TITLE 43. TRANSPORTATION

PART 10. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

CHAPTER 217. VEHICLE TITLES AND REGISTRATION

INTRODUCTION. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (department) proposes amendments to 43 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 217, Vehicle Titles and Registration, Subchapter A, Motor Vehicle Titles, §§217.3 - 217.7 and §217.12, and repeal of §217.1; amendments to Subchapter B, Motor Vehicle Registration, §§217.26 - 217.28, 217.40, 217.41, 217.43, 217.45, 217.47, 217.52, 217.54, 217.56, and 217.57, and repeal of §§217.21, 217.32, and 217.37; amendments to Subchapter C, Registration and Titling Systems, §§217.71, 217.72 and 217.74, and repeal of §217.73; amendments to Subchapter D, Nonrepairable and Salvage Motor Vehicles, §217.83 and §217.84, and repeal of §217.81; amendments to Subchapter F, Motor Vehicle Records, §§217.122, 217.124 - 217.127, and repeal of §217.121; amendments to Subchapter G, Inspections, §217.143, and repeal of §217.141; amendments to Subchapter H, Deputies, repeal of §217.161; amendments to Subchapter I, Processing and Handling Fees, repeal of §217.181; amendments to Subchapter J, Performance Quality Recognition Program, §217.204, and repeal of §217.201; repeal of Subchapter K, Electronic Signatures, §217.301; and amendments to Subchapter L, Assembled Vehicles, §217.402 and §217.404, and repeal of §217.401.

The department is conducting a review of its rules in Chapter 217 in compliance with Government Code, §2001.039. Notice of the department's plan to review Chapter 217 is published in this issue of the Texas Register. As a part of the rule review, the department is proposing necessary amendments and repeals to update and streamline the rule text, bringing it into compliance with statute and with current department procedure; to update the language to remove unnecessary or obsolete requirements; to modernize language and improve readability through the use of consistent terminology; and to more specifically describe the department's methods and procedures.

Redundant or unnecessary rules identified in the course of the department's work with the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office are also proposed for repeal, including §§217.1, 217.21, 217,32, 217.37, 217.73, 217.81, 217.121, 217.141, 217.161, 217.181, 217.201, 217.301, and 217.401.

Amendments are also proposed to align the rules with Transportation Code, §502.0024, which requires the department to develop a system of registration allowing owners of trailers, semitrailers or pole trailers with a gross weight of 7,500 pounds or less to register such trailers for an extended registration period not to exceed five years.

EXPLANATION.

Subchapter A. Motor Vehicle Titles

§217.1

This section describing the purpose and scope of the subchapter is proposed for repeal because it is unnecessary as it contains no enforceable or substantive language.

§217.3

Proposed amendments to §217.3 would delete §217.3(2) because it is a confusing and inconsistent description of the registration requirements for tractors under Transportation Code, Chapter 502. Registration of a tractor under Transportation Code, Chapter 502 is dependent on how the tractor is used on public roads, regardless of whether it is owned by any particular entity or meets the specific definition of a "road tractor" in Transportation Code, §502.001. The remaining subparagraphs of §217.3 are proposed to be renumbered to accommodate the deletion of §217.3(2).

§217.4

A proposed amendment to §217.4(d)(2) would delete "if applicable" and replace it with the phrase "unless exempt under Transportation Code, §502.072(c)." The proposed amendment would provide clarity and ease of reference by citing the statute that details the limited circumstances when an odometer disclosure statement is not necessary in the application for a title for a motor vehicle.

§217.5

Proposed amendments to §217.5(a)(4)(C) would delete "original" and replace that term with "copy of" where pertinent to eliminate the requirement to provide the original version of the bond release letter to align with Texas Transportation Code, §501.030, that does not require an applicant to produce the original version of the bond release letter. This proposed change would also align with the department's current practice of accepting a copy of the bond release letter.

A proposed amendment to §217.5(b) would add language limiting the department's ability to reject a transaction because the supporting documents that provide evidence of ownership have been altered. Under the proposed language, the department would only be able to reject documents with altered text when the altered text was printed by the department, person, or governmental entity issuing the document. The current rule language could be read to imply that any alteration to any portion of a registration receipt, title, or other evidence of ownership set out in subsection (a)(2) is a valid reason for a rejection, which does not reflect current department practices. Alterations to text printed by the document's issuer indicate fraud. If corrections are necessary, the document's issuer can reissue a new document. To prevent fraud and forgery, a proposed amendment to §217.5(b) would add a sentence stating that if a digit printed on a document by the document's issuer has been altered, the department will reject the transaction. However, the information provided by transferors may require correction due to mistakes that do not indicate fraud, so the proposed amendments to §217.5(b) would allow correction to text in the document if the corrected text was not originally printed by the issuer. The proposed amended language aligns with the department's policy of allowing statements of fact to correct alterations of portions of documents filled out by a title applicant or seller. An additional proposed amendment to §217.5(b) would delete the word "other" before "evidence of ownership" to align with §217.5(a)(2), which uses "evidence of ownership" rather than "other evidence of ownership." A proposed amendment to §217.5 would add a new subsection (c) titled "Corrected documentation," move current (b)(1), (b)(3), and (b)(4) under proposed subsection (c), and renumber them accordingly. Subsection (b)(2) is redundant with language regarding altered issuer-printed digits that is proposed to be added to §217.5(b), so subsection (b)(2) is proposed for deletion. Current §217.5 (c) and (d) would be re-lettered to accommodate new subsection §217.5(c). These amendments are proposed to improve organization within §217.5 because current §217.5(b)(1), (b)(3), and (b)(4) all describe different forms of acceptable document correction.

§217.6

A proposed amendment to §217.6 would delete §217.6(a) and re-letter the remaining subsections accordingly. The proposed change would eliminate text that is duplicative of Transportation Code, §501.024, regarding the issuance of a title receipt; Government Code, §437.217, regarding exemption from fees for deployed military personnel; and Transportation Code, §501.138, regarding persons exempt from the title application fee.

§217.7

Under §217.104(d) of this title, regarding Electronic Lien Title Program, when a lien that is recorded electronically instead of on a paper title is satisfied, the lienholder notifies the department and specifies the address to which the department should send the paper title. In accordance with §217.104(d), the address the lienholder gives the department may be for a recipient other than the owner of record when a party other than the owner of record has satisfied the lien. The department then removes the lien from the vehicle record, generates a paper title in the name of the owner of record, and mails it to the address specified by the lienholder. A proposed amendment to §217.7 would create a new subsection, §217.7(b), to address instances in which an owner or their agent requests a certified copy of the vehicle title, but the department's records indicate the title was issued to a third party at the direction of a lienholder following the release of an electronic lien. Proposed new §217.7(b) would require the owner or their agent to provide a written statement from either the third party to whom the department sent the title, disclaiming any interest in the vehicle, or a from the lienholder, stating that the title was incorrectly released to the third party. Proposed new §217.7(b) would align with current department procedures and allow the department to confirm that the third party that received the title has no interest in the vehicle before the department would issue a certified copy of title to the owner of record. The remaining subsections under this section would be re-lettered to accommodate new §217.7(b).

Proposed amendments to current §217.7(b)(3), which is proposed to be re-lettered as §217.7(c)(3), would provide an additional option for submitting an application for a certified copy of title under a power of attorney by allowing the use of an expired photo identification of an owner or lienholder if the power of attorney is notarized by a Texas notary public. A notary public is a commissioned public officer who is required to confirm a person's identity for signature on the documents they notarize. Under the proposed amendments that create a new re-lettered §217.7(c)(3)(A), the notarized power of attorney submitted with an expired photo identification would become an alternative option that guards against potential fraud while providing flexibility in situations where the owner or lienholder is incapacitated to some extent and unable to secure a current photo identification. The proposed amendments would remove a reference to current §217.7(b)(1) and (2) from current §217.7(b)(3) and would delete current §217.7(b)(3)(C), because they would be redundant with the reference to the same rule provisions in proposed new re-lettered §217.7(c)(3)(A). The proposed amendments would re-letter the remaining subparagraphs of re-lettered §217.7(c)(3) to accommodate proposed new §217.7(c)(3)(A). Proposed amendments to re-lettered §217.7(c)(3)(B) and (C) would add language clarifying which requirements apply when the power of attorney names an individual and which apply when it names an entity, without changing the underlying identification requirements.

§217.12

A proposed amendment to §217.12 would delete §217.12(a) and re-letter the remaining subsections accordingly. This proposed amendment would eliminate text that is unnecessary because it is just a general statement that summarizes the mandate provided in the statutes administered by the department and county to collect required fees for services.

Subchapter B. Motor Vehicle Registration

§217.21

This section, which describes the purpose and scope of the subchapter, is proposed for repeal because it is unnecessary and contains no enforceable of substantive language.

§217.26

A proposed amendment to §217.26(c)(2)(B)(i) would clarify the photo identification requirements to register a motor vehicle for a lessee where the lessee is not an individual but a legal entity. The proposed amendments would require the person signing the application for the lessee to produce a current photo identification along with a letter of authorization on the lessee's letterhead or a printed business card of the lessee. Under the proposed amendments, either the letter of authorization or the business card must contain the name of the person signing the application that matches their photo identification. This requirement would reduce the opportunity for fraud by lessees impersonating corporate entities.

§217.27

Proposed amendments to §217.27(c)(2) would align the rule with statute in Transportation Code §502.0026 and with proposed amended §217.54 of this title (relating to Extended Registration). The proposed amendments would capture forms of extended registration that are not currently mentioned in the rule, for clarity and ease of reference for readers.

§217.28

A proposed amendment to §217.28(f) would replace "one week" with "five consecutive business days" to more specifically define "a protracted period of time" for closure of a county assessor-collector's office under Transportation Code, §502.407.

§217.32

This section, describing the replacement of license plates, symbols, tabs and other devices, is proposed for repeal because it is duplicative of the requirements specified in Transportation Code, §502.060 and §504.007.

§217.37

This section, describing the charging of required fees provided in statute by the department and county, is proposed for repeal because it is unnecessary as it is just a general statement that summarizes the mandate provided in the statutes administrated by the department and county to collect required fees for services.

§217.40

Proposed amendments to §217.40 would delete §217.40(a) and re-letter the remaining subsections accordingly. The proposed amendments would remove language that is unnecessary as it is unenforceable and contains no substantive provisions. A proposed amendment to proposed re-lettered §217.40(a)(3) would add a provision requiring an applicant applying for a 72- or 144-hour permit for a commercial motor vehicle, motor bus, trailer, or semi-trailer to provide a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. This proposed amendment aligns with current department procedures that were put in place as a fraud deterrent to prevent applications using false or stolen information. The proposed amendment would help to ensure the applications are from legitimate applicants seeking such permits for use consistent with Transportation Code, §502.094. A proposed amendment to proposed re-lettered §217.40(b)(2)(A) would delete the vehicle categories listed in subsections (i) through (v) because subsections (i) - (iii) and (v) are duplicative of Texas Transportation Code, §502.095(d), and subsection (iv) describes a vehicle class that is not eligible for a thirty-day license plate under the statute.

§217.41

Proposed amendments to §217.41 would delete §217.41(a) and re-letter the remaining subsections accordingly. The proposed amendments would remove language that is unnecessary as it is unenforceable and does not contain substantive provisions. A proposed amendment to proposed re-lettered §217.41(a)(2)(A)(ii) would delete the reference to "Subsection (b-1)" and replace it with the reference to Transportation Code, §504.202(b-1). The proposed amendment corrects a citation error that did not properly reference the provision in the Transportation Code.

§217.43

Proposed amendments to §217.43 would delete §217.43(a) and re-letter the remaining subsections accordingly. The proposed amendments would remove language that is unnecessary as it is unenforceable and does not contain substantive provisions. A proposed amendment to proposed re-lettered §217.43(c) would remove a cross-reference to §217.32, which is proposed for repeal, and replace it with a reference to Transportation Code, §502.060 and §504.007.

§217.45

Proposed amendments to §217.45 would delete §217.45(a) and re-letter the remaining subsections accordingly. The proposed amendments would remove language that is unnecessary as it is unenforceable and contains no substantive provisions.

§217.47

Proposed amendments to §217.47 would delete §217.47(a) and re-letter the remaining subsections accordingly. The proposed amendments would remove language that is unnecessary, as it simply summarizes and restates what is required under specific statutory provision. The deleted language is not substantive and is unenforceable. A proposed amendment to proposed re-lettered §217.47(b) would delete §217.47(b)(7) and (8) since those provisions pertain to notifications and costs between the department and the Department of Public Safety and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that are governed by written agreements as authorized under Transportation Code, §502.047, and not by the department's rules.

§217.52

Proposed amendments to §217.52 would delete §217.52(a) and re-letter the remaining subsections accordingly. The proposed amendments would remove language because it is unnecessary as it is unenforceable and contains no substantive provisions. Proposed amendments to proposed re-lettered §217.52(g) would delete three license plate categories (T-Plates license plates; luxury license plates; and freedom license plates); rename the "custom license plates" category to "custom personalized specialty license plates"; and provide new descriptions for the "custom personalized specialty license plates," "background-only license plates," and "embossed, personalized specialty license plates" categories. These proposed amendments would eliminate outdated license plate categories that are no longer in use and update outdated descriptions of license plate categories to ensure program accuracy and to align the rule with current department practices. A proposed amendment to proposed re-lettered §217.52(g)(9) would delete §217.52(g)(6)(A) as it is duplicative of Transportation Code, §504.853(c), and would re-letter the remaining paragraphs. Additional proposed amendments to §217.52 would change cross-references throughout the section to account for the re-lettering and re-numbering of subsections and paragraphs based on proposed amendments to §217.52.

§217.54

Proposed amendments to §217.54 would rename the section title and create two subsections to address extended registration of commercial fleet vehicles and certain trailers. The proposed amendments would align the department's rules with Transportation Code, §502.0023 and §502.0024. Transportation Code, §502.0023 creates extended registration of commercial fleet vehicles registration for a period of not less than one year or more than eight years. Transportation Code, §502.0024 requires the department to develop an extended registration process to allow owners of trailers, semitrailers or pole trailers with a gross weight of 7,500 pounds or less to register such trailers for a period not to exceed five years. A proposed amendment to §217.54 would retitle the section from "Registration of Fleet Vehicles" to "Extended Registration" to more accurately describe the scope of the rule as amended to include the extended registration of both commercial fleet vehicles and certain trailers as provided under Transportation Code, §502.0023 and §502.0024. A proposed amendment would create a new subsection, §217.54(a), with the subsection titled "Extended Registration of Commercial Fleet Vehicles," and would renumber the existing subsections as paragraphs under the proposed new subsection (a).

A proposed amendment to current §217.54(e)(2), proposed to be renumbered as §217.54(a)(5)(B), would add an exception to the requirement that the registration receipt for a token trailer be carried in the vehicle and available to law enforcement. This amendment would align the rule with Transportation Code, §502.0023(d-1) and Transportation Code, §502.255(i), which do not require that the registration receipt be maintained in the token trailer so long as the trailer displays a license plate issued for the registration.

Proposed amendments would create new §217.54(b), titled "Extended Registration of Certain Trailers," to align the rule with Transportation Code §502.0024. Proposed new §217.54(b)(1) would clarify for ease of the reader's reference that trailers, semitrailers, or pole trailers that have an actual gross weight or registered gross weight of 7,500 pounds or less are eligible for extended registration, in alignment with Transportation Code §502.0024. Proposed new §217.54(b)(2) would detail where to submit an application for extended trailer registration, the contents of the application, the required supporting documents to show evidence of financial responsibility as required by Transportation Code, §502.046, and the required fees associated with the application. Proposed new §217.54(b)(3) would detail an owner's options for selecting the extended registration period, including requirements that the registration period be between one and five years, begin on the first day of a calendar month, and end on the last day of a calendar month, to align with Transportation Code §502.0024 and to make data processing of the registration period simpler for the department's registration and titling system. Proposed new §217.54(b)(4) would detail the issuance of the registration insignia, registration receipt and license plate for each extended registration trailer, while prohibiting transfer of the registration receipt or insignia between vehicles, owners or registrants to prevent fraud and to make license plate tracking easier for law enforcement. Proposed new §217.54(b)(5) would provide that an extended registration expires if it is not renewed prior to the end of the expiration period, but allows for the owner, after expiration, to either register the trailer with single-year registration, or to request extended registration to create flexibility for owners.

§217.56

Proposed amendments to §217.56 would delete §217.56(a) and re-letter the remaining subsections accordingly. The proposed deletion would remove language that is unnecessary and repetitive of statute. Proposed amendments to proposed re-lettered §217.56(a), would delete the definition of "Regional Service Center" because the term was only utilized in reference to an outdated physical approval process and would update the definition of "temporary cab card" to more accurately describe the timing for expiration of the cards. A proposed amendment to proposed re-lettered §217.56(b)(2)(B), would update the reference to the current version of the International Registration Plan to align with the department's adoption of International Registration Plan under Transportation Code, §502.091. Additional proposed amendments to proposed re-lettered §217.56(b) would account for the department's streamlined temporary cab card process. Proposed amendments to proposed re-lettered §217.56(b(2)(C) would modernize the rule to reflect electronic form submission for apportioned registration and would clarify that applicants must provide the department with documents and information required by the International Registration Plan. Proposed amendments to proposed re-lettered §217.56(b)(2)(C) would modernize the rule by striking language that describes the calculation of IRP fees as a separate step, since the electronic system calculates the fees automatically. The amendments would also remove the numbering designation from the remaining subparagraph (i) to accommodate the deletion. Proposed amendments to proposed re-lettered §217.56(b)(2)(D) would broaden the scope of the paragraph to incorporate all application requirements necessary for review and issuance of registration, would consolidate language regarding computation of fees, would eliminate unnecessary language related to an outdated paper payment process since IRP applications are now submitted electronically, would include a modernizing reference to the department's issuance of cab cards at the time the application is approved. The amendments would also clarify that the issuance of license plates, temporary cab cards, and cab cards is subject to the vehicle being eligible for apportioned registration.

Proposed amendments to proposed §217.56(b)(2)(F) would allow a registrant, during an audit by the department, to submit operational records in any format, removing the requirement that the records be submitted in number order and sequence by date. The proposed amendments to proposed re-lettered §217.56(b)(2)(F) would provide more efficient and flexible document submission options for the registrant. Similarly, proposed amendments to proposed re-lettered §217.56(b)(2)(J)(ii) would expand the options for conducting a conference between the department and a registrant to discuss a proposed fee assessment, registration cancellation, or revocation of registration. The proposed amendments to proposed re-lettered §217.56(b)(2)(J)(ii) would include telephonic and videoconferencing as options to allow more flexibility to the registrant and to align with current department processes. The proposed amendments to proposed re-lettered §217.56(b)(2)(H) would substitute "registrant" for "carrier" for consistency with the terminology used in the remainder of proposed re-lettered §217.56(b)(2)(J).

Proposed amendments would delete proposed re-lettered §217.56(b(2)(M) in its entirety because it describes an outdated process that the department has eliminated. The department currently issues a temporary cab card upon approval of an application for apportioned registration and no longer requires paper submission of original documents. A proposed amendment to proposed re-lettered §217.56(b)(2)(L) would remove a cross-reference to §217.56(c)(2)(M) since it is proposed for deletion.

§217.57.

The proposed amendments to §217.57 would remove language describing the department's obligation to submit an annual report to the legislature, because it is duplicative of the requirements specified in Transportation Code, §502.004(c).

Subchapter C. Registration and Title Systems

§217.71

Proposed amendments to §217.71 would delete the current title of the section, "Automated and Web-Based Vehicle Registration and Title Systems," and rename it "Definitions;" delete §217.71(a), describing the purpose of the section; and delete the heading to §217.71(b), "Definitions." The proposed amendments would remove the text describing the purpose of the section because it is unnecessary and redundant with the definitions provided elsewhere in the rule. The remaining language is only definitions of terms used elsewhere in Chapter 217, Subchapter C, so the section would be more appropriately titled "Definitions."

§217.72

A proposed amendment would create new §217.72(a) by transferring text from current §217.73 regarding the agreement that the counties enter into with the department as a precondition to receiving automated equipment from the department, to consolidate and streamline all requirements pertaining to automated equipment for the registration and title system into one rule for ease of reference. The proposed amendments would title the new subsection "Automated Equipment Agreement." Additional proposed amendments would re-letter the remaining subsections and references to subsections within this section as necessary to accommodate proposed new §217.72(a).

§217.73

This section, which describes the requirement for and contents of a written agreement between the department and a county for the county to receive automated equipment, is proposed to be repealed, with its text consolidated into §217.72 to put into one rule all requirements and conditions for counties to obtain automated equipment for the registration and title system.

§217.74

A proposed amendment to §217.74(c) would delete the outdated requirement for active motor vehicle dealers to secure webDealer access in advance of July 1, 2025, and the department's option to secure access on behalf of a motor vehicle dealer in the county in which the motor vehicle dealer is located if the motor vehicle dealer is unable to obtain access to the system by April 30, 2025. This provision was adopted as part of the department's implementation of HB 718, 88th Legislature, Regular Session (2023), which enacted Transportation Code, §520.0055 mandating motor vehicle dealers to submit title and registration applications through the department's electronic system, also known as webDealer. The provision was a temporary measure to ensure motor vehicle dealers came into compliance with the statutory mandate. The deadlines have since passed and the provision is no longer necessary.

Similarly, proposed amendments to §217.74(g) would delete the outdated deadline for existing motor vehicle dealers to complete webDealer training and the outdated date to define newly licensed motor vehicle dealers for purposes of webDealer training, both of which passed on April 30, 2025. Another proposed amendment would delete §217.74(g)(2) and renumber the paragraphs under §217.74(g) accordingly, because it reflects an outdated requirement that is no longer relevant. The dates and webDealer training exemption were adopted as part of the department's implementation of HB 718, 88th Legislature, Regular Session (2023), which enacted Transportation Code, §520.0055, that mandated motor vehicle dealers to submit title and registration applications through webDealer. The dates and exemption were temporary measures to ensure motor vehicle dealers came into compliance with the training requirements. The dates have since passed, so the rule provision is no longer necessary.

Subchapter D. Nonrepairable and Salvage Motor Vehicles

§217.81

This section, which describes the purpose and scope of the subchapter, is proposed for repeal because it is unnecessary, as relevant statutory references may be incorporated into each rule.

§217.83

A proposed amendment to §217.83(b)(3) would substitute a reference to Transportation Code, §501.095(b), in place of the description of the person required to apply for a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title, to streamline the language of the rule. A proposed amendment to §217.83(c)(1) would substitute a reference to Transportation Code, §501.1002 in place of the requirements imposed on an insurance company concerning owner retained vehicles, since those requirements are duplicative of Transportation Code, §501.1002. A proposed amendment to §217.83(c)(2) would fix a cross-reference to §217.83(c)(1) to correct an error.

§217.84

Proposed amendments to §217.84(d) would amend §217.84(d)(2) and delete §217.84(d)(3) to substitute a reference to Transportation Code, §501.0925 in place of the text describing the documentation requirements an insurance company must follow to obtain a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title since those requirements are duplicative of Transportation Code, §501.0925. A proposed amendment to proposed renumbered §217.84(d)(4) would reference Transportation Code, §501.0935 to clarify the statutory source of the required notices. Proposed amendments would renumber the remaining paragraphs of this subsection.

Subchapter F. Motor Vehicle Records

§217.121

This section, which describes the purpose and scope of the subchapter, is proposed for repeal because it is unnecessary as it contains no enforceable substantive provisions.

§217.122

A proposed amendment to §217.122(b)(13) would modernize the rule by replacing the term and definition of "eTAG file" with the term and definition of "ePLATE file." HB 718, 88th Legislature, Regular Session (2023), amended Transportation Code, Chapter 503 by replacing the use of temporary tags in motor vehicle dealer operations with categories of license plates and requiring the department to develop a new license plate system to regulate the distribution and use of license plates. Since the implementation of HB 718, the department has transitioned to creating and maintaining records in the new license plate system of motor vehicle dealers. The proposed definition of "ePLATE file" would describe the contents of the license plate records maintained by the department that can be accessed through procedures outlined in the rules described in Subchapter F, comprised of three bulk files containing records of license plates from a motor vehicle dealer and vehicle transfer notifications.

§217.124

A proposed amendment to §217.124(d) would replace "eTAG" with "ePLATE" to be consistent with the proposed amendment to §217.122(b)(13) that would replace the term and definition of "eTAG" with "ePLATE."

§217.125

A proposed amendment to §217.125 would create new §217.125(b)(1) to require that a requestor of personal information from motor vehicles records under the permitted disclosures of certain personal information in Transportation Code §730.007(a)(2)(B)(ii) submit proof of a complaint of motor vehicle theft filed with a law enforcement agency or a report created by a law enforcement agency describing a complaint of a motor vehicle theft. The proposed amendment would prevent inappropriate release of motor vehicle record information by requiring the requestor to provide documentation to show the genuineness of the request. The proposed amendments would also align the rule with current department procedures. Additional proposed amendments to §217.125 would renumber the remaining paragraphs in subsection (b) to accommodate proposed new §217.125(b)(1).

§217.126

A proposed amendment to §217.126(a) would substitute a reference to Transportation Code, §730.013 in place of text that duplicates that statute. Similarly, a proposed amendment would delete §217.126(c) as it is duplicative of Transportation Code, §730.013. A proposed amendment to §217.126(d) would re-letter the subsection to (c) based on the proposed deletion of current §217.126(c).

§217.127

Proposed amendments to §217.127 would delete §217.127(b) and consolidate the text of current §217.127(b) into §217.127(a) to streamline the rule. A proposed amendment to §217.127(c) would re-letter it to §217.127(b) based on the proposed deletion of current §217.127(b).

