in Bastrop guide are good next stops.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do I have to register my car after moving to Texas?
- TxDMV says you have 30 days from the time you move to Texas to register your vehicle.
- Where do I register my car in Bastrop County?
- At a Bastrop County tax office. The main office is at 211 Jackson St. in Bastrop, with substations in Cedar Creek, Elgin and Smithville.
- Does Bastrop County require an emissions inspection?
- No. Bastrop County is not on TxDMV's list of counties that require an emissions inspection before registration.
- How much does it cost to register a car in Texas?
- TxDMV lists a base registration fee of $50.75 plus $1 for TexasSure, for $51.75. Counties may add local fees, and other fees can apply.
- How long do I have to get a Texas driver license?
- TxDMV says new residents must get a Texas driver license within 90 days of moving to the state.
Sources
Thinking about moving to Bastrop? Start with our moving guide and neighborhood guide, or send us a question.
