Texas Antique Registration
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 823
Likes: 57
From: Austin TX
Texas Antique Registration
So, I just bought an early-'80s Vette. The Texas windshield sticker (inspection + registration) expired several months ago. My first question is whether this will be a problem for title transfer? (I'll state for the record that I haven't driven the car on the expired sticker.)
Also, the car has some issues and won't pass a safety inspection as-is. I'm not certain I can bring it into compliance within the 30 day period allowed for title transfer. That leaves two choices that I'm aware of, and I could use some advice on this.
The first choice would be to register the car as an antique. Am I correct that this can be done by merely taking in the paperwork and applying for the Antique plate? No safety inspection would be required? Is there any downside (other than limited use) to registering the car as an antique? Will it be difficult to re-register it as a "normal" vehicle at a later date, after everything is fixed?
My only other choice would be to apply for title only, no registration. However, that won't allow me to legally drive the car on public roads at any time, even to a repair shop. I think it's strictly a last resort, just to buy time and meet the 30-day deadline.
I know there are a lot of forum members residing in Texas. Has anyone else found themselves in this situation?
Also, the car has some issues and won't pass a safety inspection as-is. I'm not certain I can bring it into compliance within the 30 day period allowed for title transfer. That leaves two choices that I'm aware of, and I could use some advice on this.
The first choice would be to register the car as an antique. Am I correct that this can be done by merely taking in the paperwork and applying for the Antique plate? No safety inspection would be required? Is there any downside (other than limited use) to registering the car as an antique? Will it be difficult to re-register it as a "normal" vehicle at a later date, after everything is fixed?
My only other choice would be to apply for title only, no registration. However, that won't allow me to legally drive the car on public roads at any time, even to a repair shop. I think it's strictly a last resort, just to buy time and meet the 30-day deadline.
I know there are a lot of forum members residing in Texas. Has anyone else found themselves in this situation?
Last edited by 454Luvr; Nov 19, 2015 at 01:21 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 372
Likes: 11
From: Abilene TX
I have several cars running year of Manufacture plates (YOM). I am going to register my 1990 M923A2 as a Former Military Vehicle, (FMV) You get a registration sticker and driving is limited. The sticker is good for 5 years and cost around $50. They a given out in 5 year blocks. If you get a sticker now, it will expire in 2018. The cost is prorated so it will cost less than $50. No state inspection is required. Antique vehicle must be at least 25 years old, I think. I don't believe there would be any problem swapping back to regular plates and then needing an inspection. My pickup truck has had farm truck plates, regular truck plates, and now back to farm use.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,147
Likes: 477
From: NM
If the car is from Texas then should not be a problem in registering as antique. Hard to beat the $50 five year registration and no safety inspection.
If car is from out of state it will have to pass inspection to get a Texas title.
My 73 is registered as antique with year of manufacture plates. Goes great with classic insurance.
Tom...
If car is from out of state it will have to pass inspection to get a Texas title.
My 73 is registered as antique with year of manufacture plates. Goes great with classic insurance.
Tom...
Last edited by Tom73; Nov 19, 2015 at 07:09 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 66
From: Killeen Texas
In 2005 I moved back to Texas and brought my 1937 Registered and titled in CA. I registered it as a antique. Never had to have a safety inspection. I drive it all over and have never been bothered. I'm registering my 73 as my free VA Tag as It will be about the same cost as a antique plate.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 186
Likes: 3
From: Cisco Texas
If the car is from Texas then should not be a problem in registering as antique. Hard to beat the $50 five year registration and no safety inspection.
If car is from out of state it will have to pass inspection to get a Texas title.
My 73 is registered as antique with year of manufacture plates. Goes great with classic insurance.
Tom...
If car is from out of state it will have to pass inspection to get a Texas title.
My 73 is registered as antique with year of manufacture plates. Goes great with classic insurance.
Tom...
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