Subchapter G. Inspections

§217.141

This section, which describes the purpose and scope of the subchapter, is proposed for repeal because it is unnecessary as it contains no enforceable substantive provisions.

§217.143

Proposed amendments to §217.143 would delete §217.143(b) and re-letter the remaining subsections accordingly. The requirement for a custom vehicle or street rod to pass a safety inspection performed by a master technician under §217.143(b) is unnecessary since a custom vehicle and street rod fall within the definition of "assembled vehicle" under Transportation Code, §731.001(a)(4) and would already require a passing safety inspection from a master technician under §217.143(a) prior to titling of the vehicle.

Subchapter H. Deputies

§217.161

This section, which describes the purpose and scope of the subchapter, is proposed for repeal because it is unnecessary as it contains no enforceable substantive provisions.

Subchapter I. Processing and Handling Fees

§217.181

This section, which describes the purpose and scope of the subchapter, is proposed for repeal because it is unnecessary, as it contains no enforceable substantive provisions.

Subchapter J. Performance Quality Recognition Program

§217.201

This section, which describes the purpose and scope of the subchapter, is proposed for repeal because it is unnecessary, as it contains no enforceable substantive provisions.

§217.204

Proposed amendments to §217.204(a) would streamline the existing text of the subsection for easier readability without changing the meaning.

Subchapter K. Electronic Signatures

§217.301

This section, which describes the purpose and scope of the subchapter, is proposed for repeal because it is unnecessary, as it contains no enforceable substantive provisions.

Subchapter L. Assembled Vehicles

§217.401

This section, which describes the purpose and scope of the subchapter under §217.401(a), is proposed for repeal because it is unnecessary, as it contains no enforceable substantive provisions. The text in the remaining subsection, §217.401(b), is repealed because it is proposed to be incorporated into §217.402.

§217.402

A proposed amendment to §217.402 would create new §217.402(c) by incorporating the text from current §217.401(b), which is proposed for repeal, to consolidate it with the other definitions to definitions for Subchapter L, because it defines "a glider kit issued a title with a `RECONSTRUCTED' remark" as a "replica."

§217.404

A proposed amendment to §217.404(a)(7) would add "if applicable" to the requirement for submission of a weight certificate with an application for initial titling of an assembled vehicle, since the department does not record and maintain the weights of motorcycles and mopeds in the department's system. The proposed amendment to §217.404(a)(7) would thus clarify that a weight certificate is an optional supporting document to the title application.

FISCAL NOTE AND LOCAL EMPLOYMENT IMPACT STATEMENT. Chris Hayden, Chief Financial Officer, has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments will be in effect, there will be no fiscal impact to state or local governments as a result of the enforcement or administration of the proposal. Annettee Quintero, Director of the Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, has determined that there will be no measurable effect on local employment or the local economy as a result of the proposal.

PUBLIC BENEFIT AND COST NOTE. Ms. Quintero has also determined that, for each year of the first five years the proposed amended sections are in effect, the anticipated public benefit as a result of administering or enforcing the amendments will be the simplification, clarification, and streamlining of agency rules; providing an alternative means to apply for a certified copy of a title under a power of attorney; providing a procedure for owners of certain trailers the option to select an extended registration versus an annual registration of such trailers; and reducing the opportunity for misuse of the confidential personal information captured in motor vehicle records.

Anticipated Costs to Comply with the Proposal. Ms. Quintero anticipates that there will be no costs to comply with the proposed amendments.

ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT AND REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY ANALYSIS. As required by the Government Code, §2006.002, the department has determined that the proposed amendments will not have an adverse economic effect on small businesses, micro-businesses, and rural communities because there are no anticipated costs for persons required to comply with the proposed amendments. Therefore, the department is not required to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis under Government Code, §2006.002.

TAKINGS IMPACT ASSESSMENT. The department has determined that no private real property interests are affected by this proposal and that this proposal does not restrict or limit an owner's right to property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action and, therefore, does not constitute a taking or require a takings impact assessment under the Government Code, §2007.043.

GOVERNMENT GROWTH IMPACT STATEMENT. The department has determined that each year of the first five years the proposed amendments are in effect, no government program would be created or eliminated; no employee positions would be created or eliminated; there would be no change in the amount of fees paid to the agency; the number of individuals subject to the rule's applicability would not change; and the rule would have no significant impact to the state's economy. Implementation would not require an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the department or an increase or decrease in fees paid to the department. The proposed amendments to §217.54 create a new regulation governing the process in applying for an extended registration for certain trailers. With the exception of the proposed amendments to §217.26 requiring additional identification documents for a representative of a lessee business entity, §217.40 requiring a USDOT number for a 72- or 144-hour permit, and §217.125 requiring additional documentation from a requestor seeking personal information contained in motor vehicle records, the proposed revisions do not otherwise expand a regulation. The amendments would repeal 13 existing regulations to remove unnecessary rule text.

REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

If you want to comment on the proposal, submit your written comments by 5:00 p.m. CDT on July 27, 2026. The department requests information related to the cost, benefit, or effect of the proposed rule, including any applicable data, research, or analysis, from any person required to comply with the proposed rule or any other interested person. A request for a public hearing must be sent separately from your written comments. Send written comments or hearing requests by email to rules@txdmv.gov or by mail to Office of General Counsel, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, Texas 78731. If a hearing is held, the department will consider written comments and public testimony presented at the hearing.

SUBCHAPTER A. MOTOR VEHICLE TITLES

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes a repeal to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code §501.0041, which gives the department authority to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code Chapter 501, Certificate of Title Act; and Transportation Code §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and duties of the department as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. This proposed repeal would implement Transportation Code §§501.0041 and 1002.001.

§ 217.1. Purpose and Scope.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602393

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes amendments to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code §501.0041, which gives the department authority to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code Chapter 501, Certificate of Title Act; Transportation Code §501.023, which authorizes the department to prescribe the process and procedures for applying for a motor vehicle title; Transportation Code §501.0315, which authorizes the department to adopt rules governing the designation of a beneficiary by a motor vehicle owner; Transportation Code §501.134, which authorizes the department to establish by rule a process for obtaining a lost or destroyed certificate of title; and Transportation Code §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and duties of the department, as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The proposed amendments would implement Transportation Code §§501.0041, 501.023, 501.0315, 501.134, and 1002.001.

§ 217.3. Motor Vehicle Titles.

Unless otherwise exempted by law or this chapter, the owner of any motor vehicle that is required to be titled, including any motor vehicle required to be registered in accordance with Transportation Code Chapter 502, shall apply for a Texas title in accordance with Transportation Code Chapter 501 or 731, or this subchapter.

(1) Motorcycles, autocycles, and mopeds. The title requirements for a motorcycle, autocycle, and moped are the same requirements prescribed for any motor vehicle.

(2) [(3)] Neighborhood electric vehicles. The title requirements of a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) are the same requirements prescribed for any motor vehicle.

(3) [(4)] Trailers, semitrailers, and house trailers. If a trailer or semitrailer with a gross weight of 4,000 pounds or less has been titled previously, any subsequent owner shall apply for a Texas title for the trailer or semitrailer. Travel trailer-type vehicles must meet the criteria outlined in subparagraph (C) of this paragraph to be titled:

(A) The rated carrying capacity will not be less than one-third of its empty weight.

(B) Mobile office trailers, mobile oil field laboratories, and mobile oil field bunkhouses are not designed as dwellings, but are classified as commercial semitrailers and must be registered and titled as commercial semitrailers if operated on the public streets and highways.

(C) House trailer-type vehicles and camper trailers must meet the following criteria in order to be titled.

(i) A house trailer-type vehicle that is less than eight feet six inches in width or less than 45 feet in length is classified as a travel trailer and shall be registered and titled.

(ii) A camper trailer shall be titled as a house trailer and shall be registered with travel trailer license plates.

(iii) A recreational park model type trailer that is primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping or seasonal use, is built on a single chassis, and is 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection when in the set up mode shall be titled as a house trailer and may be issued travel trailer license plates.

(4) [(5)] Assembled vehicles. The title requirements for assembled vehicles are prescribed in Subchapter L of this title (relating to Assembled Vehicles).

(5) [(6)] Not Eligible for Title. The following are not eligible for a Texas title regardless of the vehicle's previous title or registration in this or any other jurisdiction:

(A) vehicles that are missing or are stripped of their motor, frame, or body, to the extent that the vehicle loses its original identity or makes the vehicle unsafe for on-road operation as determined by the department;

(B) vehicles designed by the manufacturer for on-track racing only;

(C) vehicles designed or determined by the department to be for off-highway use only, unless specifically defined as a "motor vehicle" in Transportation Code Chapter 501; or

(D) vehicles assembled, built, constructed, rebuilt, or reconstructed in any manner with:

(i) a body or frame from a vehicle which is a "nonrepairable motor vehicle" as that term is defined in Transportation Code §501.091(9); or

(ii) a motor or engine from a vehicle which is flood damaged, water damaged, or any other term which may reasonably establish the vehicle from which the motor or engine was obtained is a loss due to a water related event.

§ 217.4. Initial Application for Title.

(a) Time for application. A person must apply for the title not later than the 30th day after the date of assignment, except:

(1) in a seller-financed sale, the title must be applied for not later than the 45th day after the date the motor vehicle is delivered to the purchaser;

(2) a member of the armed forces or a member of a reserve component of the United States, a member of the Texas National Guard or of the National Guard of another state serving on active duty, must apply not later than the 60th day after the date of assignment of ownership; or

(3) as otherwise provided by Transportation Code, Chapter 501.

(b) Place of application. Except as otherwise provided by Transportation Code, Chapters 501 and 502, and by §217.84(a) of this title (relating to Application for Nonrepairable or Salvage Vehicle Title), when motor vehicle ownership is transferred, a title application must be filed with:

(1) the county tax assessor-collector in the county in which the applicant resides or in the county in which the motor vehicle was purchased or encumbered; or

(2) a county tax assessor-collector of a county who is willing to accept the application.

(c) Information to be included on application. An applicant for an initial title must file an application on a form prescribed by the department. The form will at a minimum require the:

(1) motor vehicle description including, but not limited to, the motor vehicle:

(A) year;

(B) make;

(C) identification number;

(D) body style; and

(E) empty weight;

(2) license plate number, if the motor vehicle is subject to registration under Transportation Code, Chapter 502;

(3) odometer reading and brand, or the word "exempt" if the motor vehicle is exempt from federal and state odometer disclosure requirements;

(4) previous owner's legal name and municipality and state, if available;

(5) legal name as stated on the identification presented and complete address of the applicant;

(6) name and mailing address of any lienholder and the date of lien, if applicable;

(7) signature of the seller of the motor vehicle or the seller's authorized agent and the date the title application was signed; and

(8) signature of the applicant or the applicant's authorized agent and the date the title application was signed.

(d) Accompanying documentation. The title application must be supported by, at a minimum, the following documents:

(1) evidence of vehicle ownership, as described in §217.5 of this title (relating to Evidence of Motor Vehicle Ownership);

(2) an odometer disclosure statement properly executed by the seller of the motor vehicle and acknowledged by the purchaser, unless exempt under Transportation Code, §501.072(c) [if applicable];

(3) proof of financial responsibility in the applicant's name, as required by Transportation Code, §502.046, unless otherwise exempted by law;

(4) for a vehicle last registered or titled in another state, verification of the vehicle identification number by a process prescribed on a form by the department for the applicant to self-certify the vehicle identification number if the vehicle is not subject to Transportation Code, Chapter 548;

(5) a release of any liens, provided that if any liens are not released, they will be carried forward on the new title application; and

(6) any documents required by §217.9 of this title (relating to Bonded Titles).

§ 217.5. Evidence of Motor Vehicle Ownership.

(a) Evidence of motor vehicle ownership properly assigned to the applicant must accompany the title application. Evidence must include, but is not limited to, the following documents.

(1) New motor vehicles. A manufacturer's certificate of origin assigned by the manufacturer or the manufacturer's representative or distributor to the original purchaser is required for a new motor vehicle that is sold or offered for sale.

(A) The manufacturer's certificate of origin must be in the form prescribed by the department and must contain, at a minimum, the following information:

(i) manufacturer's name on the face of the manufacturer's certificate of origin;

(ii) motor vehicle description including, but not limited to, the motor vehicle year, make, model, identification number, and body style;

(iii) the empty or shipping weight;

(iv) the gross vehicle weight when the manufacturer's certificate of origin is invoiced to a licensed Texas motor vehicle dealer and is issued for commercial motor vehicles as that term is defined in Transportation Code, Chapter 502;

(v) a statement identifying a motor vehicle designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use only;

(vi) if the vehicle is a motor bus, the manufacturer must show the seating capacity (number of passengers) of the motor bus on the manufacturer's certificate; and

(vii) if the vehicle is a "neighborhood electric vehicle," a statement that the vehicle meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500 (49 C.F.R. §571.500) for low-speed vehicles.

(B) When a motor vehicle manufactured in another country is sold directly to a person other than a manufacturer's representative or distributor, the manufacturer's certificate of origin must be assigned to the purchaser by the seller.

(2) Used motor vehicles. Applicants applying for title to a used motor vehicle must relinquish as evidence of ownership one of the following documents:

(A) a title issued by the department;

(B) a title issued by another state if the motor vehicle was last titled in another state;

(C) documents evidencing a transfer of motor vehicle ownership by operation of law as listed in Transportation Code §501.074;

(D) a registration receipt if the applicant is coming from a state that no longer titles vehicles after a certain period of time; or

(E) a bill of sale when the applicant presents:

(i) an out-of-state or out-of-country registration receipt that does not provide a transfer of ownership section;

(ii) an out of state title when all dealer reassignment sections have been completed and the issuing state does not utilize supplemental dealer reassignment forms; or

(iii) a non-titled vehicle.

(3) Evidence of Ownership for Purpose of Identification Number Assignment or Reassignment. An applicant for assignment or reassignment of an identification number under Transportation Code §501.033 who is unable to produce evidence of ownership under this section, may file a bond with the department in accordance with Transportation Code §501.053 and §217.9 of this title (relating to Bonded Titles). The bond will serve as evidence of ownership for purposes of §501.033(b).

(4) Motor vehicles brought into the United States. An application for title for a motor vehicle last registered or titled in a foreign country must be supported by documents including, but not limited to, the following:

(A) the motor vehicle registration certificate or other verification issued by a foreign country reflecting the name of the applicant as the motor vehicle owner, or reflecting that legal evidence of ownership has been legally assigned to the applicant;

(B) the identification number inspection required under Transportation Code §501.032(a)(2), except as provided in §501.032(b); and

(C) for motor vehicles that are less than 25 years old, proof of compliance with United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations including, but not limited to, the following documents:

(i) copy of the [original] bond release letter with all attachments advising that the motor vehicle meets federal motor vehicle safety requirements or a letter issued by the USDOT, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, verifying the issuance of the [original] bond release letter;

(ii) a legible copy of the motor vehicle importation form validated with a signature as filed with the USDOT confirming the exemption from the bond release letter required in clause (i) of this subparagraph, or a copy thereof certified by United States Customs;

(iii) a verification of motor vehicle inspection by United States Customs certified on its letterhead and signed by its agent verifying that the motor vehicle complies with USDOT regulations;

(iv) a written confirmation that a physical inspection of the safety certification label has been made by the department and that the motor vehicle meets United States motor vehicle safety standards;

(v) copy of the [original] bond release letter, verification thereof, or written confirmation from the previous state verifying that a bond release letter issued by the USDOT was relinquished to that jurisdiction, if the non-United States standard motor vehicle was last titled or registered in another state for one year or less; or

(vi) verification from the vehicle manufacturer on its letterhead stationery.

(b) Alterations to documentation. An alteration to text in a registration receipt, title, manufacturer's certificate, or [other] evidence of ownership set out in subsection (a) of this section, that was printed by the department, person, or governmental entity issuing the document, constitutes a valid reason for the rejection of any transaction to which altered evidence is attached. If any digit printed by the department, person or governmental entity issuing the document has been altered on any of the document types described above, the transaction shall be rejected.

(c) Corrected documentation.

(1) Altered lien information on any surrendered evidence of ownership requires a release from the original lienholder or a statement from the proper authority of the state in which the lien originated. The statement must verify the correct lien information.

(2) [(3)] A corrected manufacturer's certificate of origin will be required if the manufacturer's certificate of origin contains an:

(A) incomplete or altered vehicle identification number;

(B) alteration or strikeover of the vehicle's model year;

(C) alteration or strikeover to the body style, or omitted body style on the manufacturer's certificate of origin; or

(D) alteration or strikeover to the weight.

(3) [(4)] A statement of fact may be requested to explain errors, corrections, or conditions from which doubt does or could arise concerning the legality of any instrument. A statement of fact will be required in all cases:

(A) in which the date of sale on an assignment has been erased or altered in any manner; or

(B) of alteration or erasure on a Dealer's Reassignment of Title.

(d) [(c)] Rights of survivorship. A signed "rights of survivorship" agreement may be executed by a natural person acting in an individual capacity in accordance with Transportation Code, §501.031.

(e) [(d)] Identification required.

(1) An application for title is not acceptable unless the applicant presents a current photo identification of the owner containing a unique identification number. The current photo identification must be a:

(A) driver's license or state identification certificate issued by a state or territory of the United States;

(B) United States or foreign passport;

(C) United States military identification card;

(D) North Atlantic Treaty Organization identification or identification issued under a Status of Forces Agreement;

(E) United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or United States Department of State identification document; or

(F) license to carry a handgun issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety under Government Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter H.

(2) If the motor vehicle is titled in:

(A) more than one name, then the identification of one owner must be presented;

(B) the name of a leasing company, then:

(i) proof of the Federal Employer Identification Number/Employee Identification Number (FEIN/EIN) of the leasing company must be submitted, written on the application, and can be entered into the department's titling system. The number must correspond to the name of the leasing company in which the vehicle is being titled; and

(ii) the leasing company may submit:

(I) a government issued photo identification, required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, of the lessee listed as the registrant; or

(II) a government issued photo identification, required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, of the employee or authorized agent who signed the application for the leasing company, and the employee's or authorized agent's employee identification, letter of authorization written on the lessor's letterhead, or a printed business card. The printed business card, employee identification, or letter of authorization written on the lessor's letterhead must contain the name of the lessor, and the employee's or authorized agent's name must match the name on the government issued photo identification;

(C) the name of a trust, then a government issued photo identification, required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, of a trustee must be presented; or

(D) the name of a business, government entity, or organization, then:

(i) proof of the Federal Employer Identification Number/Employee Identification Number (FEIN/EIN) of the business, government entity, or organization must be submitted, written on the application, and can be entered into the department's titling system. The number must correspond to the name of the business, government entity, or organization in which the vehicle is being titled;

(ii) the employee or authorized agent must present a government issued photo identification, required under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and

(iii) the employee's or authorized agent's employee identification; letter of authorization written on the business', government entity's, or organization's letterhead; or a printed business card. The printed business card, employee identification, or letter of authorization written on the business', government entity's, or organization's letterhead must contain the name of the business, governmental entity, or organization, and the employee's or authorized agent's name must match the name on the government issued photo identification.

(3) In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, if a power of attorney is being used to apply for a title, then the applicant must show:

(A) identification, required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, matching the person named as power of attorney; or

(B) identification, required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, and employee identification or a printed business card or authorization written on the letterhead of the entity named as power of attorney that matches the identification of the employee if the power of attorney names an entity.

(4) Within this subsection, an identification document such as a printed business card, letter of authorization, or power of attorney, may be an original or a photocopy.

(5) A person who holds a general distinguishing number issued under Transportation Code, Chapter 503 is exempt from submitting to the county tax assessor-collector, but must retain:

(A) the owner's identification, as required under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and

(B) authorization to sign, as required under paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(6) A person who holds a general distinguishing number issued under Transportation Code, Chapter 503 is not required to submit photo identification or authorization for an employee or agent signing a title assignment with a secure power of attorney.

§ 217.6. Title Issuance.

(a) [(b)] Titles. The department will issue and mail or deliver a title to the applicant or, in the event that there is a lien disclosed in the application, to the first lienholder unless the title is an electronic record of title.

(b) [(c)] Receipt. The receipt issued at the time of application for title may be used only as evidence of title and may not be used to transfer any interest or ownership in a motor vehicle or to establish a new lien.

(c) [(d)] Temporary hold. The department shall place a hold on processing a title application for a motor vehicle if the department receives a request for a hold accompanied by evidence of a legal action regarding ownership of or a lien interest in the motor vehicle. The hold shall continue until a final, nonappealable judgment is entered in the action or the party requesting the hold requests that the hold be removed.

(1) Evidence of a legal action regarding ownership of or a lien interest in a motor vehicle means evidence showing a legal action regarding ownership of or a lien interest in a motor vehicle filed in a district, county, statutory probate court, or bankruptcy court.

(2) Legal actions filed in justice of the peace or municipal courts do not qualify as evidence for purposes of this section unless the case is related to Chapter 47, Code of Criminal Procedure, or Section 27.031, Government Code.

(3) Legal actions regarding ownership of or a lien interest in a motor vehicle must be active on a court's docket. If the evidence presented in support of a request for a hold is a legal action that has been resolved through a final nonappealable judgment, additional evidence of post-judgment legal actions must be presented to place a hold on processing a title.

(4) The department shall place a ten-day temporary hold on processing a title if a party seeking to obtain a 10-day temporary hold presents the VIN of the vehicle for which the hold is sought, and attests that the hold is being requested in order to commence a legal action disputing a title or lien interest in a motor vehicle and not for purposes of delay.

(5) For the purposes of this subsection, a final nonappealable judgment is a judgment for which 30 days have passed from the day the judgment was entered without a notice of appeal being filed.

§ 217.7. Replacement of Title.

(a) Lost or destroyed title. If a title is lost or destroyed, the department will issue a certified copy of the title to the owner, the lienholder, or a verified agent of the owner or lienholder in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 501, on proper application and payment of the appropriate fee to the department.

(c) [(b)] Identification required.

(1) An owner or lienholder may not apply for a certified copy of title unless the applicant presents a current photo identification of the owner or lienholder containing a unique identification number and expiration date. The current photo identification must be a:

(A) driver's license or state identification certificate issued by a state or territory of the United States;

(B) United States or foreign passport;

(C) United States military identification card;

(D) North Atlantic Treaty Organization identification or identification issued under a Status of Forces Agreement;

(E) United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or United States Department of State identification document; or

(F) license to carry a handgun issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety under Government Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter H.

(2) If the motor vehicle is titled in:

(A) more than one name, then the identification for each owner must be presented;

(B) the name of a leasing company, then the lessor's employee or authorized agent who signed the application for the leasing company must present:

(i) a government issued photo identification, required under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and

(ii) employee identification, letter of authorization written on the lessor's letterhead, or a printed business card. The printed business card, employee identification, or letter of authorization written on the lessor's letterhead must contain the name of the lessor, and the employee's or authorized agent's name must match the name on the government issued photo identification;

(C) the name of a trust, then a government issued photo identification, required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, of a trustee must be presented; or

(D) the name of a business, government entity, or organization, then:

(i) the employee or authorized agent must present a government issued photo identification, required under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and

(ii) the employee's or authorized agent's employee identification; letter of authorization written on the business', government entity's, or organization's letterhead; or a printed business card. The printed business card, employee identification, or letter of authorization written on the business', government entity's, or organization's letterhead must contain the name of the business, governmental entity, or organization, and the employee's or authorized agent's name must match the name on the government issued photo identification.

(3) If [In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, if] a power of attorney is being used to apply for a certified copy of title, then the applicant must show:

(B) [(A)] if the power of attorney names an individual, a current photo identification, required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, matching the person named as power of attorney; or

(C) [(B)] if the power of attorney names an entity, a current photo identification, required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, and employee identification or a printed business card or authorization written on the letterhead of the entity named as power of attorney that matches the identification of the employee. [if the power of attorney names an entity; or]

(4) Within this subsection, an identification document, such as a printed business card, letter of authorization, or power of attorney, may be an original or a photocopy.

(d) [(c)] Issuance. An application for a certified copy must be properly executed and supported by appropriate verifiable proof of the vehicle owner, lienholder, or agent regardless of whether the application is submitted in person or by mail. A certified copy will not be issued until after the 14th day that the original title was issued.

(e) [(d)] Denial. If issuance of a certified copy is denied, the applicant may resubmit the request with the required verifiable proof or may pursue the privileges available in accordance with Transportation Code, §501.052 and §501.053.

(f) [(e)] Additional copies. An additional certified copy will not be issued until 30 days after issuance of the previous certified copy.

(g) [(f)] Fees. The fee for obtaining a certified copy of a title is $2 if the application is submitted to the department by mail and $5.45 if the application is submitted in person for expedited processing at one of the department's regional offices.

§ 217.12. Fees.

(a) [(b)] The $25 mechanic lien fee provided by Property Code, §70.006 may be charged once per vehicle.

(b) [(c)] There is no charge for issuance of title receipt or the duplicate title receipt at the time of application.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602392

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

SUBCHAPTER B. MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes repeals in Chapter 217 under Transportation Code §502.0021, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code Chapter 502, Registration of Vehicles; Transportation Code, §502.060, which governs the replacement of registration insignia; Transportation Code, Transportation Code, §502.191, which governs the collection of fees by the department or county; Transportation Code §502.1911, which authorizes the board to adopt rules to set registration processing and handing fees; Transportation Code, §504.007, which governs the replacement of license plates; and Transportation Code §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and duties of the department, as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. This proposed repeal would implement Transportation Code §§502.0021, 502.060, §502.191, 502.1911, 504.007, and 1002.001.

§ 217.21. Purpose and Scope.

§ 217.32. Replacement of License Plates, Symbols, Tabs, and Other Devices.

§ 217.37. Fees.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602395

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes amendments to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code §502.0021, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code Chapter 502, Registration of Vehicles; Transportation Code, §502.0024, which authorizes the department to develop and implement an extended registration process for a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer with a gross weight of 7,500 pounds or less; Transportation Code, §502.004, which requires the board to adopt rules establishing a program to collect information concerning the number of alternatively fueled vehicles registered in Texas; Transportation Code §502.040, which authorizes the department to prescribe the process and procedures for applying for a motor vehicle registration; Transportation Code, §502.047, which authorizes the department to develop a vehicle registration based enforcement for motor vehicle inspections; Transportation Code, §502.060, which governs the replacement of registration insignia; Transportation Code, §502.091, which authorizes the department to enter into agreements with other jurisdictions of the United States and foreign countries to allow for reciprocal registration of vehicles to residents and nonresidents under the International Registration Plan and to adopt rules to carry out the International Registration Plan; Transportation Code, §502.094, which authorizes the department to issue 72- or 144-hour permits; Transportation Code §502.095, which authorizes the department to issue one-trip and 30-day license plates; Transportation Code, §502.191, which governs the collection of fees by the department or county; Transportation Code §502.1911, which authorizes the board to adopt rules to set registration processing and handing fees; Transportation Code, §502.407, which authorizes the department to define protracted period of time for an office closure of a county assessor-collector by rule; Transportation Code §502.434, which authorizes the department to issue excess weight permits; Transportation Code §504.0011, which authorizes the department to implement and administer Transportation Code, Chapter 504, License Plates; Transportation Code, §504.007, which governs the replacement of license plates; Transportation Code, §504.201, which authorizes the department to issue disabled person license plates; Transportation Code, §504.202, which authorizes the department to issue disabled veteran license plates; Transportation Code, §504.2025, which authorizes the department to issue disabled peace officer license plates; Transportation Code, §504.801, which governs the creation of new specialty license plates by the department; Transportation Code, §504.851, which authorizes the department to contract with private vendors to propose and market department approved specialty license plates and adopt rules setting the fees for the issuance and renewal of the specialty license plates; Transportation Code §681.002, which authorizes the department to issue disabled parking placards; and Transportation Code §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and duties of the department, as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The proposed amendments would implement Transportation Code §§502.0021, 502.0024, 502.040, 502.047, 502.060, 502.091, 502.094, 502. 095, 502.191, 502.1911, 502.407, 502.434, 504.0011, 504.007, 504.201, 504.202, 504.2025, 504.801, 504.851, 681.002, and 1002.001.

§ 217.26. Identification Required.

(a) Except as stated in subsections (b), (c), (g) and (h) of this section, an application for initial registration - including registration under Transportation Code, Chapter 502, Subchapters C or I; §502.146; a registration under §217.66 of this title (relating to Specialized License Plate for Registration of Rental Trailers); or a commercial vehicle registration under §217.46(b) of this title (relating to Commercial Vehicle Registration) - is not acceptable unless the applicant presents a current photo identification of the owner containing a unique identification number and expiration date. The current photo identification must be a:

(1) driver's license or state identification certificate issued by a state or territory of the United States;

(2) United States or foreign passport;

(3) United States military identification card;

(4) North Atlantic Treaty Organization identification or identification issued under a Status of Forces Agreement;

(5) United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or United States Department of State identification document; or

(6) license to carry a handgun issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety under Government Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter H.

(b) Except as stated in subsections (c), (g) and (h) of this section, - an application for initial registration under Transportation Code, Chapter 502- other than registration under Subchapters C or I of Chapter 502; §502.146; a registration under §217.66 of this title (relating to Specialized License Plate for Registration of Rental Trailers); or a commercial vehicle registration under §217.46(b) of this title (relating to Commercial Vehicle Registration) - is not acceptable unless the applicant presents one of the following for the owner of the vehicle:

(1) a valid, unexpired driver's license or state identification certificate that complies with REAL ID and is not marked "limited term" or "temporary," issued by a state or territory of the United States;

(2) a valid, unexpired driver's license or state identification certificate issued by a state that issues driver's licenses and state identification certificates only to individuals who are legally present in the United States;

(3) a valid, unexpired driver's license or state identification certificate issued by a state or territory of the United States, accompanied by a United States birth certificate, United States Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570), or a United States Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561);

(4) a valid passport; or

(5) a valid, unexpired license to carry a handgun issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety under Government Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter H.

(c) If the motor vehicle is titled in:

(1) more than one name, then the identification of one owner under subsections (a), (b), or (c)(2) - (4) of this section, as applicable, must be presented;

(2) the name of a leasing company, then:

(A) proof of the Federal Employer Identification Number/Employee Identification Number (FEIN/EIN) of the leasing company must be submitted, written on the application, and can be entered into the department's titling system. The number must correspond to the name of the leasing company in which the vehicle is being titled; and

(B) the leasing company may submit:

(i) a current photo identification, required under subsection (a) of this section, of the lessee listed as the registrant if the lessee is an individual; otherwise, if the lessee is a legal entity, a current photo identification, required under this section, of the individual who signed the application for the lessee and either a letter of authorization written on the lessee's letterhead or a printed business card. The printed business card or letter of authorization written on the lessee's letterhead must contain the name of the individual who signed for the lessee, and the individual's name must match the name on the current photo identification; or

(ii) a current photo identification, required under subsection (a) of this section, of the employee or authorized agent who signed the application for the leasing company, and the employee's or authorized agent's employee identification, letter of authorization written on the lessor's letterhead, or a printed business card. The printed business card, employee identification, or letter of authorization written on the lessor's letterhead must contain the name of the lessor, and the employee's or authorized agent's name must match the name on the current photo identification;

(3) the name of a trust, then a current photo identification, required under subsection (a) of this section, of a trustee, or authorized trustee representative if the trustee is a legal entity, must be presented; or

(4) the name of a business, government entity, or organization, then:

(A) proof of the Federal Employer Identification Number/Employee Identification Number (FEIN/EIN) of the business, government entity, or organization must be submitted, written on the application, and can be entered into the department's titling system. The number must correspond to the name of the business, government entity, or organization in which the vehicle is being titled;

(B) the employee or authorized agent must present a current photo identification, required under subsection (a) this section; and

(C) the employee's or authorized agent's employee identification; letter of authorization written on the business', government entity's, or organization's letterhead; or a printed business card. The printed business card, employee identification, or letter of authorization written on the business', government entity's, or organization's letterhead must contain the name of the business, governmental entity, or organization, and the employee's or authorized agent's name must match the name on the current photo identification.

(d) Within this section, an identification document such as a printed business card, letter of authorization, or power of attorney, may be an original or photocopy.

(e) A person who holds a general distinguishing number issued under Transportation Code, Chapter 503 is exempt from submitting to the county tax assessor-collector, but must retain:

(1) the owner's identification, as required under this section; and

(2) authorization to sign, as required under this section.

(f) A person who holds a general distinguishing number issued under Transportation Code, Chapter 503 is not required to submit photo identification or authorization for an employee or agent signing a title assignment with a secure power of attorney.

(g) This section does not apply to non-titled vehicles.

(h) This section does not apply to:

(1) apportioned registration under the International Registration Plan;

(2) exempt vehicle registration under Transportation Code, Chapter 502, Subchapter J, or Transportation Code, §502.0025; or

(3) registration of off-highway vehicles owned by the state, a county, or a municipality under Transportation Code §502.140(c).

§ 217.27. Vehicle Registration Insignia.

(a) On receipt of a complete initial application for registration with the accompanying documents and fees, the department will issue vehicle registration insignia to be displayed on or kept in the vehicle for which the registration was issued for the current registration period.

(1) If the vehicle has a windshield, the vehicle registration insignia shall be attached to the inside lower left corner of the vehicle's front windshield in a manner that will not obstruct the vision of the driver, unless the vehicle is registered under Transportation Code, Chapter 504, Subchapter B-1.

(2) If the vehicle has no windshield, the vehicle registration insignia shall be attached to the rear license plate unless the vehicle is registered under Transportation Code, Chapter 504, Subchapter B-1, except that registration receipts, retained inside the vehicle, may provide the record of registration for vehicles with permanent trailer plates.

(3) If the vehicle is registered under Transportation Code, Chapter 504, Subchapter B-1, the registration receipt, symbol, tab, or other device prescribed by and issued by the department must be retained with the vehicle and may provide the record of registration for vehicles with a digital license plate. The expiration month and year must appear digitally on the electronic visual display of the rear digital license plate.

(4) If the vehicle is registered as a former military vehicle as prescribed by Transportation Code, §504.502, the vehicle's registration number shall be displayed instead of displaying a symbol, tab, or license plate.

(A) Former military vehicle registration numbers shall be displayed on a prominent location on the vehicle in numbers and letters of at least two inches in height.

(B) To the extent possible, the location and design of the former military vehicle registration number must conform to the vehicle's original military registration number.

(b) Unless otherwise prescribed by law, each vehicle registered under this subchapter:

(1) must display two license plates that are clearly visible, readable, and legible, one at the exterior front and one at the exterior rear of the vehicle that are securely fastened at the exterior front and rear of the vehicle in an upright horizontal position of not less than 12 inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom; or

(2) must display one plate that is securely fastened at or as close as practical to the exterior rear of the vehicle in a position not less than 12 inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom if the vehicle is a road tractor, motorcycle, trailer or semitrailer, except that a vehicle described by Transportation Code, §621.2061 may place the rear plate so that it is clearly visible, readable, and legible.

(c) Each vehicle registered under this subchapter must display license plates:

(1) assigned by the department for the period; or

(2) validated by a registration insignia issued by the department for a registration period consisting of 12 consecutive months at the time of application for registration, except that:

(A) vehicles registered under [described by] Transportation Code, §502.0024 and §217.54(b) of this chapter (relating to Extended Registration) may obtain a registration insignia for a period consisting of 12, 24, 36, 48 or 60 consecutive months on payment of all fees for each full year of registration; [and]

(C) [(B)] vehicles may be registered for 24 consecutive months in accordance with Transportation Code, §502.044(a-1) on payment of all fees for each year of registration.

(d) The department may cancel any license plate issued with a personalized license plate number if the department subsequently determines or discovers that the personalized license plate number did not comply with this section when the license plate was issued, or if due to changing language usage, meaning, or interpretation, the personalized license plate number no longer complies with this section. When reviewing a personalized license plate number, the department need not consider the applicant's subjective intent or declared meaning. The department will not issue any license plate containing a personalized license plate number that meets one or more of the following criteria:

(1) The license plate number conflicts with the department's current or proposed general issue license plate numbering system.

(2) The director or the director's designee finds that the personalized license plate number may be considered objectionable. An objectionable license plate number may include words, phrases, or slang in any language; phonetic, numeric, or reverse spelling; acronyms; patterns viewed in mirror image; or code that only a small segment of the community may be able to readily decipher. An objectionable pattern may be viewed as:

(A) indecent (defined as including a direct reference or connotation to a sexual act, sexual body parts, excreta, or sexual bodily fluids or functions. Additionally, the license plate number "69" is prohibited unless used with the full year (1969) or in combination with a reference to a vehicle;

(B) vulgar, directly or indirectly (defined as profane, swear, or curse words);

(C) derogatory, directly or indirectly (defined as an expression that is demeaning to, belittles, or disparages any person, group, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or sexual orientation. "Derogatory" may also include a reference to an organization that advocates the expressions described in this subparagraph);

(D) a direct or indirect negative instruction or command directed at another individual related to the operation of a motor vehicle;

(E) a direct or indirect reference to gangs, illegal activities, implied threats of harm, or expressions that describe, advertise, advocate, promote, encourage, glorify, or condone violence, crime, or unlawful conduct;

(F) a direct or indirect reference to controlled substances or the physiological state produced by such substances, intoxicated states, or a direct or indirect reference that may express, describe, advertise, advocate, promote, encourage, or glorify such substances or states;

(G) a direct representation of law enforcement or other governmental entities, including any reference to a public office or position exclusive to government; or

(H) a pattern that could be misread by law enforcement.

(3) The license plate number is currently on a license plate issued to another owner.

(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the department may issue license plates with personalized license plate numbers that refer to:

(1) military branches, military rank, military units, military equipment, or status; or

(2) institutions of higher education, including military academies, whether funded privately, by the state, or by the federal government.

(f) A decision to cancel or not to issue a license plate with a personalized license plate number under subsection (d) of this section may be appealed to the executive director of the department or the executive director's designee within 20 days of notification of the cancellation or non-issuance. All appeals must be in writing, and the requesting party may include any written arguments, but shall not be entitled to a contested case hearing. The executive director or the executive director's designee will issue a decision no later than 30 days after the department receives the appeal, unless additional information is sought from the requestor, in which case the time for decision is tolled until the additional information is provided. The decision of the executive director or the executive director's designee is final and may not be appealed to the board. An appeal to the executive director or the executive director's designee is denied by operation of law 31 days from the receipt of the appeal, or if the requestor does not provide additional requested information within ten days of the request.

(g) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section do not apply to vehicles registered with annual license plates issued by the department.

(h) A person whose initial application has been denied will receive a refund if the denial is not appealed in accordance with subsection (f) of this section. If an existing license plate with a personalized license plate number has been canceled, the person may choose a new personalized license plate number that will be valid for the remainder of the term, or the remaining term of the canceled license plate will be forfeited.

§ 217.28. Vehicle Registration Renewal.

(a) To renew vehicle registration, a vehicle owner must apply to the tax assessor-collector of the county in which the owner resides or a county tax assessor-collector who is willing to accept the application.

(b) The department will send a registration renewal notice, indicating the proper registration fee and the month and year the registration expires, to each vehicle owner prior to the expiration of the vehicle's registration.

(c) The registration renewal notice should be returned by the vehicle owner to the county tax assessor-collector in the county in which the owner resides or a county tax assessor-collector who is willing to accept the application, or to that tax assessor-collector's deputy, either in person or by mail, unless the vehicle owner renews via the Internet. The renewal notice must be accompanied by the following documents and fees:

(1) registration renewal fees prescribed by law;

(2) any local fees or other fees prescribed by law and collected in conjunction with registration renewal; and

(3) evidence of financial responsibility required by Transportation Code, §502.046, unless otherwise exempted by law.

(d) If a registration renewal notice is lost, destroyed, or not received by the vehicle owner, the vehicle may be registered if the owner presents personal identification acceptable to the county tax assessor-collector or via the Internet. Failure to receive the notice does not relieve the owner of the responsibility to renew the vehicle's registration.

(e) Renewal of expired vehicle registrations.

(1) If the owner has been arrested or cited for operating the vehicle without valid registration then a 20% delinquency penalty is due when registration is renewed, the full annual fee will be collected, and the vehicle registration expiration month will remain the same.

(2) If the county tax assessor-collector or the department determines that a registrant has a valid reason for being delinquent in registration, the vehicle owner will be required to pay for 12 months' registration. Renewal will establish a new registration expiration month that will end on the last day of the eleventh month following the month of registration renewal.

(3) If the county tax assessor-collector or the department determines that a registrant does not have a valid reason for being delinquent in registration, the full annual fee will be collected and the vehicle registration expiration month will remain the same.

(4) Specialty license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices may be prorated as provided in §217.45(d)(2) of this title (relating to Specialty License Plates, Symbols, Tabs, and Other Devices).

(5) Evidence of a valid reason may include receipts, passport dates, and military orders. Valid reasons may include:

(A) extensive repairs on the vehicle;

(B) the person was out of the country;

(C) the vehicle is used only for seasonal use;

(D) military orders;

(E) storage of the vehicle;

(F) a medical condition such as an extended hospital stay; and

(G) any other reason submitted with evidence that the county tax assessor-collector or the department determines is valid.

(6) The operation of a vehicle with an expired registration that has been stored or otherwise not in operation that is driven only to an inspection station for the purpose of obtaining an inspection, if applicable, required for registration, will not affect the determination of whether the registrant has a valid or invalid reason for being delinquent.

(f) For purposes of Transportation Code §502.407(c), the county tax assessor-collector's office of the county in which the owner resides is closed for a protracted period of time if the county tax assessor-collector's office has notified the department that it is closed or will be closed for more than five consecutive business days [one week].

§ 217.40. Special Registrations.

(a) [(b)] Permit categories. The department will issue the following categories of special registration permits.

(1) Additional weight permits in accordance with Transportation Code, §502.434.

(A) A permit will not be issued unless the registration fee for hauling the additional weight has been paid prior to the actual hauling.

(B) An applicant must provide proof of the applicant's Texas Agriculture or Timber Exemption Registration Number issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Proof of the registration number must be:

(i) legible;

(ii) current;

(iii) in the name of the person or dba in which the vehicle is or will be registered; and

(iv) verifiable through the online system established by the Comptroller.

(2) Annual permits in accordance with Transportation Code, §502.093.

(A) The department will issue annual permits:

(i) for a 12-month period designated by the department which begins on the first day of a calendar month and expires on the last day of the last calendar month in that annual registration period; and

(ii) to each vehicle or combination of vehicles for the registration fee prescribed by weight classification in Transportation Code, §502.253 and §502.255.

(B) The following exemptions apply to vehicles displaying annual permits. Currently registered foreign semitrailers having a gross weight in excess of 6,000 pounds used or to be used in combination with commercial motor vehicles or truck tractors having a gross vehicle weight in excess of 10,000 pounds are exempted from the requirements to pay the token fee and display the associated distinguishing license plate provided for in Transportation Code, §502.255. An annual permit is required for the power unit only. For vehicles registered in combination, the combined gross weight may not be less than 18,000 pounds.

(C) Upon approval of an application, the department will issue one license plate for a trailer, semitrailer, or foreign commercial motor vehicle as defined in Transportation Code, §648.001(4). The license plate issued to a truck-tractor shall be installed on the front of the truck-tractor. For other types of vehicles, the license plate issued shall displayed as required by §217.27(b) of this title (relating to Vehicle Registration Insignia).

(3) 72-hour permits and 144-hour permits in accordance with Transportation Code, §502.094. An applicant must provide a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number.

(b) [(c)] License plate categories. The department will issue the following categories of special registration license plates.

(1) One-trip license plates in accordance with Transportation Code, §502.095.

(A) A one-trip license plate may not be issued for a trip which both originates and terminates outside Texas.

(B) A laden motor vehicle or a laden commercial vehicle cannot display a one-trip license plate. If the vehicle is unregistered, it must operate with a 72-hour or 144-hour permit.

(C) A one-trip license plate must be displayed as required by §217.27(b) of this title (relating to Vehicle Registration Insignia).

(2) 30-day license plates in accordance with Transportation Code, §502.095.

(A) A vehicle operated on a 30-day license plate is not restricted to a specific route. [The 30-day license plate is available for:]

(B) A 30-day license plate must be displayed as required by §217.27(b) of this title (relating to Vehicle Registration Insignia).

(c) [(d)] Application process.

(1) Procedure. An owner who wishes to apply for a special registration permit or special registration license plate for a vehicle which is otherwise required to be registered in accordance with this subchapter, must do so on a form prescribed by the department.

(2) Form requirements. The application form will at a minimum require:

(A) the signature of the owner;

(B) the name and complete address of the applicant; and

(C) the vehicle description.

(3) Fees and documentation. The application must be accompanied by:

(A) statutorily prescribed fees.

(B) evidence of financial responsibility:

(i) as required by Transportation Code, Chapter 502, Subchapter B, provided that all policies written for the operation of motor vehicles must be issued by an insurance company or surety company authorized to write motor vehicle liability insurance in Texas; or

(ii) if the applicant is a motor carrier as defined by §218.2 of this title (relating to Definitions), indicating that the vehicle is registered in compliance with Chapter 218, Subchapter B of this title (relating to Motor Carrier Registration); and

(C) any other documents or fees required by law.

(4) Place of application.

(A) All applications for annual permits must be submitted directly to the department for processing and issuance.

(B) Additional weight permits may be obtained by making application with the department through the county tax assessor-collectors' offices.

(C) 72-hour and 144-hour permits, one-trip license plates, and 30-day license plates may be obtained by making application either with the department or the county tax assessor-collectors' offices.

(d) [(e)] Receipt for special registration permit or special registration license plate in lieu of registration. A receipt will be issued for each special registration permit or special registration license plate in lieu of registration to be carried in the vehicle during the time the special registration permit or special registration license plate is valid. If the receipt is lost or destroyed, the owner must obtain a duplicate from the department or from the county office. The fee for the duplicate receipt is the same as the fee required by Transportation Code, §502.058.

(e) [(f)] Transfer of special registration permits or special registration license plates.

(1) Special registration permits and special registration license plates are non-transferable between vehicles and/or owners.

(2) If the owner of a vehicle displaying a special registration permit or a special registration license plate disposes of the vehicle during the time the permit or license plate is valid, the permit or license plate must be returned to the county tax assessor-collector office or department immediately.

(f) [(g)] Replacement permits. Vehicle owners displaying annual permits may obtain replacement permits if an annual permit is lost, stolen, or mutilated.

(1) The fee for a replacement annual permit is the same as for a replacement number plate, symbol, tab, or other device as provided by Transportation Code, §502.060.

(2) The owner shall apply directly to the department in writing for the issuance of a replacement annual permit. Such request should include a copy of the registration receipt and replacement fee.

(g) [(h)] Agreements with other jurisdictions. In accordance with Transportation Code, §502.091, and Chapter 648, the executive director of the department may enter into a written agreement with an authorized officer of a state, province, territory, or possession of a foreign country to provide for the exemption from payment of registration fees by nonresidents, if residents of this state are granted reciprocal exemptions. The executive director may enter into such agreement only upon:

(1) the approval of the governor; and

(2) making a determination that the economic benefits to the state outweigh all other factors considered.

(h) [(i)] Border commercial zones.

(1) Texas registration required. A vehicle located in a border commercial zone must display a valid Texas registration if the vehicle is owned by a person who:

(A) owns a leasing facility or a leasing terminal located in Texas; and

(B) leases the vehicle to a foreign motor carrier.

(2) Exemption for trips of short duration. Except as provided by paragraph (1) of this subsection, a foreign commercial vehicle operating in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 648 is exempt from the display of a temporary registration permit if:

(A) the vehicle is engaged solely in the transportation of cargo across the border into or from a border commercial zone;

(B) for each load of cargo transported the vehicle remains in this state for:

(i) not more than 24 hours; or

(ii) not more than 48 hours, if:

(I) the vehicle is unable to leave this state within 24 hours because of circumstances beyond the control of the motor carrier operating the vehicle; and

(II) all financial responsibility requirements applying to this vehicle are satisfied;

(C) the vehicle is registered and licensed as required by the country in which the person that owns the vehicle is domiciled or is a citizen as evidenced by a valid metal license plate attached to the front or rear exterior of the vehicle; and

(D) the country in which the person who owns the vehicle is domiciled or is a citizen provides a reciprocal exemption for commercial motor vehicles owned by residents of Texas.

(3) Exemption due to reciprocity agreement. Except as provided by paragraph (1) of this subsection, a foreign commercial motor vehicle in a border commercial zone in this state is exempt from the requirement of obtaining a Texas registration if the vehicle is currently registered in another state of the United States or a province of Canada with which this state has a reciprocity agreement that exempts a vehicle that is owned by a resident of this state and that is currently registered in this state from registration in the other state or province.

§ 217.41. Disabled Person License Plates and Disabled Parking Placards.

(a) [(b)] Issuance.

(1) For purposes of this section, "disabled person" means a person eligible for issuance of a license plate bearing the International Symbol of Access under Transportation Code, §504.201, including a qualifying disabled veteran under Transportation Code, §504.202(b-1) and a qualifying disabled peace officer under Transportation Code, §504.2025.

(2) Disabled person license plates.

(A) Eligibility. In accordance with Transportation Code, §504.201; §504.202(b-1) and (b-2); and §504.2025, the department will issue specially designed license plates displaying the International Symbol of Access to permanently disabled persons or their transporters instead of general issue license plates. As satisfactory proof of eligibility, an organization that transports disabled veterans who would qualify for license plates issued under Transportation Code, §504.202(b-1) must provide a written statement from the veteran's county service officer of the county in which a vehicle described by Transportation Code, §504.202(c) is registered or by the Department of Veterans Affairs that:

(i) the vehicle is used exclusively to transport veterans of the United States armed forces who have suffered, as a result of military service, a service-connected disability;

(ii) the vehicle regularly transports veterans who are eligible to receive license plates under Transportation Code, §504.202(b-1) [Subsection (b-1)]; and

(iii) the veterans are not charged for the transportation.

(B) Specialty license plates. The department will issue disabled person specialty license plates displaying the International Symbol of Access that can accommodate the identifying insignia and that are issued in accordance with §217.43 of this title (relating to Military Specialty License Plates) or §217.45 of this title (relating to Specialty License Plates, Symbols, Tabs, and Other Devices).

(C) License plate number. Disabled person license plates will bear a license plate number assigned by the department or will bear a personalized license plate number issued in accordance with §217.43 or §217.45 of this title.

(D) General issue license plate option for qualifying disabled veterans and disabled peace officers. In accordance with Transportation Code, §504.202(h) and §504.2025(h), qualifying disabled veterans and disabled peace officers may elect to receive general issue license plates without paying license plate fees.

(3) Windshield disabled parking placards.

(A) Issuance. The department will issue removable windshield disabled parking placards to temporarily or permanently disabled persons and to the transporters of permanently disabled persons, as provided under Transportation Code, §§504.201, 504.202 (b-1) and (b-2), 504.2025, and 681.004.

(B) Display. A person who has been issued a windshield disabled parking placard shall hang the placard from a vehicle's rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked in a disabled person parking space or shall display the placard on the center portion of the dashboard if the vehicle does not have a rearview mirror.

(b) [(c)] Renewal of disabled person license plates. Disabled person license plates are valid for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance and are renewable as specified in §§217.28 of this title (relating to Vehicle Registration Renewal), 217.43, and 217.45 of this title.

(c) [(d)] Replacement.

(1) License plates. If a disabled person metal license plate is lost, stolen, or mutilated, the owner may obtain a replacement metal license plate by applying with a county tax assessor-collector.

(A) Accompanying documentation. To replace disabled person metal license plates, the owner must present the current year's registration receipt and personal identification acceptable to the county tax assessor-collector.

(B) Absence of accompanying documentation. If the current year's registration receipt is not available and the county tax assessor-collector cannot verify that the disabled person metal license plates were issued to the owner, the owner must reapply in accordance with this section.

(2) Disabled parking placards. If a disabled parking placard becomes lost, stolen, or mutilated, the owner may obtain a new disabled parking placard in accordance with this section.

(d) [(e)] Transfer of disabled person license plates and disabled parking placards.

(1) License plates.

(A) Transfer between persons. Disabled person license plates may not be transferred between persons. An owner who sells or trades a vehicle to which disabled person license plates have been issued shall remove the disabled person license plates from the vehicle. The owner shall return the license plates to the department and shall obtain appropriate replacement license plates to place on the vehicle prior to any transfer of ownership.

(B) Transfer between vehicles. Disabled person license plates may be transferred between vehicles if the county tax assessor-collector or the department can verify the plate ownership and the owner of the vehicle is a disabled person or the vehicle is used to transport a disabled person.

(i) Plate ownership verification may include:

(I) a Registration and Title System (RTS) inquiry;

(II) a copy of the department application for disabled person license plates; or

(III) the owner's current registration receipt.

(ii) An owner who sells or trades a vehicle with disabled person license plates must remove the plates from the vehicle.

(iii) The department will provide a form that persons may use to facilitate a transfer of disabled person license plates between vehicles.

(2) Disabled parking placards.

(A) Transfer between vehicles. Disabled parking placards may be displayed in any vehicle driven by the disabled person or in which the disabled person is a passenger.

(B) Transfer between persons. Disabled parking placards may not be transferred between persons.

(e) [(f)] Seizure and revocation of disabled parking placard.

(1) If a law enforcement officer seizes and destroys a disabled parking placard under Transportation Code, §681.012, the officer shall notify the department by email.

(2) The person to whom the seized disabled parking placard was issued may apply for a new disabled parking placard by submitting an application to the county tax assessor-collector of the county in which the person with the disability resides or in which the applicant is seeking medical treatment.

§ 217.43. Military Specialty License Plates.

(a) [(b)] Classification and fees. The department will issue specialty license plates for the military and charge fees as authorized by Transportation Code, §504.202 and Chapter 504, Subchapter D.

(b) [(c)] Application. Applications for military specialty license plates must be made to the department and include evidence of eligibility. The evidence of eligibility may include, but is not limited to:

(1) an official document issued by a governmental entity;

(2) a letter issued by a governmental entity on that agency's letterhead;

(3) discharge papers;

(4) a death certificate; or

(5) an identification card issued by any branch of the military under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Defense or the United States Department of Homeland Security indicating that the member is retired.

(c) [(d)] Period. Military specialty license plates shall be valid for 12 months from the month of issuance or for a prorated period of at least 12 months coinciding with the expiration of registration and may be replaced in accordance with Transportation Code, §502.060 and §504.007 [§217.32 of this title (relating to Replacement of License Plates, Symbols, Tabs, and Other Devices)].

(d) [(e)] Assignment and Transfer. Military license plates may not be assigned and may only be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same vehicle owner.

(e) [(f)] Applicability. Section 217.45 of this title (relating to Specialty License Plates, Symbols, Tabs, and Other Devices) applies to military license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices as to:

(1) what is considered one set of license plates per vehicle as determined by vehicle type;

(2) issuance of validation tabs and insignia;

(3) stolen or replaced license plates;

(4) payment of other applicable fees;

(5) personalization, except that Congressional Medal of Honor license plates may not be personalized;

(6) renewal, except that the owner of a vehicle with Congressional Medal of Honor license plates must return the documentation and specialty license plate fee, if any, directly to the department;

(7) refunds; and

(8) expiration.

§ 217.45. Specialty License Plates, Symbols, Tabs, and Other Devices.

(a) [(b)] Initial application for specialty license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices.

(1) Application Process.

(A) Procedure. An owner of a vehicle registered as specified in this subchapter who wishes to apply for a specialty license plate, symbol, tab, or other device must do so on a form prescribed by the director.

(B) Form requirements. The application form shall at a minimum require the name and complete address of the applicant.

(2) Fees and Documentation.

(A) The application must be accompanied by the prescribed registration fee, unless exempted by statute.

(B) The application must be accompanied by the statutorily prescribed specialty license plate fee.

(C) Specialty license plate fees will not be refunded after an application is submitted and the department has approved issuance of the license plate.

(D) The application must be accompanied by prescribed local fees or other fees that are collected in conjunction with registering a vehicle, with the exception of vehicles bearing license plates that are exempt by statute from these fees.

(E) The application must include evidence of eligibility for any specialty license plates. The evidence of eligibility may include, but is not limited to:

(i) an official document issued by a governmental entity; or

(ii) a letter issued by a governmental entity on that agency's letterhead.

(F) Initial applications for license plates for display on Exhibition Vehicles must include a photograph of the completed vehicle.

(3) Place of application. Applications for specialty license plates may be made directly to the county tax assessor-collector of the county in which the owner resides or a county tax assessor-collector who is willing to accept the application, except that applications for the following license plates must be made directly to the department:

(A) County Judge;

(B) Federal Administrative Law Judge;

(C) State Judge;

(D) State Official;

(E) U.S. Congress--House;

(F) U.S. Congress--Senate; and

(G) U.S. Judge.

(4) Gift plates.

(A) A person may purchase general distribution specialty license plates as a gift for another person if the purchaser submits an application for the specialty license plates that provides:

(i) the name and address of the person who will receive the license plates; and

(ii) the vehicle identification number of the vehicle on which the license plates will be displayed.

(B) To be valid for use on a motor vehicle, the recipient of the license plates must file an application with the county tax assessor-collector and pay the statutorily required registration fees in the amount as provided by Transportation Code, Chapter 502 and this subchapter.

(b) [(c)] Initial issuance of specialty license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices.

(1) Issuance. On receipt of a completed initial application for registration, accompanied by the prescribed documentation and fees, the department will issue specialty license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices to be displayed on the vehicle for which the license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices were issued for the current registration period. If the vehicle for which the specialty license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices are issued is currently registered, the owner must surrender the license plates currently displayed on the vehicle, along with the corresponding license receipt, before the specialty license plates may be issued.

(2) Classic Motor Vehicles, Classic Travel Trailers, Custom Vehicles, Street Rods, and Exhibition Vehicles.

(A) License plates. Texas license plates that were issued the same year as the model year of a Classic Motor Vehicle, Travel Trailer, Street Rod, or Exhibition Vehicle may be displayed on that vehicle under Transportation Code, §504.501 and §504.502, unless:

(i) the license plate's original use was restricted by statute to another vehicle type;

(ii) the license plate is a qualifying plate type that originally required the owner to meet one or more eligibility requirements, except for a plate issued under Transportation Code, §504.202; or

(iii) the license plate number is already in use on another vehicle.

(B) Validation stickers and tabs. The department will issue validation stickers and tabs for display on license plates that are displayed as provided by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.

(3) Number of license plates issued.

(A) Two license plates. Unless otherwise listed in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, two specialty license plates, each bearing the same license plate number, will be issued per vehicle.

(B) One license plate. One license plate will be issued per vehicle for all motorcycles and for the following specialty license plates:

(i) Antique Vehicle (includes Antique Auto, Antique Truck, Antique Motorcycle, and Antique Bus);

(ii) Classic Travel Trailer;

(iii) Rental Trailer;

(iv) Travel Trailer;

(v) Cotton Vehicle;

(vi) Disaster Relief;

(vii) Forestry Vehicle;

(viii) Golf Cart;

(ix) Log Loader;

(x) Military Vehicle;

(xi) Package Delivery Vehicle;

(xii) Fertilizer; and

(xiii) Off-highway Vehicle.

(C) Registration number. The identification number assigned by the military may be approved as the registration number instead of displaying Military Vehicle license plates on a former military vehicle.

(4) Assignment of license plates.

(A) Title holder. Unless otherwise exempted by law or this section, the vehicle on which specialty license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices is to be displayed shall be titled in the name of the person to whom the specialty license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices is assigned, or a title application shall be filed in that person's name at the time the specialty license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices are issued.

(B) Non-owner vehicle. If the vehicle is titled in a name other than that of the applicant, the applicant must provide evidence of having the legal right of possession and control of the vehicle.

(C) Leased vehicle. In the case of a leased vehicle, the applicant must provide a copy of the lease agreement verifying that the applicant currently leases the vehicle.

(5) Classification of neighborhood electric vehicles. The registration classification of a neighborhood electric vehicle, as defined by §217.3(3) of this title (relating to Motor Vehicle Titles) will be determined by whether it is designed as a 4-wheeled truck or a 4-wheeled passenger vehicle.

(6) Number of vehicles. An owner may obtain specialty license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices for an unlimited number of vehicles, unless the statute limits the number of vehicles for which the specialty license plate may be issued.

(7) Personalized license plate numbers.

(A) Issuance. The department will issue a personalized license plate number subject to the exceptions set forth in this paragraph.

(B) Character limit. A personalized license plate number may contain no more than six alpha or numeric characters or a combination of characters. Depending upon the specialty license plate design and vehicle class, the number of characters may vary. Spaces, hyphens, periods, hearts, stars, the International Symbol of Access, or silhouettes of the state of Texas may be used in conjunction with the license plate number.

(C) Personalized license plates not approved. A personalized license plate number will not be approved by the executive director if the license plate number:

(i) conflicts with the department's current or proposed general issue license plate numbering system;

(ii) would violate §217.27 of this title (relating to Vehicle Registration Insignia), as determined by the executive director; or

(iii) is currently issued to another owner.

(D) Classifications of vehicles eligible for personalized license plates. Unless otherwise listed in subparagraph (E) of this paragraph, personalized license plates are available for all classifications of vehicles.

(E) Categories of license plates for which personalized license plates are not available. Personalized license plate numbers are not available for display on the following specialty license plates:

(i) Amateur Radio (other than the official call letters of the vehicle owner);

(ii) Antique Motorcycle;

(iii) Antique Vehicle (includes Antique Auto, Antique Truck, and Antique Bus);

(iv) Apportioned;

(v) Cotton Vehicle;

(vi) Disaster Relief;

(vii) Farm Trailer (except Go Texan II);

(viii) Farm Truck (except Go Texan II);

(ix) Farm Truck Tractor (except Go Texan II);

(x) Fertilizer;

(xi) Forestry Vehicle;

(xii) Log Loader;

(xiii) Machinery;

(xiv) Permit;

(xv) Rental Trailer;

(xvi) Soil Conservation;

(xvii) Texas Guard;

(xviii) Golf Cart;

(xix) Package Delivery Vehicle; and

(xx) Off-highway Vehicle.

(F) Fee. Unless specified by statute, a personalized license plate fee of $40 will be charged in addition to any prescribed specialty license plate fee.

(G) Priority. Once a personalized license plate number has been assigned to an applicant, the owner shall have priority to that number for succeeding years if a timely renewal application is submitted to the county tax assessor-collector each year in accordance with subsection (d) of this section.

(c) [(d)]Specialty license plate renewal.

(1) Renewal deadline. If a personalized license plate is not renewed within 60 days after its expiration date, a subsequent renewal application will be treated as an application for new personalized license plates.

(2) Length of validation. Except as provided by Transportation Code, §§504.401, 504.4061, or 504.502, all specialty license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices shall be valid for 12 months from the month of issuance or for a prorated period of at least 12 months coinciding with the expiration of registration.

(3) Renewal.

(A) Renewal notice. Approximately 60 days before the expiration date of a specialty license plate, symbol, tab, or other device, the department will send each owner a renewal notice that includes the amount of the specialty license plate fee and the registration fee.

(B) Return of notice. The owner must return the fee and any prescribed documentation to the tax assessor-collector of the county in which the owner resides or a county tax assessor-collector who is willing to accept the application, except that the owner of a vehicle with one of the following license plates must return the documentation, and specialty license plate fee, if applicable, directly to the department and submit the registration fee to a county tax assessor-collector:

(i) County Judge;

(ii) Federal Administrative Law Judge;

(iii) State Judge;

(iv) State Official;

(v) U.S. Congress--House;

(vi) U.S. Congress--Senate; and

(vii) U.S. Judge.

(C) Expired license plate numbers. The department will retain a specialty license plate number for 60 days after the expiration date of the license plates if the license plates are not renewed on or before their expiration date. After 60 days the number may be reissued to a new applicant. All specialty license plate renewals received after the expiration of the 60 days will be treated as new applications.

(D) Issuance of validation insignia. On receipt of a completed license plate renewal application and prescribed documentation, the department will issue registration validation insignia as specified in §217.27 unless this section or other law requires the issuance of new license plates to the owner.

(E) Lost or destroyed renewal notices. If a renewal notice is lost, destroyed, or not received by the vehicle owner, the specialty license plates, symbol, tab, or other device may be renewed if the owner provides acceptable personal identification along with the appropriate fees and documentation to the tax assessor-collector of the county in which the owner resides or a county tax assessor-collector who is willing to accept the application. Failure to receive the notice does not relieve the owner of the responsibility to renew the vehicle's registration.

(d) [(e)] Transfer of specialty license plates.

(1) Transfer between vehicles.

(A) Transferable between vehicles. The owner of a vehicle with specialty license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices may transfer the specialty license plates between vehicles by filing an application through the county tax assessor-collector in which the owner resides or a county tax assessor-collector who is willing to accept the application, if the vehicle to which the license plates are transferred:

(i) is titled or leased in the owner's name; and

(ii) meets the vehicle classification requirements for that particular specialty license plate, symbol, tab, or other device.

(B) Non-transferable between vehicles. The following specialty license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices are non-transferable between vehicles:

(i) Antique Vehicle license plates (includes Antique Auto, Antique Truck, and Antique Bus), Antique Motorcycle license plates, and Antique tabs;

(ii) Classic Auto, Classic Truck, Classic Motorcycle, Classic Travel Trailer, Street Rod, and Custom Vehicle license plates;

(iii) Forestry Vehicle license plates;

(iv) Log Loader license plates;

(v) Golf Cart license plates;

(vi) Package Delivery Vehicle license plates; and

(vii) Off-highway Vehicle license plates.

(C) New specialty license plates. If the department creates a new specialty license plate under Transportation Code, §504.801, the department will specify at the time of creation whether the license plate may be transferred between vehicles.

(2) Transfer between owners.

(A) Non-transferable between owners. Specialty license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices issued under Transportation Code, Chapter 504, Subchapters C, E, and F are not transferable from one person to another except as specifically permitted by statute.

(B) New specialty license plates. If the department creates a new specialty license plate under Transportation Code, §504.801, the department will specify at the time of creation whether the license plate may be transferred between owners.

(3) Simultaneous transfer between owners and vehicles. Specialty license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices are transferable between owners and vehicles simultaneously only if the owners and vehicles meet all the requirements in both paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection.

(e) [(f)] Replacement.

(1) Application. When specialty license plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices are lost, stolen, or mutilated, the owner shall apply directly to a county tax assessor-collector for the issuance of replacements.

(2) Temporary registration insignia. If the specialty license plate, symbol, tab, or other device is lost, destroyed, or mutilated to such an extent that it is unusable, and if issuance of a replacement license plate would require that it be remanufactured, the owner must pay the statutory replacement fee, and the department will issue a temporary tag for interim use. The owner's new specialty license plate number will be shown on the temporary tag unless it is a personalized license plate, in which case the same personalized license plate number will be shown.

(3) Stolen specialty license plates.

(A) The department or county tax assessor-collector will not approve the issuance of replacement license plates with the same personalized license plate number if the department's records indicate either the vehicle displaying the personalized license plates or the license plates are reported as stolen to law enforcement. The owner will be directed to contact the department for another personalized license plate choice.

(B) The owner may select a different personalized number to be issued at no charge with the same expiration as the stolen specialty license plate. On recovery of the stolen vehicle or license plates, the department will issue, at the owner's or applicant's request, replacement license plates, bearing the same personalized number as those that were stolen.

(f) [(g)] License plates created after January 1, 1999. In accordance with Transportation Code, §504.702, the department will begin to issue specialty license plates authorized by a law enacted after January 1, 1999, only if the sponsoring entity for that license plate submits the following items before the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the law.

(1) The sponsoring entity must submit a written application. The application must be on a form approved by the director and include, at a minimum:

(A) the name of the license plate;

(B) the name and address of the sponsoring entity;

(C) the name and telephone number of a person authorized to act for the sponsoring entity; and

(D) the deposit.

(2) A sponsoring entity is not an agent of the department and does not act for the department in any matter, and the department does not assume any responsibility for fees or applications collected by a sponsoring entity.

(g) [(h)] Assignment procedures for state, federal, and county officials.

(1) State Officials. State Official license plates contain the distinguishing prefix "SO." Members of the state legislature may be issued up to three sets of State Official specialty license plates with the distinguishing prefix "SO," or up to three sets of State Official specialty license plates that depict the state capitol, and do not display the distinguishing prefix "SO." An application by a member of the state legislature, for a State Official specialty license plate, must specify the same specialty license plate design for each applicable vehicle. State Official license plates are assigned in the following order:

(A) Governor;

(B) Lieutenant Governor;

(C) Speaker of the House;

(D) Attorney General;

(E) Comptroller;

(F) Land Commissioner;

(G) Agriculture Commissioner;

(H) Secretary of State;

(I) Railroad Commission;

(J) Supreme Court Chief Justice followed by the remaining justices based on their seniority;

(K) Criminal Court of Appeals Presiding Judge followed by the remaining judges based on their seniority;

(L) Members of the State Legislature, with Senators assigned in order of district number followed by Representatives assigned in order of district number, except that in the event of redistricting, license plates will be reassigned; and

(M) Board of Education Presiding Officer followed by the remaining members assigned in district number order, except that in the event of redistricting, license plates will be reassigned.

(2) Members of the U.S. Congress.

(A) U.S. Senate license plates contain the prefix "Senate" and are assigned by seniority; and

(B) U.S. House license plates contain the prefix "House" and are assigned in order of district number, except that in the event of redistricting, license plates will be reassigned.

(3) Federal Judge.

(A) Federal Judge license plates contain the prefix "USA" and are assigned on a seniority basis within each court in the following order:

(i) Judges of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals;

(ii) Judges of the United States District Courts;

(iii) United States Bankruptcy Judges; and

(iv) United States Magistrates.

(B) Federal Administrative Law Judge license plates contain the prefix "US" and are assigned in the order in which applications are received.

(C) A federal judge who retired on or before August 31, 2003, and who held license plates expiring in March 2004 may continue to receive federal judge license plates. A federal judge who retired after August 31, 2003, is not eligible for U.S. Judge license plates.

(4) State Judge.

(A) State Judge license plates contain the prefix "TX" and are assigned sequentially in the following order:

(i) Appellate District Courts;

(ii) Presiding Judges of Administrative Regions;

(iii) Judicial District Courts;

(iv) Criminal District Courts; and

(v) Family District Courts and County Statutory Courts.

(B) A particular alpha-numeric combination will always be assigned to a judge of the same court to which it was originally assigned.

(C) A state judge who retired on or before August 31, 2003, and who held license plates expiring in March 2004 may continue to receive state judge plates. A state judge who retired after August 31, 2003, is not eligible for State Judge license plates.

(5) County Judge license plates contain the prefix "CJ" and are assigned by county number.

(6) In the event of redistricting or other license plate reallocation, the department may allow a state official to retain that official's plate number if the official has had the number for five or more consecutive years.

(h) [(i)] Development of new specialty license plates.

(1) Procedure. The following procedure governs the process of authorizing new specialty license plates under Transportation Code, §504.801, whether the new license plate originated as a result of an application or as a department initiative.

(2) Applications for the creation of new specialty license plates. An applicant for the creation of a new specialty license plate, other than a vendor specialty plate under §217.52 of this title (relating to Marketing of Specialty License Plates through a Private Vendor), must submit a written application on a form approved by the executive director. The application must include:

(A) the applicant's name, address, telephone number, and other identifying information as directed on the form;

(B) certification on Internal Revenue Service letterhead stating that the applicant is a not-for-profit entity;

(C) a draft design of the specialty license plate;

(D) projected sales of the license plate, including an explanation of how the projected figure was established;

(E) a marketing plan for the license plate, including a description of the target market;

(F) a licensing agreement from the appropriate third party for any intellectual property design or design element;

(G) a letter from the executive director of the sponsoring state agency stating that the agency agrees to receive and distribute revenue from the sale of the specialty license plate and that the use of the funds will not violate a statute or constitutional provision; and

(H) other information necessary for the board to reach a decision regarding approval of the requested specialty license plate.

(3) Review process. The board:

(A) will not consider incomplete applications;

(B) may request additional information from an applicant if necessary for a decision; and

(C) will consider specialty license plate applications that are restricted by law to certain individuals or groups of individuals (qualifying license plates) using the same procedures as applications submitted for license plates that are available to everyone (non-qualifying license plates).

(4) Request for additional information. If the board determines that additional information is needed, the applicant must return the requested information not later than the requested due date. If the additional information is not received by that date, the board will return the application as incomplete unless the board:

(A) determines that the additional requested information is not critical for consideration and approval of the application; and

(B) approves the application, pending receipt of the additional information by a specified due date.

(5) Board decision. The board's decision will be based on:

(A) compliance with Transportation Code, §504.801;

(B) the proposed license plate design, including:

(i) whether the design appears to meet the legibility and reflectivity standards established by the department;

(ii) whether the design meets the standards established by the department for uniqueness;

(iii) other information provided during the application process;

(iv) the criteria designated in §217.27 as applied to the design; and

(v) whether a design is similar enough to an existing plate design that it may compete with the existing license plate sales; and

(C) the applicant's ability to comply with Transportation Code, §504.702 relating to the required deposit or application that must be provided before the manufacture of a new specialty license plate.

(6) Public comment on proposed design. All proposed license plate designs will be considered by the board as an agenda item at a regularly or specially called open meeting. Notice of consideration of proposed license plate designs will be posted in accordance with Office of the Secretary of State meeting notice requirements. Notice of each license plate design will be posted on the department's Internet website to receive public comment at least 25 days in advance of the meeting at which it will be considered. The department will notify all other specialty license plate organizations and the sponsoring agencies who administer specialty license plates issued in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 504, Subchapter G, of the posting. A comment on the proposed design can be submitted in writing through the mechanism provided on the department's Internet website for submission of comments. Written comments are welcome and must be received by the department at least 10 days in advance of the meeting. Public comment will be received at the board's meeting.

(7) Final approval.

(A) Approval. The board will approve or disapprove the specialty license plate application based on all of the information provided pursuant to this subchapter at an open meeting.

(B) Application not approved. If the application is not approved under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the applicant may submit a new application and supporting documentation for the design to be considered again by the board if:

(i) the applicant has additional, required documentation; or

(ii) the design has been altered to an acceptable degree.

(8) Issuance of specialty license plates.

(A) If the specialty license plate is approved, the applicant must comply with Transportation Code, §504.702 before any further processing of the license plate.

(B) Approval of the license plate does not guarantee that the submitted draft license plate design will be used. The board has final approval authority of all specialty license plate designs and may adjust or reconfigure the submitted draft design to comply with the format or license plate specifications.

(C) If the board, in consultation with the applicant, adjusts or reconfigures the design, the adjusted or reconfigured design will not be posted on the department's website for additional comments.

(9) Redesign of specialty license plate.

(A) Upon receipt of a written request from the applicant, the department will allow redesign of a specialty license plate.

(B) A request for a redesign must meet all application requirements and proceed through the approval process of a new specialty license plate as required by this subsection.

(C) An approved license plate redesign does not require the deposit required by Transportation Code, §504.702, but the applicant must pay a redesign cost to cover administrative expenses.

(i) [(j)] Golf carts.

(1) A county tax assessor-collector may issue golf cart license plates as long as the requirements under Transportation Code, §551.403 or §551.404 are met.

(2) A county tax assessor-collector may only issue golf cart license plates to residents or property owners of the issuing county.

(3) A golf cart license plate may not be used as a registration insignia, and a golf cart may not be registered for operation on a public highway.

(4) The license plate fee for a golf cart license plate is $10.

(j) [(k)] Off-highway vehicle.

(1) A county tax assessor-collector may issue off-highway vehicle license plates as long as the requirements under Transportation Code, §551A.053 or §551A.055 are met.

(2) An off-highway vehicle license plate may not be used as a registration insignia, and an off-highway vehicle may not be registered for operation on a public highway.

(3) The license plate fee for an off-highway vehicle license plate is $10.

(k) [(l)] Package delivery vehicle.

(1) A county tax assessor-collector may issue package delivery license plates as long as the requirements under Transportation Code, §§551.453, 551.454, and 551.455 are met.

(2) The license plate fee for a package delivery license plate is $25 to be paid on an annual basis.

§ 217.47. Vehicle Emissions Enforcement System.

(a) [(b)] Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Affected County--A county with a motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program established under Transportation Code, §548.301.

(2) Department--The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

(3) DPS--The Texas Department of Public Safety.

(4) Early action compact county--A participating county under Health and Safety Code, Chapter 382, Subchapter H.

(5) TCEQ--The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

(6) Vehicle--A self-propelled vehicle required to be registered in the state, except those vehicles exempted by TCEQ.

(7) Vehicle inspection report--A vehicle inspection form prescribed by DPS that is printed by the vehicle exhaust gas analyzer immediately following an emissions test.

(8) Vehicle emissions I/M program--A vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program meeting all the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency.

(9) Waiver--A form and certificate that allows a vehicle to be considered in compliance with the vehicle emissions I/M program for a specified period of time after a vehicle fails an emissions test.

(b) [(c)] Notice from DPS or TCEQ.

(1) DPS, after notice to the vehicle owner, will notify the department if a motor vehicle owner fails to comply with the requirements of Transportation Code, Chapter 548, Subchapter F.

(2) TCEQ, after notice to the vehicle owner, will notify the department if a motor vehicle fails to comply with the requirements of Health and Safety Code, §382.202 and §382.203, and Transportation Code, Chapter 548, Subchapter F.

(3) The notice will include the vehicle identification number and the license plate number of the affected vehicle.

(4) If the department receives a notice of emissions noncompliance from DPS or TCEQ, the department will place a notation on the motor vehicle record that the motor vehicle has failed to comply with the vehicle emissions I/M program.

(5) If the department receives a notice of emissions compliance from DPS or TCEQ, the department will remove the non-compliance notation from the motor vehicle record.

(6) If a vehicle record contains a notation of failure to comply with the vehicle emissions I/M program, the tax assessor-collector will deny registration unless provided with:

(A) proof of compliance with the vehicle emissions I/M program with a "passing" vehicle inspection report; or

(B) proof of a waiver issued by DPS that includes the vehicle identification number and the license plate number.

(c) [(d)] Vehicles moved into affected or early action compact counties. If a vehicle was last titled in an unaffected county and is to be titled or registered in an affected or early action compact county, it is not eligible for a title receipt, a title, or registration after a retail sale unless proof is presented to the county tax assessor-collector that the vehicle has passed the emissions test. This subsection does not apply to a vehicle that will be used in the affected or early action compact county for fewer than 60 days during the registration period for which registration is sought or to a vehicle that is a 1996 or newer model and has less than 50,000 miles.

§ 217.52. Marketing of Specialty License Plates through a Private Vendor.

(a) [(b)] Application for approval of vendor specialty license plate designs.

(1) Approval required. The vendor shall obtain the approval of the board for each license plate design the vendor proposes to market in accordance with this section and the contract entered into between the vendor and the department.

(2) Application. The vendor must submit a written application on a form approved by the executive director to the department for approval of each license plate design the vendor proposes to market. The application must include:

(A) a draft design of the specialty license plate;

(B) projected sales of the license plate, including an explanation of how the projected figure was determined;

(C) a marketing plan for the license plate including a description of the target market;

(D) a licensing agreement from the appropriate third party for any design or design element that is intellectual property; and

(E) other information necessary for the board to reach a decision regarding approval of the requested vendor specialty license plate.

(b) [(c)] Review and approval process. The board will review vendor specialty license plate applications. The board:

(1) will not consider incomplete applications; and

(2) may request additional information from the vendor to reach a decision.

(c) [(d)] Board decision.

(1) Decision. The decision of the board will be based on:

(A) compliance with Transportation Code, Chapter 504, Subchapter J;

(B) the proposed license plate design, including:

(i) whether the design meets the legibility and reflectivity standards established by the department;

(ii) whether the design meets the standards established by the department for uniqueness to ensure that the proposed license plate complies with Transportation Code, §504.852(c);

(iii) whether the license plate design can accommodate the International Symbol of Access (ISA) as required by Transportation Code, §504.201(f);

(iv) the criteria designated in §217.27 of this title (relating to Vehicle Registration Insignia) as applied to the design;

(v) whether a design is similar enough to an existing license plate design that it may compete with the existing license plate sales; and

(vi) other information provided during the application process.

(2) Public comment on proposed design. All proposed license plate designs will be considered by the board as an agenda item at a regularly or specially called open meeting. Notice of consideration of proposed license plate designs will be posted in accordance with Office of the Secretary of State meeting notice requirements. Notice of each license plate design will be posted on the department's Internet web site to receive public comment at least 25 days in advance of the meeting at which it will be considered. The department will notify all specialty license plate organizations and the sponsoring agencies who administer specialty license plates issued in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 504, Subchapter G, of the posting. A comment on the proposed design can be submitted in writing through the mechanism provided on the department's Internet web site for submission of comments. Written comments are welcome and must be received by the department at least 10 days in advance of the meeting. Public comment will be received at the board's meeting.

(d) [(e)] Final approval and specialty license plate issuance.

(1) Approval. The board will approve or disapprove the specialty license plate application based on all of the information provided pursuant to this subchapter in an open meeting.

(2) Application not approved. If the application is not approved, the applicant may submit a new application and supporting documentation for the design to be considered again by the board if:

(A) the applicant has additional, required documentation; or

(B) the design has been altered to an acceptable degree.

(3) Issuance of approved specialty license plates.

(A) If the vendor's specialty license plate is approved, the vendor must submit the non-refundable start-up fee before any further design and processing of the specialty license plate.

(B) Approval of the specialty license plate does not guarantee that the submitted draft specialty license plate design will be used. The board has final approval of all specialty license plate designs and will provide guidance on the submitted draft design to ensure compliance with the format and specialty license plate specifications.

(e) [(f)] Redesign of vendor specialty license plates.

(1) On receipt of a written request from the vendor, the department will allow a redesign of a vendor specialty license plate.

(2) The vendor must pay the redesign administrative costs as provided in the contract between the vendor and the department.

(f) [(g)] Multi-year vendor specialty license plates. Purchasers will have the option of purchasing vendor specialty license plates for a one-year, a three-year, or a five-year period.

(g) [(h)] License plate categories and associated fees. The categories and the associated fees for vendor specialty license plates are set out in this subsection.

(1) Custom personalized specialty license plates[.] are non-embossed license plates personalized with up to seven alphanumeric characters on department-approved vendor designs. [Custom license plates include license plates with a variety of pre-approved background and character color combinations that may be personalized with either three alpha and two or three numeric characters or two or three numeric and three alpha characters. Generic license plates on standard white sheeting with the word "Texas" that may be personalized with up to six alphanumeric characters are considered custom license plates before December 2, 2010.] The fees for issuance of these [Custom and Generic] license plates are $150 for one year, $400 for three years, and $450 for five years.

(2) [(5)] Background-only license plates[.] are non-personalized embossed or non-embossed license plates on department-approved vendor designs. [Background-only license plates include non-personalized license plates with a variety of pre-approved background and character color combinations and may be embossed or non-embossed.]

(A) The fees for issuance of non-embossed, background-only license plates are $50 for one year, $130 for three years, and $175 for five years.

(B) Except as stated in subsection (g)(6)(B) of this section [(h)(9)(C)], the fees for embossed, background-only license plates are $125 for one year, $205 for three years, and $250 for five years.

(3) [(6)] Vendor souvenir license plates. Vendor souvenir license plates are replicas of vendor specialty license plate designs that may be personalized with up to 24 alphanumeric characters. Vendor souvenir license plates are not street legal or legitimate insignias of vehicle registration. The fee for issuance of souvenir license plates is $40.

(4) [(7)] Auction. The vendor may auction department-approved license plate numbers for one, three, or five year terms with options to renew indefinitely at the current price established for a one, three, or five year custom personalized specialty [luxury] category license plate. The purchaser of the auction license plate number may select from the vendor background designs, including any embossed license plate designs, at no additional charge at the time of initial issuance. The auction license plate number may be moved from one vendor design plate to another vendor design license plate as provided in subsection (m)(1) [(n)(1)] of this section. The auction license plate number may be transferred from owner to owner as provided in subsection (k)(2) [(l)(2)] of this section.

(5) [(8)] Embossed, personalized specialty license plates[.] are license plates personalized with up to seven alphanumeric characters on department-approved vendor designs. [The vendor may sell embossed, personalized specialty license plates with a variety of pre-approved background and character color combinations that may be personalized with up to seven alphanumeric characters.] Except as stated in subsection (g)(4) [(h)(7)] of this section, the fees for issuance of embossed, personalized specialty license plates are $270 for one year, $520 for three years, and $570 for five years. Except as stated in subsection (g)(6)(B) [(h)(9)(C)] of this section, the fees under subsection (g)(6) [(h)(9)] of this section do not apply to an embossed, personalized specialty license plate.

(6) [(9)] Personalization and specialty license plate fees.

(A) [(B)] The personalization fee for license plates applied for after November 19, 2009 is $40 if the license plates are issued pursuant to Transportation Code, Chapter 504, Subchapters G and I.

(B) [(C)] If the license plates are renewed annually, the personalization and specialty license plate fees remain the same fee as at the time of issuance if a sponsor of a specialty license plate authorized under Transportation Code, Chapter 504, Subchapters G and I signs a contract with the vendor in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 504, Subchapter J, even if the board approves the specialty license plate to be an embossed specialty license plate design.

(h) [(i)] Payment of fees.

(1) Payment of specialty license plate fees. The fees for issuance of vendor specialty license plates will be paid directly to the state through vendor and state systems for the license plate category and period selected by the purchaser. A person who purchases a multi-year vendor specialty license plate must pay upon purchase the full fee which includes the renewal fees.

(2) Payment of statutory registration fees. To be valid for use on a motor vehicle, the license plate owner is required to pay, in addition to the vendor specialty license plate fees, any statutorily required registration fees in the amount as provided by Transportation Code, Chapter 502, and this subchapter.

(i) [(j)] Refunds. Fees for vendor specialty license plate fees will not be refunded after an application is submitted to the vendor and the department has approved issuance of the license plate.

(j) [(k)] Replacement.

(1) Application. An owner must apply directly to the county tax assessor-collector for the issuance of replacement vendor specialty license plates and must pay the fee described in paragraphs (2) or (3) of this subsection, whichever applies.

(2) Lost or mutilated vendor specialty license plates. To replace vendor specialty license plates that are lost or mutilated, the owner must pay the statutory replacement fee provided in Transportation Code, §504.007.

(3) Optional replacements. An owner of a vendor specialty license plate may replace vendor specialty license plates by submitting a request to the county tax assessor-collector accompanied by the payment of a $6 fee.

(4) Interim replacement tags. If the vendor specialty license plates are lost or mutilated to such an extent that they are unusable, replacement specialty license plates may be remanufactured. The county tax assessor-collector will issue interim replacement tags for use until the replacements are available. The owner's vendor specialty license plate number will be shown on the interim replacement tags.

(5) Stolen vendor specialty license plates. The county tax assessor-collector will not approve the issuance of replacement vendor specialty license plates with the same license plate number if the department's records indicate that the vehicle displaying that license plate number was reported stolen or the license plates themselves were reported stolen to law enforcement.

(k) [(l)] Transfer of vendor specialty license plates.

(1) Transfer between vehicles. The owner of a vehicle with vendor specialty license plates may transfer the specialty license plates between vehicles by filing an application through the county tax assessor-collector if the vehicle to which the specialty license plates are transferred:

(A) is titled or leased in the owner's name; and

(B) meets the vehicle classification requirements for that specialty license plate.

(2) Transfer between owners. Vendor specialty license plates may not be transferred between persons unless the specialty license plate number was initially purchased through auction as provided in subsection (g)(4) [(h)(7)] of this section. An auctioned license plate number may be transferred as a specialty license plate or as a virtual pattern to be manufactured on a new background as provided under the restyle option in subsection (m)(1) [(n)(1)] of this section. In addition to the fee paid at auction, the new owner of an auctioned license plate number or plate will pay the department a fee of $25 to cover the cost of the transfer, and complete the department's prescribed application at the time of transfer.

(l) [(m)] Gift license plates.

(1) A person may purchase license plates as a gift for another person if the purchaser submits a statement that provides:

(A) the purchaser's name and address;

(B) the name and address of the person who will receive the license plates; and

(C) the vehicle identification number of the vehicle on which the license plates will be displayed or a statement that the license plates will not be displayed on a vehicle.

(2) To be valid for use on a motor vehicle, the recipient of the license plates must file an application with the county tax assessor-collector and pay the statutorily required registration fees in the amount as provided by Transportation Code, Chapter 502, and this subchapter.

(m) [(n)] Restyled vendor specialty license plates. A person who has purchased a multi-year vendor specialty license plate may request a restyled license plate at any time during the term of the plate.

(1) For the purposes of this subsection, "restyled license plate" is a vendor specialty license plate that has a different style from the originally purchased vendor specialty license plate but:

(A) is within the same price category, except if the license plate number was purchased through auction and has the same alpha-numeric characters and expiration date as the previously issued multi-year license plates; or

(B) is restyling to an embossed specialty license plate style and has the same alpha-numeric characters and expiration date as the previously issued multi-year license plates.

(2) The fee for each restyled license plate is:

(A) $50 for restyling under subsection (m)(1)(A) [(n)(1)(A)] of this section; or

(B) $75 for restyling under subsection (m)(1)(B) [(n)(1)(B)] of this section.

§ 217.54. Extended Registration [Registration of Fleet Vehicles].

(a) Extended Registration of Commercial Fleet Vehicles.

(1) [(a)] Scope. A registrant may consolidate the registration of multiple motor vehicles in a fleet instead of registering each vehicle separately. A fleet may include trailers and semitrailers. Except as provided by §217.55 of this title (relating to Exempt and Alias Vehicle Registration), to consolidate registration, a registration must meet the requirements of this section.

(2) [(b)] Eligibility. A fleet must meet the following requirements to be eligible for fleet registration.

(A) [(1)] No fewer than 12 vehicles will be registered as a fleet;

(B) [(2)] Vehicles may be registered in annual increments for up to eight years;

(C) [(3)] All vehicles in a fleet must be owned by or leased to the same business entity;

(D) [(4)] All vehicles must be vehicles that are not registered under the International Registration Plan; and

(E) [(5)] Each vehicle must currently be titled in Texas or be issued a registration receipt, or the registrant must submit an application for a title or registration for each vehicle.

(3) [(c)] Application.

(A) [(1)] Application for fleet registration must be in a form prescribed by the department. At a minimum the form will require:

(i) [(A)] the full name and complete address of the registrant;

(ii) [(B)] a description of each vehicle in the fleet, which may include the vehicle's model year, make, model, vehicle identification number, document number, body style, gross weight, empty weight, and for a commercial vehicle, manufacturer's rated carrying capacity in tons;

(iii) [(C)] the existing license plate number, if any, assigned to each vehicle; and

(iv) [(D)] any other information that the department may require.

(B) [(2)] The application must be accompanied by the following items:

(i) [(A)] in the case of a leased vehicle, a certification that the vehicle is currently leased to the person to whom the fleet registration will be issued;

(ii) [(B)] registration fees prescribed by law for the entire registration period selected by the registrant;

(iii) [(C)] local fees or other fees prescribed by law and collected in conjunction with registering a vehicle for the entire registration period selected by the registrant;

(iv) [(D)] evidence of financial responsibility for each vehicle as required by Transportation Code, §502.046, unless otherwise exempted by law;

(v) [(E)] annual proof of payment of Heavy Vehicle Use Tax;

(vi) [(F)] any fees that are required to be collected at the time of registration under Transportation Code, §548.509 for the first year of registration under Transportation Code, §502.0023; and

(vii) [(G)] any other documents or fees required by law.

(4) [(d)] Registration period.

(A) [(1)] The fleet owner will designate a single registration period for a fleet so the registration period for each vehicle will expire on the same date.

(B) [(2)] The fleet registration period will begin on the first day of a calendar month and end on the last day of a calendar month.

(5) [(e)] Registration receipt and fleet license plates.

(A) [(1)] As evidence of registration, the department will issue a registration receipt and one or two metal fleet license plates for each vehicle in a fleet.

(B) [(2)] The registration receipt for each vehicle shall at all times be carried in that vehicle and be available to law enforcement personnel upon request unless such vehicle is a token trailer with a valid, non-expiring token trailer plate pursuant to Transportation Code, §502.0023(d-1).

(C) [(3)] A registration receipt or fleet license plate may not be transferred between vehicles, owners, or registrants.

(6) [(f)] Fleet composition.

(A) [(1)] A registrant may add a vehicle to a fleet at any time during the registration period. An added vehicle will be given the same registration period as the fleet and will be issued one or two metal fleet license plates and a registration receipt.

(B) [(2)] A registrant may remove a vehicle from a fleet at any time during the registration period. After a vehicle is removed from the fleet, the fleet registrant shall either return the metal fleet license plates for that vehicle to the department or provide the department with acceptable proof that the metal fleet license plates for that vehicle have been destroyed. Credit for any vehicle removed from the fleet for the remaining full year increments can be applied to any vehicle added to the fleet or at the time of renewal. No refunds will be given if credit is not used or the account is closed.

(C) [(3)] If the number of vehicles in an account falls below 12 during the registration period, fleet registration will remain in effect. If the number of vehicles in an account is below 12 at the end of the registration period, fleet registration will be canceled. In the event of cancellation, each vehicle shall be registered separately. The registrant shall immediately either return all metal fleet license plates to the department or provide the department with acceptable proof that the metal fleet license plates have been destroyed.

(7) [(g)] Fees.

(A) [(1)] When a fleet is first established, the department will charge a registration fee for each vehicle for the entire registration period selected. A currently registered vehicle, however, will be given credit for any remaining time on its separate registration.

(B) [(2)] When a vehicle is added to an existing fleet, the department will charge a registration fee that is prorated based on the number of months of fleet registration remaining. If the vehicle is currently registered, this fee will be adjusted to provide credit for the number of months of separate registration remaining.

(C) [(3)] When a vehicle is removed from fleet registration, it will be considered to be registered separately. The vehicle's separate registration will expire on the date that the fleet registration would have expired. The registrant must pay the statutory replacement fee to obtain regular registration insignia before the vehicle may be operated on a public highway.

(D) [(4)] In addition to the registration fees prescribed by Transportation Code, Chapter 502, an owner registering a fleet under this section must pay a one-time fee of $10 per motor vehicle, semitrailer, or trailer in the fleet. This fee is also due as follows:

(i) [(A)] for each vehicle added to the owner's existing fleet; and

(ii) [(B)] for each vehicle that a buyer registers as a fleet, even though the seller previously registered some or all of the vehicles as a fleet under this section.

(8) [(h)] Payment. Payment will be made in the manner prescribed by the department.

(9) [(i)] Cancellation.

(A) [(1)] The department will cancel registration for non-payment and lack of proof of annual payment of the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax.

(B) [(2)] The department may cancel registration on any fleet vehicle on the anniversary date of the registration if the fleet vehicle is not in compliance with the inspection requirements under Transportation Code, Chapter 548 or the inspection requirements in the rules of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

(C) [(3)] A vehicle with a canceled registration may not be operated on a public highway.

(D) [(4)] If the department cancels the registration of a vehicle under this subsection, the registrant can request the department to reinstate the registration by doing the following:

(i) [(A)] complying with the requirements for which the department canceled the registration;

(ii) [(B)] providing the department with notice of compliance on a form prescribed by the department; and

(iii) [(C)] for a registration canceled under paragraph (2) of this subsection, paying an administrative fee in the amount of $10.

(E) [(5)] A registrant is eligible for reinstatement of the registration only within 90 calendar days of the department's notice of cancellation.

(F) [(6)] If a registrant fails to timely reinstate the registration of a canceled vehicle registration under this section, the registrant:

(i) [(A)] is not entitled to a credit or refund of any registration fees for the vehicle; and

(ii) [(B)] must immediately either return the metal fleet license plates to the department or provide the department with acceptable proof that the metal fleet license plates have been destroyed.

(10) [(j)] Inspection fee. The registrant must pay the department by the deadline listed in the department's invoice for any fees that are required to be collected at the time of registration under Transportation Code, §548.509 on an annual basis under Transportation Code, §502.0023.

§ 217.56. Registration Reciprocity Agreements.

(a) [(b)] Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) Cab card--The apportioned vehicle registration receipt that contains, but is not limited to, the vehicle description and the registered weight at which the vehicle may operate in each jurisdiction.

(2) Department--The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

(3) Director--The director of the Motor Carrier Division, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

(4) Executive director--The chief executive officer of the department.

(5) [(6)] Temporary cab card--A temporary registration authorized by the department that allows the operation of a vehicle for up to 30 days subject to all rights and privileges afforded to a vehicle displaying apportioned registration. A temporary cab card expires on the earliest of the following:

(b) [(c)] Multilateral agreements.

(1) Authority. The executive director may on behalf of the department enter into a multilateral agreement with the duly authorized officials of two or more other jurisdictions to carry out the purpose of this section.

(2) International Registration Plan (IRP).

(A) Applicability. The IRP is a registration reciprocity agreement among states of the United States and other jurisdictions providing for payment of registration fees on the basis of fleet distance operated in various jurisdictions. Its purpose is to promote and encourage the fullest possible use of the highway system by authorizing apportioned registration for commercial motor vehicles and payment of appropriate vehicle registration fees and thus contributing to the economic development and growth of the member jurisdictions.

(B) Adoption. The department adopts by reference the October 1, 2025, [January 1, 2024,] version of the IRP. The department also adopts by reference the January 1, 2016, version of the IRP Audit Procedures Manual. In the event of a conflict between this section and the IRP or the IRP Audit Procedures Manual, the IRP and the IRP Audit Procedures Manual control. Copies of the documents are available online at www.irponline.org or on request to the department.

(C) Application.

[(i)] An applicant must electronically submit an application in the department's designated system for apportioned registration. [to the department on a form prescribed by the director, along with additional documentation as required by the director.] In addition to providing the department with the information and documents required under IRP, an [An] applicant shall provide the department with a copy of the applicant's receipt under the Unified Carrier Registration System Plan and Agreement under 49 U.S.C. §14504a (UCR) to prove the applicant is currently registered under UCR if the applicant is required to register under UCR.

(D) Issuance of Registration. [Fees.] Upon receipt of the applicable fees, information, and documents, [in the form as provided by §209.23 of this title (relating to Methods of Payment),] the department will review the application and, to the extent the vehicle is eligible for apportioned registration, issue one or two license plates, a temporary cab card, and a cab card for each vehicle registered.

(E) Display of License Plates and Cab Cards.

(i) The department will issue one license plate for a tractor, truck-tractor, trailer, and semitrailer. The license plate issued to a tractor or a truck-tractor shall be installed on the front of the tractor or truck-tractor, and the license plate issued for a trailer or semitrailer shall be installed on the rear of the trailer or semitrailer.

(ii) The department will issue two license plates for all other vehicles that are eligible to receive license plates under the IRP. Once the department issues two license plates for a vehicle listed in this clause, one plate shall be installed on the front of the vehicle, and one plate shall be installed on the rear of the vehicle.

(iii) The cab card shall be carried at all times in the vehicle in accordance with the IRP. If the registrant chooses to display an electronic image of the cab card on a wireless communication device or other electronic device, such display does not constitute consent for a peace officer, or any other person, to access the contents of the device other than the electronic image of the cab card.

(iv) The authority to display an electronic image of the cab card on a wireless communication device or other electronic device does not prevent the Texas State Office of Administrative Hearings or a court of competent jurisdiction from requiring the registrant to provide a paper copy of the cab card in connection with a hearing, trial, or discovery proceeding.

(F) Audit. An audit of the registrant's vehicle operational records may be conducted by the department according to the IRP provisions and the IRP Audit Procedures Manual. Upon request, the registrant shall provide the department with operational records of each vehicle for audit in any format or medium available to the registrant and accessible to the department, [unit number order, in sequence by date, and] including, but not limited to, a summary of distance traveled by each individual vehicle on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis with distance totaled separately for each jurisdiction in which the vehicle traveled.

(G) Assessment. The department may assess additional registration fees of up to 100% of the apportionable fees paid by the registrant for the registration of its fleet in the registration year to which the records pertain, as authorized by the IRP, if an audit conducted under subparagraph (F) of this paragraph reveals that:

(i) the operational records indicate that the vehicle did not generate interstate distance in two or more member jurisdictions for the distance reporting period supporting the application being audited, plus the six-month period immediately following that distance reporting period;

(ii) the registrant failed to provide complete operational records; or

(iii) the distance must be adjusted, and the adjustment results in a shortage of registration fees due Texas or any other IRP jurisdiction.

(H) Refunds. If an audit conducted under subparagraph (F) of this paragraph reveals an overpayment of fees to Texas or any other IRP jurisdiction, the department will refund the overpayment of registration fees in accordance with Transportation Code, §502.195 and the IRP. Any registration fees refunded to a registrant [carrier] for another jurisdiction will be deducted from registration fees collected and transmitted to that jurisdiction.

(I) Cancellation or revocation. The director or the director's designee may cancel or revoke a registrant's apportioned registration and all privileges provided by the IRP as authorized by the following:

(i) the IRP; or

(ii) Transportation Code, Chapter 502.

(J) Procedures for assessment, cancellation, or revocation.

(i) Notice. If a registrant is assessed additional registration fees, as provided in subparagraph (G) of this paragraph, and the additional fees are not paid by the due date provided in the notice or it is determined that a registrant's apportioned license plates and privileges should be canceled or revoked, as provided in subparagraph (I) of this paragraph, the director or the director's designee will mail a notice by certified mail to the last known address of the registrant. The notice will state the facts underlying the assessment, cancellation, or revocation; the effective date of the assessment, cancellation, or revocation; and the right of the registrant to request a conference as provided in clause (ii) of this subparagraph.

(ii) Conference. A registrant may request a conference upon receipt of a notice issued as provided by clause (i) of this subparagraph. The request must be made in writing to the director or the director's designee within 30 days of the date of the notice. If timely requested, the conference will be scheduled and conducted by the director or the director's designee in person at the department's [division] headquarters in Austin or remotely using telephonic or videoconferencing technology and will serve to abate the assessment, cancellation, or revocation unless and until that assessment, cancellation, or revocation is affirmed or disaffirmed by the director or the director's designee. In the event matters are resolved in the registrant's favor, the director or the director's designee will mail the registrant a notice of withdrawal, notifying the registrant that the assessment, cancellation, or revocation is withdrawn, and stating the basis for that action. In the event matters are not resolved in the registrant's favor, the director or the director's designee will issue a decision reaffirming the department's assessment of additional registration fees or cancellation or revocation of apportioned license plates and privileges. The registrant has the right to appeal in accordance with clause (iii) of this subparagraph.

(iii) Appeal. If a conference held in accordance with clause (ii) of this subparagraph fails to resolve matters in the registrant's favor, the registrant may submit an appeal under §224.122 of this title (relating to Appeal of Decision Regarding Assessment, Cancellation, or Revocation Under §217.56). An appeal will be governed by Chapter 224 of this title (relating to Adjudicative Practice and Procedure) and Transportation Code, Chapter 502.

(K) Reinstatement.

(i) The director or the director's designee will reinstate apportioned registration to a previously canceled or revoked registrant if all applicable fees and assessments due on the previously canceled or revoked apportioned account have been paid and the applicant provides proof of an acceptable recordkeeping system for a period of no less than 60 days.

(ii) The application for the following registration year will be processed in accordance with the provisions of the IRP.

(L) Denial of apportioned registration for safety reasons. The department will comply with the requirements of the Performance and Registration Information Systems Management program (PRISM) administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

(i) Denial or suspension of apportioned registration. Upon notification from the FMCSA that a carrier has been placed out of service for safety violations, the department will:

(I) deny initial issuance of apportioned registration;

(II) deny authorization for a temporary cab card [, as provided for in subparagraph (M) of this paragraph];

(III) deny renewal of apportioned registration; or

(IV) suspend current apportioned registration.

(ii) Issuance after denial of registration or reinstatement of suspended registration. The director or the director's designee will reinstate or accept an initial or renewal application for apportioned registration from a registrant who was suspended or denied registration under clause (i) of this subparagraph upon presentation of a Certificate of Compliance from FMCSA, in addition to all other required documentation and payment of fees.

§ 217.57. Alternatively Fueled Vehicles.

The department shall collect vehicle fuel type information for motor vehicles registered in this state, including alternatively fueled vehicles, as defined by Transportation Code, §502.004[, and submit an annual report to the legislature that includes the information collected under this section].

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602394

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

SUBCHAPTER C. REGISTRATION AND TITLE SYSTEMS

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes amendments to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code §502.0021, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code Chapter 502, Registration of Vehicles; Transportation Code §502.059, which authorizes the department to adopt rules providing for an automated registration process; Transportation Code §520.003, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code Chapter 520, Miscellaneous Provisions; Transportation Code §520.023, which authorizes the department to implement a training program providing information on the department's automated registration and titling system and require training of persons performing titling and registration services in the systems; Transportation Code §520.0055, which authorizes the department to mandate motor vehicle dealers use a department designated electronic system to submit title and registration application to county tax assessor-collectors for motor vehicle transactions; and Transportation Code §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and duties of the department, as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The proposed amendments would implement Transportation Code §§502.0021, 502.059, 520.003, 520.023, 520.0055, and 1002.001.

§ 217.71. Definitions [ Automated and Web-Based Vehicle Registration and Title Systems ].

[(b)] [Definitions.] The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Automated equipment--Equipment associated with the operation of the registration and titling system, including, but not limited to, microcomputers, printers, software, and cables.

(2) Department--The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

(3) Executive director--The executive director of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

(4) Fair share allocation--The amount of automated equipment determined by the department to be effective at providing a reasonable level of service to the public. This amount will be determined on transaction volumes, number of county substations, and other factors relating to a particular county's need.

(5) RTS--The department's registration and title system.

(6) Title application--A form as defined by §217.2 of this title (relating to Definitions), and includes the electronic process provided by the department that captures the information required by the department to create a motor vehicle title record.

(7) webDEALER--The department's web-based titling and registration system used to submit title applications to county tax assessor-collectors and the department. This term includes any other web-based system which facilitates electronic submission of title applications, including webSALVAGE, eTITLE, and webLIEN.

§ 217.72. Automated Equipment for the Registration and Title System.

(b) [(a)] Initial allocation of automated equipment. When requested by resolution of the commissioners court of a county, and subject to the terms and conditions specified in subsection (e) [(d)] of this section, the department will:

(1) make a fair share allocation of automated equipment available to that county to be used by its county tax assessor-collector in implementing and operating RTS;

(2) provide the county tax assessor-collector with computer programs and personnel training; and

(3) furnish official automated forms and, for the initial start-up of the system, automated equipment supplies.

(c) [(b)] Additional automated equipment. At the request of the county tax assessor-collector of a county, subject to the terms and conditions specified in subsection (e) [(d)] of this section, and for an amount of consideration that will cover the department's costs, the department will enter into an agreement with the commissioners court of that county under which the department will lease automated equipment to that county in addition to the fair share allocation for that county. Leased equipment will remain the property of the department and will be used primarily for RTS.

(d) [(c)] Automated Registration and Titling System fee. The department will collect an additional fee of $.50 for each registration for the purposes set forth in Transportation Code, §502.356. The fee shall be deposited into a subaccount in the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund.

(e) [(d)] Conditions of availability.

(1) A county must:

(A) meet electrical power supply criteria specified by the department prior to installation of the automated equipment;

(B) bear all costs incurred for 24-hour per day electrical power consumption for operation of the equipment;

(C) provide for the physical security and protection of the equipment and shall indemnify the department for any loss or damages to the equipment while in the custody and control of the county;

(D) provide the department's maintenance personnel access to the equipment during business hours of the involved county office; and

(E) notify the department not less than 30 working days prior to relocating or adding automation equipment, or of the closing or remodeling of an office, that may affect automated equipment operations.

(2) At the discretion of a county tax assessor-collector, automated equipment may be located at sites other than those of the county tax assessor-collector, including privately owned, for-profit enterprises performing registration and title functions for the county tax office. With regard to equipment located at sites other than those of the county tax assessor-collector, the department's responsibility will be limited to ensuring that the equipment remains operational. The county will be responsible for all training, user support, forms, supplies, user policy and procedures, and other support associated with this equipment.

(3) Automated equipment made available to a county pursuant to this section shall remain the property of the department and must be used by the county tax assessor-collector for operation of RTS; provided, however, that while not in RTS usage, the equipment may be utilized for another statutory duty or function of that office.

§ 217.74. webDEALER Access, Use, and Training.

(a) Each county tax assessor-collector shall request access to, and accept title applications submitted through, webDEALER. A county tax assessor-collector must utilize webDEALER in order to accept a title application in the county as provided by subsections (b) and (c) of this section.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person who wishes to become a user of webDEALER must contact each entity to whom they submit title applications for authorization to utilize webDEALER. A user must receive authorization from each entity, including each county tax assessor-collector, to whom the user submits title applications. Title applications submitted to the department require the authorization by the department.

(c) A motor vehicle dealer who holds a general distinguishing number (holder) must contact each county tax assessor-collector to whom they submit title applications for webDEALER access. The county must provide the holder access. A holder must obtain access from each county to whom the user submits title applications. [ All active holders must obtain access to webDEALER in advance of July 1, 2025. If a holder does not have webDEALER access by April 30, 2025, the department may provide the holder access to webDEALER in the county where the holder is located.]

(d) A county tax assessor-collector may authorize a deputy appointed by the county tax assessor-collector in accordance with subchapter H of this chapter (relating to Deputies) to utilize webDEALER.

(e) An entity or person authorized under subsection (b) of this section may have their authorization to use webDEALER revoked, rescinded, or cancelled at any time, with no notice, at the discretion of a county tax assessor-collector or the department.

(f) When submitting a title application through webDEALER, a user must:

(1) stamp the word "SURRENDERED" across the front face and the next open assignment or reassignment space of any secure title document or other acceptable ownership evidence as determined by the department in:

(A) arial font;

(B) black ink; and

(C) a size of 1/4" height x 2 1/4" length;

(2) retain the physical document described in paragraph (1) of this subsection for a minimum of four calendar years from the date of submitting a scanned copy of the stamped title document using the webDEALER system; and

(3) submit any documents required to be submitted with the title application with a scanned resolution of at least 200 dots per inch (DPI).

(g) Required webDEALER training. Each user accessing webDEALER under the account of a holder that is described under subsection (c) and required to process title and registration transactions through webDEALER in accordance with Transportation Code, Section 520.0055, must complete webDEALER training conducted by the department [by April 30, 2025]. New users [created on or after April 30, 2025,] must complete webDEALER training before being given webDEALER permissions.

(1) Required training will include, at a minimum, training regarding transactions performed in webDEALER and proper use of the system.

(2) [(3)] Failure for holders and users accessing webDEALER under the holder's account to complete the required training as outlined in this section shall result in denial of access to webDEALER.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602396

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes a repeal to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code §520.0093, which authorizes the department to lease automated registration and titling system equipment to a county.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. This proposed repeal would implement Transportation Code, §520.0093, Lease of Computer Equipment.

§ 217.73. Agreement Related to Automated Equipment.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602397

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

SUBCHAPTER D. NONREPAIRABLE AND SALVAGE MOTOR VEHICLES

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes a repeal to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code, §501.0041, which gives the department authority to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code, Chapter 501, Certificate of Title Act; and Transportation Code, §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and the duties of the department as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. This proposed repeal would implement Transportation Code, §§501.0041 and 1002.001.

§ 217.81. Purpose and Scope.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602399

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes amendments to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code, §501.0041, which gives the department authority to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code, Chapter 501, Certificate of Title Act; Transportation Code, §501.0925, which authorizes the department to adopt rules governing the issuance of titles to insurance companies; Transportation Code, §501.097, which authorizes the department to prescribe the process and procedures for applying for nonrepairable and salvage vehicle titles; and Transportation Code, §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and the duties of the department, as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The proposed amendments would implement Transportation Code §§501.0041, 501.0925, 501.097, and 1002.001.

§ 217.83. Requirement for Nonrepairable or Salvage Vehicle Title or Nonrepairable or Salvage Record of Title.

(a) Determination of condition of vehicle.

(1) Salvage motor vehicle. When a vehicle is damaged, the actual cash value of the motor vehicle immediately before the damage and the cost of repairs shall be used to determine whether the damage is sufficient to classify the motor vehicle as a salvage motor vehicle.

(2) Nonrepairable motor vehicle. When a vehicle is damaged, the actual cash value of the motor vehicle immediately before the damage and the cost of repairs, or any method commonly used by the insurance industry, shall be used to determine whether the damage is sufficient to classify the motor vehicle as a nonrepairable motor vehicle.

(3) The actual cash value of the motor vehicle is the market value of a motor vehicle as determined:

(A) from publications commonly used by the automotive and insurance industries to establish the values of motor vehicles; or

(B) if the entity determining the value is an insurance company, by any other procedure recognized by the insurance industry, including market surveys, that is applied in a uniform manner.

(4) The cost of repairs, including parts and labor, shall be determined by:

(A) using a manual of repair costs or other instrument that is generally recognized and used in the motor vehicle industry to determine those costs; or

(B) an estimate of the actual cost of the repair parts and the estimated labor costs computed by using hourly rate and time allocations that are reasonable and commonly assessed in the repair industry in the community in which the repairs are performed.

(5) The cost of repairs does not include:

(A) the cost of:

(i) repairs related to gradual damage to a motor vehicle;

(ii) repairs related to hail damage; or

(iii) materials and labor for repainting or when the damage is solely to the exterior paint of the motor vehicle; or

(B) sales tax on the total cost of repairs.

(b) Who must apply.

(1) An insurance company licensed to do business in this state that acquires ownership or possession of a nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle that is covered by a title issued by this state or a manufacturer's certificate of origin shall obtain a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title or nonrepairable or salvage record of title, as provided by §217.84 of this title (relating to Application for Nonrepairable or Salvage Vehicle Title or Nonrepairable or Salvage Record of Title), before selling or otherwise transferring the nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle, except as provided by subsection (c) of this section.

(2) A salvage vehicle dealer shall obtain a Nonrepairable or Salvage Vehicle Title or Nonrepairable or Salvage Record of Title, or comparable out-of-state ownership document, before selling or otherwise transferring the motor vehicle, except as provided by §217.88(b) of this title (relating to Sale, Transfer, or Release of Ownership of a Nonrepairable or Salvage Motor Vehicle).

(3) A person, as described by Transportation Code, §501.095(b) [other than an insurance company or salvage vehicle dealer, who acquires ownership of a nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle that has not been issued a nonrepairable vehicle title, a salvage vehicle title, or a comparable out-of-state ownership document], shall obtain a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title or nonrepairable or salvage record of title, as provided by §217.84, before selling or otherwise transferring the motor vehicle, unless the motor vehicle will be dismantled, scrapped, or destroyed.

(c) Owner-retained vehicles.

(1) An insurance company shall comply with the requirements of Transportation Code, §501.1002 for owner retained vehicles that includes submitting the information specified in Transportation Code, §501.1002(a)(1) to the department on a prescribed form through webDealer. [When an insurance company pays a claim on a nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle and does not acquire ownership of the motor vehicle, the company shall submit through webDEALER to the department before the 31st day after the date of the payment of the claim, on a form prescribed by the department, a report stating that:]

(2) Upon receipt of the report described in paragraph (1) [(2)] of this subsection, the department will place an appropriate notation on the motor vehicle record to prevent registration and transfer of ownership prior to the issuance of a salvage or nonrepairable vehicle title or salvage or nonrepairable record of title.

(3) The owner who retained the nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle to which this subsection applies shall obtain a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title or nonrepairable or salvage record of title, as provided by §217.84, before selling or otherwise transferring the nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle.

(4) The owner of an owner retained nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle may not operate or permit operation of the motor vehicle on a public highway, until the motor vehicle is rebuilt, titled as a rebuilt salvage motor vehicle or rebuilt nonrepairable motor vehicle, if applicable, and is registered in accordance with Subchapter B of this chapter.

(d) Self-insured vehicles. The owner of a nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle that is self-insured and that has been removed from normal operation by the owner shall apply to the department for a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title or nonrepairable or salvage record of title, as provided by §217.84, before the 31st day after the damage occurred, and before selling or otherwise transferring ownership of the nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle.

(e) Casual sales. A salvage vehicle dealer, salvage pool operator, or insurance company that acquires a nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle shall apply to the department for a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title or nonrepairable or salvage record of title, in accordance with §217.84, prior to offering the motor vehicle for sale in a casual sale.

(f) Export-only vehicles. A salvage vehicle dealer, including a salvage pool operator acting as agent for an insurance company, or governmental entity that acquires a nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle and offers it for sale to a non-United States resident shall apply to the department for a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title, as provided by §217.84, before selling or otherwise transferring the nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle and before delivery of the nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle to the buyer. A salvage vehicle dealer or governmental entity shall maintain records of all export-only nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle sales as provided by §217.88(g).

(g) Voluntary application. A person who owns or acquires a motor vehicle that is not a nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle may voluntarily, and on proper application, as provided by §217.84, apply for a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title or nonrepairable or salvage record of title.

§ 217.84. Application for Nonrepairable or Salvage Vehicle Title or Nonrepairable or Salvage Record of Title.

(a) Place of application. The owner of a nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle who is required to obtain or voluntarily chooses to obtain a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title, as provided by §217.83 of this title (relating to Requirement for Nonrepairable or Salvage Vehicle Title or Nonrepairable or Salvage Record of Title), shall apply for a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title or nonrepairable or salvage record of title by submitting an application, the required accompanying documentation, and the statutory fee to the department.

(b) Information on application. An applicant for a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title or nonrepairable or salvage record of title shall submit an application on a form prescribed by the department. A completed form, in addition to any other information required by the department, must include:

(1) the name and current address of the owner;

(2) a description of the motor vehicle, including the model year, make, body style, and vehicle identification number;

(3) a statement describing whether the motor vehicle is a nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle;

(4) whether the damage was caused exclusively by flood;

(5) a description of the damage to the motor vehicle;

(6) the odometer reading and brand, or the word "exempt" if the motor vehicle is exempt from federal and state odometer disclosure requirements, if the motor vehicle is a salvage motor vehicle;

(7) the name and mailing address of any lienholder and the date of lien, as provided by subsection (e) of this section; and

(8) the signature of the applicant or the applicant's authorized agent and the date the title application was signed.

(c) Accompanying documentation. A nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title or nonrepairable or salvage record of title application must be supported, at a minimum, by:

(1) evidence of ownership, as described by subsection (d)(1) or (3) of this section, if the applicant is an insurance company that is unable to locate one or more of the owners;

(2) an odometer disclosure statement properly executed by the seller of the motor vehicle and acknowledged by the purchaser, if the motor vehicle is less than 10 model years old and the motor vehicle is a salvage motor vehicle; and

(3) a release of any liens.

(d) Evidence of nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle ownership.

(1) Evidence of nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle ownership properly assigned to the applicant must accompany the application for a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title or nonrepairable or salvage record of title, except as provided by paragraph (2) of this subsection. Evidence must include documentation sufficient to show ownership to the nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle, such as:

(A) a Texas Title;

(B) a certified copy of a Texas Title;

(C) a manufacturer's certificate of origin;

(D) a Texas Salvage Certificate;

(E) a nonrepairable vehicle title or record of title;

(F) a salvage vehicle title or record of title;

(G) a comparable ownership document issued by another jurisdiction, except that if the applicant is an insurance company, evidence must be provided indicating that the insurance company is:

(i) licensed to do business in Texas; or

(ii) not licensed to do business in Texas, but has paid a loss claim for the motor vehicle in this state; or

(H) a photocopy of the inventory receipt or a title and registration verification evidencing surrender to the department of the negotiable evidence of ownership for a motor vehicle as provided by §217.86 of this title (relating to Dismantling, Scrapping, or Destruction of Motor Vehicles), and if the evidence of ownership surrendered was from another jurisdiction, a photocopy of the front and back of the surrendered evidence of ownership.

(2) An insurance company [that acquires ownership or possession of a nonrepairable or salvage motor vehicle through payment of a claim] may apply for a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title consistent with Transportation Code, §501.0925. [to be issued in the insurance company's name without obtaining an ownership document or if it received an ownership document without the proper assignment of the owner if the company is unable to obtain a title from the owner, in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, and the application is not made earlier than the 30th day after the date of payment of the claim. The application must also include:]

(3) [(4)] A salvage pool operator may apply for title consistent with Transportation Code, §501.0935.

(4) [(5)] Proof of notice under Transportation Code, §501.0935 [this subsection] consists of:

(A) the validated receipts for registered or certified mail and return receipt or an electronic certified mail receipt, including signature receipt; and

(B) any unopened certified letters returned by the post office as unclaimed, undeliverable, or with no forwarding address.

(e) Recordation of lien on nonrepairable and salvage vehicle titles. If the motor vehicle is a salvage motor vehicle, a new lien or a currently recorded lien may be recorded on the salvage vehicle title. If the motor vehicle is a nonrepairable motor vehicle, only a currently recorded lien may be recorded on the nonrepairable vehicle title.

(f) Issuance. Upon receipt of a completed nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title application, accompanied by the statutory application fee and the required documentation, the department will, before the sixth business day after the date of receipt, issue a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title or nonrepairable or salvage record of title, as appropriate.

(1) If the condition of salvage is caused exclusively by flood, a "Flood Damage" notation will be reflected on the face of the document and will be carried forward upon subsequent title issuance.

(2) If a lien is recorded on a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title, the vehicle title will be mailed to the lienholder. For proof of ownership purposes, the owner will be mailed a receipt or printout of the newly established motor vehicle record, indicating a lien has been recorded.

(3) A nonrepairable vehicle title will state on its face that the motor vehicle may:

(A) not be repaired, rebuilt, or reconstructed;

(B) not be issued a regular title or registered in this state;

(C) not be operated on a public highway; and

(D) may only be used as a source for used parts or scrap metal.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602398

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

SUBCHAPTER F. MOTOR VEHICLE RECORDS

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes a repeal to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code §730.014, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code Chapter 730, Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act; and Transportation Code §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and duties of the department, as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. This proposed repeal would implement Transportation Code §§730.014, and 1002.001.

§ 217.121. Purpose and Scope.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602401

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes amendments to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code §730.014, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code Chapter 730, Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act; and Transportation Code §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and duties of the department, as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE BY STATUTE. The proposed amendments would implement Transportation Code §§730.014, and 1002.001.

§ 217.122. Definitions.

(a) Words and terms defined in Transportation Code, Chapter 730 have the same meaning when used in this subchapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(b) The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Department--Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

(2) Requestor--A person as defined by Transportation Code, §730.003(5), this state, or an agency of this state seeking personal information contained in motor vehicle records directly from the department.

(3) Service agreement--A contractual agreement with the department that allows a requestor electronic motor vehicle records.

(4) Written request--A request submitted in writing, including by mail, electronic mail, electronic media, and facsimile transmission.

(5) Signature--Includes an electronic signature, as defined by Transportation Code §501.172, to the extent the department accepts such electronic signature.

(6) Batch Inquiry--Access, under a service agreement, to department motor vehicle records associated with Texas license plate numbers or vehicle identification numbers, where requests are submitted electronically to the department in a prescribed batch format. The department makes a disclosure for each record in a batch.

(7) MVInet Access--Electronic access, under a service agreement, to the department's motor vehicle registration and title database, with the ability to query records by a Texas license plate number, vehicle identification number, placard number, or current or previous document number. The department makes a disclosure each time a query of the system is made.

(8) Bulk--A disclosure by the department under Transportation Code §730.007 of at least 250 motor vehicle records containing personal information, including any of the files defined by subsection (b)(10) - (13) of this section.

(9) Bulk contract--A contractual agreement with the department for the disclosure of motor vehicle records in bulk to the requestor.

(10) Master File--A bulk file containing all the department's active and inactive registration and title records.

(11) Weekly Updates--A bulk file containing the department's new and renewed vehicle registration and title records from the previous week.

(12) Specialty Plates File--A bulk file containing Texas specialty license plate records.

(13) ePLATE file--Three separate bulk files, one containing records of license plates a dealer has assigned to vehicles in their inventory for specific uses, one containing records of license plates issued by dealers for vehicles sold to out-of-state buyers, and one containing records related to new or updated licensed plates issued by dealers for vehicles sold to in-state buyers and vehicle transfer notifications. [eTAG File--A bulk file containing records related to new or updated eTAGs, vehicle transfer notifications, and plate-to-owner records.]

(14) Dealer/Supplemental File--A pair of files, one containing records of registration and title transactions processed by dealers with the department during the previous week and another containing the dealers' information, that are only available as a supplement to a bulk contract that includes the Weekly Updates.

§ 217.124. Cost of Motor Vehicle Records.

(a) Standard costs. The department will charge fees in accordance with Government Code Chapter 552 and the cost rules promulgated by the Office of the Attorney General in 1 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 70 (relating to Cost of Copies of Public Information).

(b) Law enforcement. An employee of a state, federal, or local law enforcement agency is exempt from the payment of fees for motor vehicle records in subsection (c)(1) - (4) of this section if the records are necessary to carry out lawful functions of the law enforcement agency.

(c) Motor vehicle record costs:

(1) Title history - $5.75;

(2) Certified title history - $6.75;

(3) Title and registration verification (record search) - $2.30; and

(4) Certified title and registration verification (record search) - $3.30.

(d) Electronic motor vehicle records and files:

(1) Master File - $5,000 plus $.38 per 1,000 records;

(2) Weekly Updates - deposit of $1,755 and $135 per week;

(3) ePLATE file [eTAG File] - deposit of $845 and $65 per week;

(4) Dealer/Supplemental File - deposit of $1,235 and $95 per week;

(5) Specialty Plates File - deposit of $1,235 and $95 per week;

(6) Batch Inquiry - deposit of $1,000, minimum balance of $750 and $23 per run plus $.12 per record;

(7) MVInet Access - deposit of $200, minimum balance of $150 and $23 per month plus $.12 per record; and

(8) Scofflaw remarks (inquiry, addition, or deletion) - deposit of $500, minimum balance of $350 and $23 per run plus $.12 per record.

(e) Texas governmental entities, as defined in Government Code §2252.001, the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunication System, toll project entities, as defined by Transportation Code §372.001, and federal governmental entities are exempt from the payment of fees, except for the fees listed in subsection (d)(1), (6), or (8) of this section.

(f) Reciprocity agreements. The department may enter into a reciprocity agreement for records access with another governmental entity that may waive some or all of the fees established in this section.

§ 217.125. Additional Documentation Related to Certain Permitted Uses.

(a) The department may require a requestor to provide reasonable assurance as to the identity of the requestor and that the use of motor vehicle records is only as authorized under Transportation Code §730.012(a). Where applicable, each requestor submitting a request for motor vehicle records shall provide documentation satisfactory to the department that they are authorized to request the information on behalf of the organization, entity, or government agency authorized to receive the information.

(b) Requestors seeking personal information from motor vehicle records from the department for a permitted use listed in this subsection must submit additional documentation.

(2) [(1)] A request under Transportation Code §730.007(a)(2)(C) must include the personal information the business is attempting to verify against the department's motor vehicle records and documentation sufficient to prove the requestor is a business actively licensed by, registered with, or subject to regulatory oversight by a government agency.

(3) [(2)] A request under Transportation Code §730.007(a)(2)(D) must include proof of a legal proceeding, or if no proceeding has been initiated, proof the requestor is in anticipation of litigation relating to the request which would necessitate release of the document(s) requested.

(4) [(3)] A request under Transportation Code §730.007(a)(2)(E) must include documentation sufficient to prove the requestor is employed by an entity in the business of conducting research related to the requested information and demonstrating the employment relationship. The department has discretion in determining whether the entity is in the business of conducting research related to the requested information and in determining whether the documentation provided is sufficient to demonstrate an employment relationship.

(5) [(4)] A request under Transportation Code §730.007(a)(2)(F) must include an active license number provided by the Texas Department of Insurance or an active out-of-state license number provided by the relevant regulatory authority, an active license number the insurance support organization is working under, or proof of self-insurance.

(6) [(5)] A request under Transportation Code §730.007(a)(2)(G) must include an active license number provided by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or an active out-of-state license number provided by the relevant regulatory authority.

(7) [(6)] A request under Transportation Code §730.007(a)(2)(H) must include an active license number provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety or an active out-of-state license number provided by the relevant regulatory authority.

(8) [(7)] A request under Transportation Code §730.007(a)(2)(I) must include a copy of an active commercial driver's license.

(9) [(8)] A request under Transportation Code §730.007(a)(2)(J) must include documentation to relate the requested personal information with the operation of a toll transportation facility or another type of transportation project as described by Transportation Code §370.003.

(10) [(9)] A request under Transportation Code §730.007(a)(2)(K) must include documentation on official letterhead indicating a permitted use for personal information, as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. §1681 et. Seq.).

(11) [(10)] A request under Transportation Code §730.007(a)(2)(L) must include an active license number of a manufacturer, dealership, or distributor issued by the department or an active out-of-state license number provided by the relevant regulatory authority.

(12) [(11)] A request under Transportation Code §730.007(a)(2)(M) must include an active license or registration number of a salvage vehicle dealer, an independent motor vehicle dealer, or a wholesale motor vehicle dealer issued by the department; or an active license issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to a used automotive parts recycler; or other proof that the requestor is subject to regulatory oversight by an entity listed in Transportation Code §730.007(a)(2)(M)(iv).

(c) The department may require a requestor to provide additional information to clarify the requestor's use of the personal information under Transportation Code Chapter 730, if the reasonable assurances provided with the request are not satisfactory to the department.

§ 217.126. Limitations on Redisclosure.

(a) Authorized recipients may only redisclose personal information consistent with Transportation Code §730.013 [from department motor vehicle records to other authorized recipients and not in the identical or substantially identical format as disclosed by the department].

(b) The department may request information regarding how a person to whom the authorized recipient may redisclose personal information represents to the authorized recipient that the person has a permitted use under Transportation Code §730.007.

(c) [(d)] An authorized recipient who resold personal information from department motor vehicle records prior to June 18, 2021, is subject to the limitations in this section for that resale.

§ 217.127. Records Maintained by Recipients Who Redisclose Personal Information.

(a) Authorized recipients who redisclose personal information from department motor vehicle records are required to maintain records of that transaction for a period not less than five years and must include: [.]

[(b)] [Records must be maintained for not less than five years and must include:]

(1) the name and contact information of any person to whom the authorized recipient redisclosed personal information from the department motor vehicle records, including both the individual's name and the organization or entity with which the individual is associated, when known;

(2) the person's permitted use under Transportation Code §730.007 for the personal information from the department motor vehicle records, and any documentation the authorized recipient received related to the person's permitted use;

(3) the quantity of motor vehicle records redisclosed to the person under each permitted use;

(4) a statement specifying what data was redisclosed and in what format; and

(5) documentation of any agreement between the authorized recipient and the person to whom the authorized recipient redisclosed personal information from department motor vehicle records.

(b) [(c)] An authorized recipient who resold personal information from department motor vehicle records prior to June 18, 2021, must maintain records of those transactions for five years.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602400

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

SUBCHAPTER G. INSPECTIONS

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes a repeal to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code, §501.0041, which gives the department authority to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code, Chapter 501, Certificate of Title Act; Transportation Code, §731.002, which authorizes the board to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code, Chapter 731, Assembled Vehicles; Transportation Code, §731.101, which provides the board by rule establish procedures and requirements for the inspection of assembled vehicles; and Transportation Code, §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and the duties of the department as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. This proposed repeal would implement Transportation Code §§501.0041, 731.002, 731.101, and 1002.001.

§ 217.141. Purpose and Scope.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602403

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes amendments to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code, §731.002, which authorizes the board to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code, Chapter 731, Assembled Vehicles; Transportation Code, §731.101, which provides that the board by rule establish procedures and requirements for the inspection of assembled vehicles; and Transportation Code, §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and the duties of the department, as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The proposed amendments would implement Transportation Code §§731.002, 731.101 and 1002.001.

§ 217.143. Inspection Requirements.

(a) On initial titling of an assembled vehicle under Transportation Code Chapter 731, and Subchapter L of this title (relating to Assembled Vehicles), with the exception of an assembled motorcycle, assembled trailer, and glider kit, an applicant must provide proof, on a form prescribed by the department, of a safety inspection performed by a master technician.

(b) [(c)] The inspection must meet the minimum requirements under Transportation Code, §731.102 to evaluate the structural integrity and proper function of the equipment.

(c) [(d)] The inspector must certify that:

(1) the vehicle and equipment are structurally stable;

(2) the vehicle and equipment meet the necessary conditions to be operated safely on the roadway;

(3) equipment used in the construction of the vehicle, for which a federal motor vehicle safety standard exists, complies with the applicable standard; and

(4) if the vehicle is a custom vehicle or street rod, the vehicle is equipped and operational with all equipment required by statute as a condition of sale during the year the vehicle was manufactured or resembles.

(d) [(e)] The inspection of an assembled vehicle required under subsection (a) of this section is in addition to all other required inspections including an inspection required under Transportation Code Chapter 548.

(e) [(f)] The applicant must pay all fees to the master technician for the inspection of an assembled vehicle required under subsection (a) of this section, including any reinspection.

(f) [(g)] In addition to the fees in subsection (f) of this section, the applicant must pay all applicable fees for other required inspections as required by law, including any applicable inspection or reinspection required under Transportation Code Chapter 548.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602402

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

SUBCHAPTER H. DEPUTIES

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes a repeal to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code §520.003, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code, Chapter 520, Miscellaneous Provisions; Transportation Code, §520.0071, which provides that the board by rule shall prescribe the classification types of deputies performing titling and registration duties; the duties and obligations of deputies; the type and amount of any bonds that may be required by a county assessor-collector for a deputy to perform tilting and registration duties; and the fees that may be charged or retained by deputies, and Transportation Code, §1002.001, which authorizes the department to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and the duties of the department as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. This proposed repeal would implement Transportation Code §§520.003; 520.0071, and 1002.001.

§ 217.161. Purpose and Scope.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602404

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

SUBCHAPTER I. PROCESSING AND HANDLING FEES

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes a repeal to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code §502.0021, which gives the department authority to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code Chapter 502, Registration of Vehicles; and Transportation Code §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers of the department, as well as the statutes throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. This proposed repeal would implement Transportation Code §§502.0021 and 1002.001

§ 217.181. Purpose and Scope.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602405

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

SUBCHAPTER J. PERFORMANCE QUALITY RECOGNITION PROGRAM

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes a repeal to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code §520.003, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code Chapter 520, Miscellaneous Provisions; Transportation Code §520.004, which authorizes the department by rule to establish standards for uniformity and service quality for counties; and Transportation Code §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and duties of the department, as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. This proposed repeal would implement Transportation Code §§520.003, 520.004, and 1002.001.

§ 217.201. Purpose and Scope.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602407

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes amendments to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code §520.003, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code Chapter 520, Miscellaneous Provisions; Transportation Code §520.004, which authorizes the department by rule to establish standards for uniformity and service quality for counties; and Transportation Code §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and duties of the department, as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The proposed amendments would implement Transportation Code §§520.003, 520.004, and 1002.001.

§ 217.204. Applications.

(a) Application deadline. A [If a] county tax assessor-collector may [chooses to] apply for a recognition level or [to apply for] a higher level of recognition under the Performance Quality Recognition Program by submitting [, the county tax assessor-collector must submit] an application to the department during their [any year of the county tax assessor-collector's] term of office. The application must be received by the department or postmarked no later than October 31st.

(b) Application from a successor county tax assessor-collector. A successor county tax assessor-collector is not eligible for a recognition level until after serving as the county tax assessor-collector during an entire state fiscal year, which is September 1st through August 31st.

(c) Application for a higher level of recognition.

(1) If a county tax assessor-collector obtains a recognition level and chooses to apply for a higher level of recognition during the term of the existing recognition level, the county tax assessor-collector is not eligible to apply for a higher level until after serving as the county tax assessor-collector during an entire state fiscal year subsequent to the state fiscal year for which the existing recognition level was awarded.

(2) If the department demotes a county tax assessor-collector's recognition level, the county tax assessor-collector is not eligible to apply for a higher level of recognition until after serving as the county tax assessor-collector during an entire state fiscal year subsequent to the state fiscal year during which the existing recognition level was demoted.

(d) Application for a recognition level after revocation of recognition level. If the department revokes a county tax assessor-collector's recognition level, the county tax assessor-collector is not eligible to apply for a recognition level until after serving as the county tax assessor-collector during an entire state fiscal year subsequent to the state fiscal year during which the recognition level was revoked.

(e) Application form. The application must be submitted on a form prescribed by the department.

(f) Signature on application. The county tax assessor-collector must sign the application.

(g) Additional information, documentation, or clarification. At the department's discretion, the department may request additional information, documentation, or clarification from the county tax assessor-collector after the department receives an application. The department shall provide the county tax assessor-collector with a deadline to respond to the request.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602406

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

SUBCHAPTER K. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes a repeal to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code §501.0041, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code, Chapter 501, Certificate of Title Act; Transportation Code, §501.174, which provides the department by rule establish a process to accept electronic signatures on secure documents that have been electronically signed through a system not controlled by the department; and Transportation Code §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and duties of the department, as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. This proposed repeal would implement Transportation Code §§501.0041, 501.174, and 1002.001.

§ 217.301. Purpose and Scope.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency’s legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602408

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

SUBCHAPTER L. ASSEMBLED VEHICLES

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes a repeal to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code §731.002, which authorizes the board to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code Chapter 731, Assembled Vehicles; Transportation Code, §731.052, which provides the board by rule shall establish procedures and requirements for issuance of a title for and registration of an assembled vehicle; and Transportation Code §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and duties of the department, as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. This proposed repeal would implement Transportation Code §§731.002, 731.052, and 1002.001.

§ 217.401. Purpose and Scope.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency’s legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602410

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes amendments to Chapter 217 under Transportation Code §731.002, which authorizes the board to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code Chapter 731, Assembled Vehicles; Transportation Code, §731.052, which provides the board by rule shall establish procedures and requirements for issuance of a title for and registration of an assembled vehicle; and Transportation Code §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and duties of the department, as well as the statutes referenced throughout this preamble.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The proposed amendments would implement Transportation Code §§731.002, 731.052, and 1002.001.

§ 217.402. Definitions.

(a) The definitions in Transportation Code §731.001, apply to this subchapter.

(b) The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) Applicant--a person applying for title to an assembled vehicle who:

(A) is a hobbyist;

(B) is the owner of an assembled vehicle that has not been previously titled as an assembled vehicle; or

(C) purchased an assembled vehicle constructed and designated by the manufacturer as a replica, custom vehicle, street rod, or glider kit.

(2) Basic component part--the motor, body, and frame of an assembled vehicle, as applicable to the type of assembled vehicle. This term is a subset of "major component part" as defined in Transportation Code §501.091, but the term "basic component part" is not applicable in determining whether a vehicle qualifies as a custom vehicle or street rod under Transportation Code §504.501(f), which is the purpose of the term "major component part."

(3) Continuous sale--is offering for sale or the sale of five or more assembled vehicles of the same type in a calendar year when such vehicles are not owned and titled in the name of the owner.

(4) Manufacturer--is a person that builds an assembled vehicle and is not a hobbyist, has the meaning as defined in Occupations Code §2301.002, and is subject to the requirements of that chapter applicable to manufacturers, including sale through a franchise dealer network.

(5) Personal use--is the construction of an assembled vehicle by a hobbyist for use by the hobbyist.

§ 217.404. Initial Application for Title.

(a) An applicant must submit to the department a complete application for title. The application may be submitted in person, by mail, or electronically, to the department. The application must include:

(1) photographs of the front, rear, and side of the assembled vehicle, and if a replica, a photograph of what the vehicle is a replica of;

(2) evidence of ownership of the basic component parts of the assembled vehicle as described in §217.405 of this subchapter (relating to Evidence of Ownership), as applicable to the type of assembled vehicle;

(3) if applicable, proof, on a form prescribed by the department, of a safety inspection required under §217.143 of this chapter (relating to Assembled Vehicle Inspection Requirements), and Transportation Code §731.101;

(4) if applicable, a copy of the Automobile and Light Truck certification, or a successor certification, for the master technician who completed the inspection described in paragraph (3) of this subsection;

(5) a copy of the inspection that may be required under Transportation Code Chapter 548 if the assembled vehicle is to be registered for operation on the roadway;

(6) a Rebuilt Vehicle Statement;

(7) if applicable, a weight certificate;

(8) identification as required in §217.5(d) of this chapter (relating to Evidence of Motor Vehicle Ownership); and

(9) any of the following means to establish the vehicle identification number:

(A) an Application for Assigned or Reassigned Number, and Notice of Assigned Number or Installation of Reassigned Vehicle Identification Number, on forms prescribed by the department;

(B) an Application for Assigned or Reassigned Number, establishing the vehicle identification number assigned by the manufacturer of the component part by which the assembled vehicle will be identified;

(C) acceptable proof, as established by the department, of a vehicle identification number assigned by the maker of the kit used to construct the assembled vehicle; or

(D) acceptable proof, as established by the department, of a vehicle identification number assigned by the manufacturer of the replica, custom vehicle, street rod, or glider kit.

(b) Following receipt of all information required under subsection (a) of this section, the department will review the application for completeness and to determine if the vehicle meets assembled vehicle qualifications under Transportation Code, Chapter 731.

(c) If the department determines that the application is complete and the vehicle meets assembled vehicle qualifications, the department will issue a letter to the applicant on department letterhead, stating that the application is complete and that the vehicle qualifies as an assembled vehicle. The letter shall include a list of the supporting documents and information identified in subsection (d)(2) of this section.

(d) Following receipt of the department's letter described in subsection (c) of this section, the applicant may then submit the letter and the completed application to the county tax assessor-collector for processing. The application must include:

(1) the department-issued letter described in subsection (c) of this section;

(2) copies of all items required to be submitted to the department in subsection (a)(1) - (9) of this section; and

(3) the requirements as identified in §217.23 of this chapter (relating to Initial Application for Vehicle Registration) if obtaining registration.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602409

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

CHAPTER 218. MOTOR CARRIERS

INTRODUCTION. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (department) proposes amendments to 43 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Subchapter A, General Provisions, §218.2; amendments to Subchapter B, Motor Carrier Registration, §218.13 and §218.14, and the repeal of §218.11. These amendments are necessary to aid the regulated community's understanding of the state's expectations for maintenance of a valid United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number; to remove provisions that are unnecessarily repetitive of statute and cross-references to those provisions; and to conform the rules to the department's current procedures with respect to social security numbers as an application requirement for sole proprietors.

EXPLANATION.

A proposed amendment to §218.2 would update the definition of "USDOT number" to include a reference to the related statutory provision, Texas Transportation Code, §643.064, for clarity and ease of reference. This change is necessary because the department proposes to repeal §218.11, which essentially restates Transportation Code, §643.051 and §643.064. The proposed amendments to the definition of "USDOT number" would ensure that in the absence of §218.11, a reader will still be able to identify and understand the statutory requirement under Transportation Code, §643.064, for commercial motor carriers in Texas to have an active USDOT number. Citing the related statutory provision within the rule would aid in public understanding and provide a useful reference to the underlying law without unnecessarily repeating statutory language.

A proposed repeal of §218.11 would streamline the department's rules by eliminating provisions that are identical to statutory language. The language in §218.11(a) and (b) is an unnecessary restatement of Transportation Code, §643.051 and §643.064. Relevant language from Transportation Code, §643.064, which is currently in §218.11(c), is proposed to be incorporated into §218.13. In addition, the proposed definition of "USDOT number" in §218.2 would cite to Transportation Code, §643.064 for clarity and ease of reference, as discussed above.

Proposed amendments to §218.13(a)(1) would clarify the department's expectations for compliance related to the USDOT number, incorporating and elaborating on language from proposed repealed §218.11(c) regarding how the department defines a "valid" USDOT number. To be considered "valid," the USDOT number must be active and be the same as the USDOT number used in the carrier's application as long as the carrier is operating under intrastate authority granted by the department. The proposed amendment would inform carriers of the requirement to maintain their USDOT number, and thereby aid in compliance.

In addition, recent Texas Attorney General Opinion No. KP-0516 highlighted the strict mandate in place for a licensing authority such as the department to collect social security numbers (SSN) from an applicant for an individual occupational license under Texas Family Code, §231.302(c)(1), which includes a sole proprietor motor carrier who applies for a certificate of registration for intrastate operating authority. Accordingly, the department proposes to amend §218.13(a)(3)(B) to clarify that a sole proprietor applying for motor carrier registration must provide an SSN in the application. While this has consistently been department practice, the current wording of §218.13(a)(3)(B) could be read to mean that a sole proprietor could provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number rather than an SSN. Thus, the proposed amendment would state plainly that providing an SSN is the only option available for a sole proprietor applying for motor carrier registration in Texas.

The proposed amendments to §218.14(c) would remove cross-references to §218.11, which is proposed for repeal. The proposed amendments would replace those cross-references with citations to Transportation Code, §643.051, which requires commercial motor carriers to register with the department, and to Transportation Code, §643.054(a), which give the department the authority to issue motor carrier registration in Texas. These amendments would clarify the rule and prevent any confusion following the repeal of §218.11.

FISCAL NOTE AND LOCAL EMPLOYMENT IMPACT STATEMENT. Chris Hayden, Chief Financial Officer, has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments and repeal will be in effect, there will be no fiscal impact to state or local governments as a result of the enforcement or administration of the proposal. Clint Thompson, Director of the Motor Carrier Division (MCD), has determined that there will be no measurable effect on local employment or the local economy as a result of the proposal.

PUBLIC BENEFIT AND COST NOTE. Mr. Thompson has also determined that, for each year of the first five years the repealed and amended sections would be in effect, there are several public benefits anticipated because motor carriers would have clear guidance regarding the requirement for a social security number for motor carrier registration application by a sole proprietor, and the requirement for a registered motor carrier to maintain an active USDOT number. In addition, the rules as proposed would aid the regulated community by making the rules easier to read and navigate through, by eliminating text that is unnecessarily repetitive of statute.

Anticipated Costs to Comply with the Proposal. Mr. Thompson anticipates that there will be no costs to comply with these rules. The proposed rules would clarify existing law and practice, rather than add new compliance activities.

ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT AND REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY ANALYSIS. As required by the Government Code, §2006.002, the department has determined that the proposed amendments and repeal will not have an adverse economic effect on small businesses, micro-businesses, and rural communities because the rule changes do not add new requirements and do not have any differential impact on small businesses, micro-businesses, or rural communities. Therefore, the department is not required to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis under Government Code, §2006.002.

TAKINGS IMPACT ASSESSMENT. The department has determined that no private real property interests are affected by this proposal and that this proposal does not restrict or limit an owner's right to property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action and, therefore, does not constitute a taking or require a takings impact assessment under the Government Code, §2007.043.

GOVERNMENT GROWTH IMPACT STATEMENT. The department has determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed amendments and repealed section would be in effect, no government program would be created or eliminated. Implementation of the proposed amendments and repeal would not require the creation of new employee positions or elimination of existing employee positions. Implementation would not require an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the department or an increase or decrease in fees paid to the department. The proposed amendments would not create a new regulation or expand existing regulations. The proposed amendments to §218.13 would limit an existing regulation by removing any possibility that it could be interpreted to allow sole proprietor applicants for motor carrier registration to use an ITIN as an alternative to an SSN in their applications. The proposed repeal of §218.11 is technically a repeal of an existing regulation, but the enforceable requirements of that rule will continue to exist in Transportation Code, §§ 643.051, 643.054, and 643.064, and 43 TAC §218.13, if amended as proposed. Lastly, the proposed amendments and repeal would not affect the number of individuals subject to the rule's applicability and will not affect this state's economy.

REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

If you want to comment on the proposal, submit your written comments by 5:00 p.m. CDT on July 27, 2026. The department requests information related to the cost, benefit, or effect of the proposed rule, including any applicable data, research, or analysis, from any person required to comply with the proposed rule or any other interested person. A request for a public hearing must be sent separately from your written comments. Send written comments or hearing requests by email to rules@txdmv.gov or by mail to Office of General Counsel, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, Texas 78731. If a hearing is held, the department will consider written comments and public testimony presented at the hearing.

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (department) proposes to amend §218.2 under Transportation Code, §643.003, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code, Chapter 643; and Transportation Code, §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and the duties of the department.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The proposed amendment would implement Transportation Code, §643.003, §643.064 and §1002.001.

§ 218.2. Definitions.

(a) The definitions contained in Transportation Code, Chapter 643 apply to this chapter. In the event of a conflict with this chapter, the definitions contained in Transportation Code, Chapter 643 control; however, the definition of the word "director" in this section controls over the definition in Transportation Code, Chapter 643.

(b) The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Advertisement--An oral, written, graphic, or pictorial statement or representation made in the course of soliciting intrastate household goods transportation services, including, without limitation, a statement or representation made in a newspaper, magazine, or other publication, or contained in a notice, sign, poster, display, circular, pamphlet, or letter, or on radio, the Internet, or via an online service, or on television. The term does not include direct communication between a household goods carrier or carrier's representative and a prospective shipper, and does not include the following:

(A) promotional items of nominal value such as ball caps, tee shirts, and pens;

(B) business cards;

(C) listings not paid for by the household goods carrier or its household goods carrier's agent; and

(D) listings of a household goods carrier's business name or assumed name as it appears on the motor carrier certificate of registration, and the household goods carrier's address, and contact information in a directory or similar publication.

(2) Approved association--A group of household goods carriers, its agents, or both, that has an approved collective ratemaking agreement on file with the department under §218.64 of this title (relating to Rates).

(3) Binding proposal--A written offer stating the exact price for the transportation of specified household goods and any related services.

(4) Board--Board of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

(5) Certificate of insurance--A certificate prescribed by and filed with the department in which an insurance carrier or surety company warrants that a motor carrier for whom the certificate is filed has the minimum coverage as required by §218.16 of this title (relating to Insurance Requirements).

(6) Certificate of registration--A certificate issued by the department to a motor carrier and containing a unique number.

(7) Certified scale--Any scale designed for weighing motor vehicles, including trailers or semitrailers not attached to a tractor, and certified by an authorized scale inspection and licensing authority. A certified scale may also be a platform-type or warehouse-type scale properly inspected and certified.

(8) Commercial motor vehicle--As defined in Transportation Code, §548.001. The definition for commercial motor vehicle does not include:

(A) a farm vehicle with a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating of less than 48,000 pounds;

(B) a cotton vehicle registered under Transportation Code, §504.505;

(C) a vehicle registered with the Railroad Commission under Natural Resources Code, §113.131 and §116.072;

(D) a vehicle operated by a governmental entity;

(E) a motor vehicle exempt from registration by the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005; and

(F) a tow truck, as defined by Occupations Code, §2308.002.

(9) Conspicuous--Written in a size, color, and contrast so as to be readily noticed and understood.

(10) Conversion--A change in an entity's organization that is implemented with a Certificate of Conversion issued by the Texas Secretary of State under Business Organizations Code, §10.154.

(11) Director--The director of the department's Motor Carrier Division, whom the executive director of the department designated as the director under Transportation Code, §643.001(2).

(12) Estimate--An informal oral calculation of the approximate price of transporting household goods.

(13) Farmer--A person who operates a farm or is directly involved in cultivating land, crops, or livestock that are owned by or are under the direct control of that person.

(14) Farm vehicle--A commercial motor vehicle that is:

(A) controlled and operated by a farmer to transport either:

(i) agricultural products; or

(ii) farm machinery, farm supplies, or both, to and from a farm;

(B) not being used in the operation of a for-hire motor carrier;

(C) not carrying hazardous materials of a type or quantity that requires the commercial motor vehicle to be placarded in accordance with 49 C.F.R. §177.823; and

(D) being used within 150 air-miles of the farmer's farm.

(15) FMCSA--Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

(16) For-hire motor carrier--A motor carrier that provides transportation of persons or cargo for compensation in one or more motor vehicles.

(17) Foreign commercial motor vehicle--As defined in Transportation Code, §648.001.

(18) Gross weight rating--The maximum loaded weight of any combination of truck, tractor, and trailer equipment as specified by the manufacturer of the equipment. If the manufacturer's rating is unknown, the gross weight rating is the greater of:

(A) the actual weight of the equipment and its lading; or

(B) the maximum lawful weight of the equipment and its lading.

(19) Household goods agent--A motor carrier who transports household goods on behalf of another motor carrier.

(20) Household goods carrier--A motor carrier who transports household goods for compensation, regardless of the size of the vehicle.

(21) Inventory--A list of the items in a household goods shipment and the condition of the items.

(22) Leasing business--A person that leases vehicles requiring registration under Subchapter B of this chapter to a motor carrier that must be registered.

(23) Mediation--A non-adversarial form of alternative dispute resolution in which an impartial person, the mediator, facilitates communication between two parties to promote reconciliation, settlement, or understanding.

(24) Motor Carrier or carrier--As defined in Transportation Code, §643.001(6).

(25) Motor transportation broker--As defined in Transportation Code, §646.001.

(26) Moving services contract--A contract between a household goods carrier and shipper, such as a bill of lading, receipt, order for service, or work order, that sets out the terms of the services to be provided.

(27) Multiple user--An individual or business who has a contract with a household goods carrier and who used the carrier's services more than 50 times within the preceding 12 months.

(28) Not-to-exceed proposal--A formal written offer stating the maximum price a shipper can be required to pay for the transportation of specified household goods and any related services. The offer may also state the non-binding approximate price. Any offer based on hourly rates must state the maximum number of hours required for the transportation and related services unless there is an acknowledgment from the shipper that the number of hours is not necessary.

(29) Principal business address--A single location that serves as a motor carrier's headquarters and where it maintains its operational records or can make them available.

(30) Print advertisement--A written, graphic, or pictorial statement or representation made in the course of soliciting intrastate household goods transportation services, including, without limitation, a statement or representation made in or contained in a newspaper, magazine, circular, or other publication. The term does not include direct communication between a household goods carrier or carrier's representative and a prospective shipper, and does not include the following:

(A) promotional items of nominal value such as ball caps, tee shirts, and pens;

(B) business cards;

(C) Internet websites;

(D) listings not paid for by the household goods carrier or its household goods carrier's agent; and

(E) listings of a household goods carrier's business name or assumed name as it appears on the motor carrier certificate of registration, and the household goods carrier's address, and contact information in a directory or similar publication.

(31) Public highway--Any publicly owned and maintained street, road, or highway in this state.

(32) Replacement vehicle--A vehicle that takes the place of another vehicle that has been removed from service.

(33) Revocation--The withdrawal of registration and privileges by the department or a registration state.

(34) Shipper--The owner of household goods or the owner's representative.

(35) Short-term lease--A lease of 30 days or less.

(36) Substitute vehicle--A vehicle that is leased from a leasing business and that is used as a temporary replacement for a vehicle that has been taken out of service for maintenance, repair, or any other reason causing the temporary unavailability of the permanent vehicle.

(37) Suspension--Temporary removal of privileges granted to a registrant by the department or a registration state.

(38) Unified Carrier Registration System or UCR--A motor vehicle registration system established under 49 U.S.C. §14504a or a successor federal registration program.

(39) USDOT--United States Department of Transportation.

(40) USDOT number--A unique [An] identification number issued by or under the authority of the FMCSA or its successor and required under Texas Transportation Code §643.064 for specified motor carriers.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602389

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

SUBCHAPTER B. MOTOR CARRIER REGISTRATION

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes the repeal of §218.11 under Transportation Code §643.003, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code, Chapter 643; and Transportation Code §1002.001 authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and the duties of the department.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The proposed repeal would implement Transportation Code, Chapter 643.

§ 218.11. Motor Carrier Registration.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602391

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160

STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The department proposes amendments to §218.13 and §218.14 under Transportation Code, §643.003, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer Transportation Code, Chapter 643; Family Code, §231.302, which compels licensing authorities like the department to collect social security numbers from an individual applicant for a professional license; Transportation Code, §1002.001, which authorizes the board to adopt rules that are necessary and appropriate to implement the powers and the duties of the department; and Government Code §2001.004(1), which requires state agencies to adopt rules of practice stating the nature and requirements of all available formal and informal procedures.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The proposed amendments would implement Transportation Code, §§643.003, 643.051, 643.052, 643.054, 643.064, and 1002.001; Family Code, §231.302; and Government Code, §2001.004(1).

§ 218.13. Application for Motor Carriers Registration.

(a) Form of original application. An original application for motor carrier registration must be filed electronically in the department's designated motor carrier registration system, must be in the form prescribed by the director and must contain, at a minimum, the following information and documents.

(1) USDOT number. A valid USDOT number issued to the applicant. To be valid, the USDOT number must be active while the carrier is operating on a public highway of this state and must be the same as the USDOT number included in the motor carrier's application for registration.

(2) Applicant information and documents. All applications must include the following information and documents:

(A) The applicant's name, business type (e.g., sole proprietor, corporation, or limited liability company), telephone number, email address, and Secretary of State file number, as applicable. The applicant's name and email address must match the information the applicant provided to FMCSA to obtain the USDOT number that the applicant provided in its application to the department.

(B) An application submitted by an entity, such as a corporation, general partnership, limited liability company, limited liability corporation, limited partnership, or partnership, must include the entity's Texas Comptroller's Taxpayer Number or the entity's Federal Employer Identification Number.

(C) A legible and accurate electronic image of each applicable required document:

(i) The certificate of filing, certificate of incorporation, or certificate of registration on file with the Texas Secretary of State; and

(ii) each assumed name certificate on file with the Secretary of State or county clerk.

(3) Information and documents regarding applicant's owners, representatives, and affiliates. All applications must include the following information and documents on the applicant's owners, representatives, and affiliates, as applicable:

(A) The contact name, email address, and telephone number of the person submitting the application.

(B) The name, social security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (to the extent the natural person is authorized by law to obtain one of these numbers), date of birth, business address, and ownership percentage for each owner, partner, member, or principal if the applicant is not a publicly traded company. Notwithstanding any other provision, if the motor carrier is a sole proprietorship, the owner must indicate the owner's social security number.

(C) The name, social security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (to the extent the natural person is authorized by law to obtain one of these numbers), date of birth, and business address for the following if the applicant is owned in full or in part by a legal entity:

(i) each officer, director, or trustee authorized to act on behalf of the applicant; and

(ii) each manager or representative who has or exercises authority to direct some or all of the applicant's operational policy regarding compliance with applicable laws regarding a motor carrier, excluding sales functions, on behalf of the applicant.

(D) The name, employer identification number, ownership percentage, and non-profit or publicly traded status for each legal entity that owns the applicant in full or in part.

(E) The name, social security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (to the extent the natural person is authorized by law to obtain one of these numbers), date of birth, and business address for each person who serves or will serve as the applicant's manager, operator, or representative who has or exercises authority to direct some or all of the applicant's operational policy regarding compliance with applicable laws regarding a motor carrier, excluding sales functions.

(F) A legible and accurate electronic image of at least one of the following unexpired identity documents for each natural person identified in the application:

(i) a driver license issued by a state or territory of the United States. If the driver license was issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the image must also include the audit number listed on the Texas driver license;

(ii) Texas identification card issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety under Transportation Code, Chapter 521, Subchapter E, or an identification certificate issued by a state or territory of the United States;

(iii) license to carry a handgun issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety under Government Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter H;

(iv) United States passport; or

(v) United States military identification.

(4) Principal business address and mailing address. The applicant must provide the applicant's principal business address, which must be a physical address. If the mailing address is different from the principal business address, the applicant must also provide the applicant's mailing address.

(5) Legal agent.

(A) A Texas-domiciled motor carrier must provide the name, telephone number, and address of a legal agent for service of process if the agent is different from the motor carrier.

(B) A motor carrier domiciled outside Texas must provide the name, telephone number, and Texas address of the legal agent for service of process.

(C) A legal agent for service of process shall be a Texas resident, a domestic corporation, or a foreign corporation authorized to transact business in Texas with a Texas physical address, rather than a post office box, for service of process.

(6) Description of vehicles. An application must include a motor carrier equipment report identifying each motor vehicle that requires registration and that the carrier proposes to operate. Each motor vehicle must be identified by its vehicle identification number, make, model year, and type of cargo and by the unit number assigned to the motor vehicle by the motor carrier. Any subsequent registration of vehicles must be made under subsection (e) of this section.

(7) Type of motor carrier operations. An applicant must state if the applicant proposes to transport passengers, household goods, or hazardous materials.

(8) Insurance coverage. An applicant must indicate insurance coverage as required by §218.16 of this title (relating to Insurance Requirements).

(9) Safety certification. Each motor carrier must complete, as part of the application, a certification stating that the motor carrier knows and will conduct operations in accordance with all federal and state safety regulations.

(10) Drug-testing certification. Each motor carrier must certify, as part of the application, that the motor carrier is in compliance with the drug-testing requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 382. If the motor carrier belongs to a consortium, as defined by 49 C.F.R. Part 382, the applicant must provide the names of the persons operating the consortium.

(11) Duration of registration.

(A) An applicant must indicate the duration of the desired registration. Except as provided otherwise in this section, registration may be for seven calendar days, 90 calendar days, one year, or two years. The duration of registration chosen by the applicant will be applied to all vehicles.

(i) Household goods carriers may not obtain seven-day or 90-day certificates of registration.

(ii) Motor carriers that transport passengers in a commercial motor vehicle as defined by Transportation Code, §548.001(1)(B) may not obtain seven-day or 90-day certificates of registration, unless approved by the director.

(B) Interstate motor carriers that operate in intrastate commerce and meet the requirements under §218.14(c) of this title (relating to Expiration and Renewal of Commercial Motor Vehicles Registration) are not required to renew a certificate of registration issued under this section.

(12) Additional requirements. The following fees, documents, and information must be submitted with the application.

(A) An application must be accompanied by an application fee of:

(i) $100 for annual and biennial registrations;

(ii) $25 for 90-day registrations; or

(iii) $5 for seven-day registrations.

(B) An application must be accompanied by a vehicle registration fee of:

(i) $10 for each vehicle that the motor carrier proposes to operate under a seven-day, 90-day, or annual registration; or

(ii) $20 for each vehicle that the motor carrier proposes to operate under a biennial registration.

(C) An application must be accompanied by proof of insurance or financial responsibility and the insurance filing fee as required by §218.16.

(D) An application must include the completed New Applicant Questionnaire (Applicant Questionnaire), which consists of questions and requirements, such as the following:

(i) Have you ever had another motor carrier certificate of registration number issued by the department in the three years prior to the date of this application? If your answer is yes, provide the certificate of registration number for the motor carrier(s). In the Applicant Questionnaire, the word "you" means the applicant or any business that is operated, managed, or otherwise controlled by or affiliated with the applicant or a family member, corporate officer, manager, operator, or owner (if the business is not a publicly traded company) of the applicant. In the Applicant Questionnaire, the word "manager" means a person who has or exercises authority to direct some or all of the applicant's operational policy regarding compliance with applicable laws regarding a motor carrier, excluding sales functions.

(ii) Have you had a Compliance Review or a New Entrant Audit by the Texas Department of Public Safety that resulted in an Unsatisfactory Safety Rating in the three years prior to the date of your application? If your answer is yes, provide the USDOT number(s) and the certificate of registration number(s) issued by the department.

(iii) Are you currently under an Order to Cease from the Texas Department of Public Safety? If your answer is yes, provide the motor carrier's USDOT number(s) and the Carrier Profile Number(s). The Texas Department of Public Safety assigns a Carrier Profile Number (CP#) when they perform a compliance review on a motor carrier's operations to determine whether the motor carrier meets the safety fitness standards.

(iv) Are you related to another motor carrier, or have you been related to another motor carrier within the three years prior to the date of your application? The relationship may be through a person (including a family member), corporate officer, or partner who also operates or has operated as a motor carrier in Texas. If your answer is yes, state how you are related and provide the motor carrier's name and the motor carrier's USDOT number, or the certificate of registration number issued by the department for each related motor carrier.

(v) Do you currently owe any administrative penalties to the department, regardless of when the final order was issued to assess the administrative penalties? If your answer is yes, provide the following information under which the administrative penalties were assessed:

(I) department's notice number(s); and

(II) the motor carrier's USDOT number and certificate of registration number issued by the department;

(vi) Name and title of person completing the Applicant Questionnaire; and

(vii) Is the person completing the Applicant Questionnaire an authorized representative of the applicant? If your answer is yes, please add the person's name, job title, phone number, and address.

(E) An applicant must state if the applicant is domiciled in a foreign country.

(F) An application must include a certification that the information and documents provided in the application are true and correct and that the applicant complied with the application requirements under Chapter 218 of this title (relating to Motor Carriers) and Transportation Code, Chapter 643.

(G) An application must be accompanied by any other information and documents required by the department to evaluate the application under current law, including board rules.

(13) Additional requirements for household goods carriers. The following information, documents, and certification must be submitted with all applications by household goods carriers:

(A) A copy of the tariff that sets out the maximum charges for transportation of household goods, or a copy of the tariff governing interstate transportation services. If an applicant is governed by a tariff that its association has already filed with the department under §218.65 of this title (relating to Tariff Registration), the applicant complies with the requirement in this subparagraph by checking the applicable box on the application to identify the association's tariff.

(B) If the motor vehicle is not titled in the name of the household goods carrier, the following lease information and documentation, notwithstanding §218.18(a) of this title (relating to Short-term Lease and Substitute Vehicles):

(i) a copy of a valid lease agreement for each motor vehicle that the household goods carrier will operate; and

(ii) the name of the lessor and their USDOT number for each motor vehicle leased to the household goods carrier under a short-term lease.

(C) A certification that the household goods carrier has procedures that comply with Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 62.063(b)(3), which prohibits certain people who are required to register as a sex offender from providing moving services in the residence of another person without supervision.

(14) Additional requirements for passenger carriers. The following information and documents must be submitted with all applications for motor carriers that transport passengers in a commercial motor vehicle as defined by Transportation Code, §548.001(1)(B):

(A) If the commercial motor vehicle is titled in the name of the motor carrier, a copy of the International Registration Plan registration receipt or a copy of the front and back of the title for each commercial motor vehicle; or

(B) If the commercial motor vehicle is not titled in the name of the motor carrier, the following lease information and documentation, notwithstanding §218.18(a) of this title:

(i) A copy of a valid lease agreement for each commercial motor vehicle; and

(ii) The name of the lessor and their USDOT number for each commercial motor vehicle leased to the motor carrier under a short-term lease.

(b) Conditional acceptance of application. If an application has been conditionally accepted by the director pursuant to Transportation Code, §643.055, the applicant may not operate the following until the department has issued a certificate under Transportation Code, §643.054:

(1) a commercial motor vehicle or any other motor vehicle to transport household goods for compensation, or

(2) a commercial motor vehicle to transport persons or cargo.

(c) Approved application. An applicant meeting the requirements of this section and whose registration is approved shall be issued the following documents:

(1) Certificate of registration. The department shall issue a certificate of registration. The certificate of registration must contain the name and address of the motor carrier and a single registration number, regardless of the number of vehicles requiring registration that the carrier operates.

(2) Insurance cab card. The department shall issue an insurance cab card listing all vehicles to be operated under the carrier's certificate of registration. The insurance cab card shall be continuously maintained at the motor carrier's principal business address. The insurance cab card must be valid for the same period as the motor carrier's certificate of registration and shall contain information regarding each vehicle registered by the motor carrier.

(A) A current copy of the page of the insurance cab card on which the vehicle is shown shall be maintained in each vehicle listed, unless the motor carrier chooses to maintain a legible and accurate image of the insurance cab card on a wireless communication device in the vehicle or chooses to display such information on a wireless communication device by accessing the department's online system from the vehicle. The appropriate information concerning that vehicle shall be highlighted if the motor carrier chooses to maintain a hard copy of the insurance cab card or chooses to display an image of the insurance cab card on a wireless communication device in the vehicle. The insurance cab card or the display of such information on a wireless communications device shall serve as proof of insurance as long as the motor carrier has continuous insurance or financial responsibility on file with the department.

(B) On demand by a department investigator or any other authorized government personnel, the driver shall present the highlighted page of the insurance cab card that is maintained in the vehicle or that is displayed on a wireless communication device in the vehicle. If the motor carrier chooses to display the information on a wireless communication device by accessing the department's online system, the driver shall locate the vehicle in the department's online system upon request by the department-certified inspector or other authorized government personnel.

(C) The motor carrier shall notify the department in writing if it discontinues use of a registered motor vehicle before the expiration of its insurance cab card.

(D) Any erasure or alteration of an insurance cab card that the department printed out for the motor carrier renders it void.

(E) If an insurance cab card is lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated; if it becomes illegible; or if it otherwise needs to be replaced, the department shall print out a new insurance cab card at the request of the motor carrier. Motor carriers are authorized to print out a copy of a new insurance cab card using the department's online system.

(F) The department is not responsible for a motor carrier's inability to access the insurance cab card using the department's online system.

(d) Additional and replacement vehicles. A motor carrier required to obtain a certificate of registration under this section shall not operate additional vehicles unless the carrier identifies the vehicles on a form prescribed by the director and pays applicable fees as described in this subsection.

(1) Additional vehicles. To add a vehicle, a motor carrier must pay a fee of $10 for each additional vehicle that the motor carrier proposes to operate under a seven-day, 90-day, or annual registration. To add a vehicle during the first year of a biennial registration, a motor carrier must pay a fee of $20 for each vehicle. To add a vehicle during the second year of a biennial registration, a motor carrier must pay a fee of $10 for each vehicle.

(2) Replacement vehicles. No fee is required for a vehicle that is replacing a vehicle for which the fee was previously paid. Before the replacement vehicle is put into operation, the motor carrier must notify the department, identify the vehicle being taken out of service, and identify the replacement vehicle on a form prescribed by the department. A motor carrier registered under seven-day registration may not replace vehicles.

(e) Supplement to original application. A motor carrier required to register under this section shall electronically file in the department's designated motor carrier registration system a supplemental application under the following circumstances.

(1) Change of cargo. A registered motor carrier may not begin transporting household goods or hazardous materials unless the carrier submits a supplemental application to the department and shows the department evidence of insurance or financial responsibility in the amounts specified by §218.16.

(2) Change of name. A motor carrier that changes its name shall file a supplemental application for registration no later than the effective date of the change. The motor carrier shall include evidence of insurance or financial responsibility in the new name and in the amounts specified by §218.16. A motor carrier that is a corporation must have its name change approved by the Texas Secretary of State before filing a supplemental application. A motor carrier incorporated outside the state of Texas must complete the name change under the law of its state of incorporation before filing a supplemental application.

(3) Change of address or legal agent for service of process. A motor carrier shall file a supplemental application for any change of address or any change of its legal agent for service of process no later than the effective date of the change. The address most recently filed will be presumed conclusively to be the current address.

(4) Change in principal officers and titles. A motor carrier that is a corporation shall file a supplemental application for any change in the principal officers and titles no later than the effective date of the change.

(5) Conversion of corporate structure. A motor carrier that has successfully completed a corporate conversion involving a change in the name of the corporation shall file a supplemental application for registration and evidence of insurance or financial responsibility reflecting the new company name. The conversion must be approved by the Office of the Secretary of State before the supplemental application is filed.

(6) Change in drug-testing consortium status. A motor carrier that changes consortium status shall file a supplemental application that includes the names of the persons operating the consortium.

(7) Retaining a revoked or suspended certificate of registration number. A motor carrier may retain a prior certificate of registration number by:

(A) filing a supplemental application to reregister instead of filing an original application; and

(B) providing adequate evidence that the carrier has satisfactorily resolved the issue that gave rise to the suspension or revocation.

(f) Change of ownership. A motor carrier must file an original application for registration when there is a corporate merger or a change in the ownership of a sole proprietorship or of a partnership.

(g) Alternative vehicle registration for household goods agents. To avoid multiple registrations of a motor vehicle, a household goods agent's vehicles may be registered under the motor carrier's certificate of registration under this subsection.

(1) The carrier must notify the department on a form approved by the director of its intent to register its agent's vehicles under this subsection.

(2) When a carrier registers vehicles under this subsection, the carrier's certificate shall include all vehicles registered under its agent's certificates of registration. The carrier must register under its certificate of registration all vehicles operated on its behalf that do not appear on its agent's certificate of registration.

(3) The department may send the carrier a copy of any notification sent to the agent concerning circumstances that could lead to denial, suspension, or revocation of the agent's certificate.

(h) Substitute vehicles leased from leasing businesses. A registered motor carrier is not required to comply with the provisions of subsection (e) of this section for a substitute vehicle leased from a business registered under §218.18 of this title (relating to Short-term Lease and Substitute Vehicles). A motor carrier is not required to carry proof of registration as described in subsection (d) of this section if a copy of the lease agreement for the originally leased vehicle is carried in the cab of the temporary replacement vehicle.

(i) A motor carrier with an unexpired certificate of registration that has not been revoked shall update its principal business address, mailing address, and email address in the department's online system within 30 days of a change to the information.

(j) A sole proprietor with an unexpired certificate of registration shall notify the department as specified in subsection (k) of this section, directly or through the sole proprietor's authorized representative, of the sole proprietor's imprisonment for any of the following:

(1) a felony conviction for any of the following:

(A) an offense that directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of a motor carrier as defined in §211.25 of this title (relating to Criminal Offense Guidelines; Imprisonment);

(B) an offense listed in Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 42A.054; or

(C) a sexually violent offense, as defined by Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 62.001;

(2) felony community supervision revocation;

(3) revocation of parole; or

(4) revocation of mandatory supervision.

(k) The notice under subsection (j) of this section shall be provided to the department:

(1) for an imprisonment that occurs on or after May 1, 2026;

(2) within 15 days of the date the sole proprietor is imprisoned;

(3) using the email address listed on the department's website for this purpose; and

(4) with the following information:

(A) the name of the sole proprietor;

(B) the sole proprietor's certificate of registration number under Transportation Code, Chapter 643;

(C) the date the sole proprietor was imprisoned;

(D) the reason the sole proprietor was imprisoned, using one of the reasons listed in subsection (j) of this section;

(E) the citation to the statute, administrative rule, or regulation regarding the felony offense for which the sole proprietor was imprisoned if the sole proprietor was imprisoned for a felony conviction that falls under subsection (j)(1) of this section;

(F) whether the sole proprietor is a motor carrier of passengers, a for-hire motor carrier of cargo, a household goods carrier, or a motor carrier who transports hazardous materials under Transportation Code, Chapter 643; and

(G) the name and phone number of the sole proprietor's authorized representative, if applicable.

(l) An applicant under this chapter and a motor carrier with a certificate of registration may submit an application to the department or provide the department with any required information and updates through an authorized representative. Upon request by the department, a representative shall provide the department with written proof of authority to act on behalf of the applicant or motor carrier.

§ 218.14. Expiration and Renewal of Motor Vehicle Registration.

(a) Expiration and renewal dates.

(1) A motor carrier with annual or biennial registration shall be assigned a date for the expiration and renewal of its motor carrier registration according to the last digit of the carrier's certificate of registration number, as outlined in the following chart:

Figure: 43 TAC §218.14(a)(1) (No change.)

(2) 90-day certificates of registration are valid for 90 calendar days from the effective date.

(3) Seven-day certificates of registration are valid for seven calendar days from the effective date.

(b) Registration renewal.

(1) At least 30 days before the expiration of registration, the department shall mail or send electronically a renewal notice to each registered motor carrier with annual or biennial registration. The notice shall be sent to the carrier's last known address according to the Motor Carrier Division's records. Failure to receive the notice does not relieve the registrant of the responsibility to renew. A supplement to an application for motor carrier registration renewal must be filed electronically in the department's designated motor carrier registration system and must:

(A) supply any new information and documents required under §218.13(e) of this title (relating to Application for Motor Carrier Registration) if the information or documents have not previously been provided to the department; and

(B) include a $10 fee for each vehicle that the carrier operates under an annual certificate of registration and a $20 fee for each vehicle that the carrier operates under a biennial certificate of registration.

(2) Seven-day and 90-day registrations may not be renewed.

(3) A motor carrier shall maintain continuous insurance or evidence of financial responsibility in an amount at least equal to the amount prescribed under §218.16 of this title (relating to Insurance Requirements).

(4) The insurance cab card issued to a motor carrier is valid for the same period as the motor carrier's certificate of registration.

(5) To renew registration after it has expired, a motor carrier must file a supplemental application electronically in the department's designated motor carrier registration system within 180 days after the registration expiration and must include the following information, documents, and fees:

(A) identify its vehicles on a form prescribed by the director;

(B) pay all vehicle fees; and

(C) if current proof of insurance or evidence of financial responsibility is not on file with the department, comply with all insurance requirements.

(c) Interstate motor carrier operating in intrastate commerce.

(1) An interstate motor carrier registered under §218.17 of this title (relating to Unified Carrier Registration System) is not required to renew a certificate of registration issued under Transportation Code §643.054(a) [§218.11 of this title (relating to Motor Carrier Registration)] except when the motor carrier is operating as a

(A) non-charter bus carrier;

(B) household goods carrier; or

(C) recyclable materials or waste carrier.

(2) If a motor carrier that registered under §218.17 does not maintain continuous motor carrier registration required under Transportation Code §643.051 [§218.11], the motor carrier must file a supplemental application to reregister under §218.13 to operate on a public highway in this state.

(3) The motor carrier must notify the department if the motor carrier is registered under UCR. The notification must be filed with the department on a form prescribed by the department. Once the department receives the notification, the department shall convert the motor carrier's certificate of registration to a non-expiring certificate of registration if the motor carrier qualifies for a non-expiring certificate of registration.

(4) If the department issues the motor carrier a non-expiring certificate of registration, the motor carrier shall notify the department if the motor carrier is no longer registered under UCR or if the motor carrier operates as a non-charter bus carrier, household goods carrier, or recyclable materials or waste carrier. The notification shall be filed with the department on a form prescribed by the department.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2026.

TRD-202602390

Laura Moriaty

General Counsel

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 465-4160