Tax Office-Motor Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions-Comal County, Texas

A. The Comal County Motor Vehicle Department accepts cash, local personal checks, temporary checks, money orders, traveler’s checks, and cashier’s checks. Proper identification is required for all checks. Master Card and Visa are accepted with an additional processing fee.

Q. Is the front and back license plate required on all motor vehicles?

A. Yes. State law requires both a front and back license plate. If there is one plate missing, damaged or a registration validation sticker is missing, the customer may obtain a replacement set of plates and/or a new validation windshield sticker for $6.30. If someone other than the registered owner applies for the replacement, a signed note is required from the owner before replacement plates or windshield stickers will be issued.

Q. What does “Registration Purposes Only” (RPO) mean? What are the circumstances for this type of transaction?

A. "RPO" means the vehicle is registered but not titled in Texas. This type of ownership document may be requested when a vehicle that was registered or titled in another state is subject to registration in Texas but the owner/operator does not wish to or cannot surrender the negotiable out-of-state evidence of ownership in order to obtain a Texas negotiable title. You will need the form VTR -272, inspection slip VI-30-A , 130U, your registration from the state you are coming from along with your proof of insurance that is Texas or up to Texas Standards.

Q. How do I obtain personalized license plates or other special plates?

A. You may obtain an application for personalized or other special license plates from the New Braunfels , Sattler or Bulverde Tax Offices or any Vehicle Title Registration (VTR) Regional Office. There is a charge in addition to the regular registration fee. The amount charged for these plates varies according to the typed ordered. In some cases, an applicant must meet eligibility requirements before applying for these plates. See the Specialty License Plate Listing for plates that are available in Texas.

Q. I’ve bought a vehicle and I have liability insurance on another car. What document can I use to show proof of financial responsibility when I transfer title and registration?

A. The automobile policy for any vehicle an individual owns provides for 30-day coverage after an additional vehicle is purchased. Therefore, a copy of the insurance policy or card issued for the policy is acceptable as proof of financial responsibility. The card or policy must be written in the new owners name or they must be listed as an insured driver of the vehicle.

Q. It has been over three weeks and neither my lien holder nor I have received a title. When should we expect to receive the title?

A. Customers should receive their titles within three weeks from the date the application was filed. Contact the Comal County Tax Office and request to have the record checked.

Q. Why does the state show a lien on my car if I paid it off?

A. This occurs if you have not advised the State of Texas that your lien has been satisfied. To remove any lien information, fill out a Title Application Form (130-U). Submit this application, your title, and lien release to the Comal County Tax Office. There is a $33.00 fee for this service. The Texas Department of Transportation will mail the title to you that does not show a lien.

Q. Is insurance required to purchase a 0ne-trip or 30-day permit?

A. Yes. You must have insurance on the vehicle that you want to obtain a permit; however, you do not need insurance on a trailer. Additionally, permits can only be purchased in cash.

Q. What is required to correct an error in the odometer reading after the title has been issued?

A. A statement of fact is required. This statement must address the discrepancy and be signed by both the buyer and seller involved in the transaction when the error occurred.

Q. I sold my vehicle several months ago but the registration renewal notice and notices about parking tickets have been mailed to my home. What can I do?

A. It is very likely the new owner has not transferred the title into his/her name. Contact the Comal County Tax Office, a VTR Regional Office and fill out the Motor Vehicle Transfer Notification (VTR-346). The Texas Department of Transportation will place a notation on the motor vehicle record showing that the vehicle has been transferred once they receive the VTR-346.

Q. What information is required and who is authorized to execute a Statement of Fact should one be required to correct an error on a title assignment?

A. The statement must address the error have a full description of the vehicle and the date the statement was executed. Only the seller of the vehicle is authorized to execute the Statement of Fact.

Q. If I do not have proper evidence of ownership, how can I get a title changed to my name?

A. Title law protects ownership rights for more than 15 million vehicles in Texas. When the specific documents required to transfer ownership are incomplete or unavailable, Texas statutes require the applicant to apply for a Tax Collector’s Hearing or bonded title.

Q. How are license fee determined?

A. State law makes the fee structure for passenger vehicles different from that of trucks. Passenger vehicle registration fees are determined by the manufacturer’s model year whereas truck registration fees are determined by the gross weight of the truck.

Q. I will be leaving town on vacation and my registration will expire before I return. How far in advance may I renew my registration?

A. The tax office can renew your registration up to two months in advance. Additionally, you can send your renew by mail and the tax office will send the validation sticker to any address requested by the owner.

Q. What are the State of Texas requirements for liability insurance?

A. The Texas Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act provides that no motor vehicle may be operated in the State of Texas unless liability insurance coverage for the vehicle in at least the minimum amounts indicated below remains in effect to insure against potential losses:

(1). $25,000 - Bodily Injury to or death of one person in any one accident.

(2). $50,000 - Bodily Injury to or death of two or more persons in any one

accident, subject to limit of $20,000 for one person, and

(3). $25,000 - Injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.

This provision does not apply to motor vehicles which are exempt from insurance requirements of this Act.

Q. How long may a new Texas resident operate his/her vehicle in Texas while displaying current out-of-state license plates?

A. He or she can operate the vehicle for a period of 30 days after establishing residence or entering gainful employment.

Q. Why must I purchase my registration renewal in the county in which I reside?

A. State law requires registration renewal to be purchased in the county of the owner’s residence.

Q. May I send another individual to purchase my registration validation sticker?

A. Yes. However, you must also provide a written or faxed letter giving authorization (form) to another individual to purchase your registration.

Q. Can I download forms that pertain to motor vehicle registration and titles?

A. Yes, The Texas Department of Transportation Vehicle and Registration Forms Page has many of the commonly used forms that can be downloaded. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to view the documents. Remember, the downloaded forms must have original signatures in order to be accepted by the tax office.

Q. What is the procedure to obtain information on a specific vehicle?

A. The tax office can produce a duplicate license receipt for a $2.00 fee. The individual who wishes to have this information will be required to fill out a Request for Comal County Motor Vehicle Information (CCTAC-0007) and will be required to state why the information is needed. The state has an information webpage that identifies what does, and what does not quality for the release of personal information.

Q. I just sold my car. How do I transfer the title?

A. The seller must write the purchaser’s name and address, the odometer reading and date of sale in the title assignment. The purchaser and seller must each sign both the title and the title application form (VTR 130-U). Both signed documents must be given to the purchaser, along with the registration receipt. The purchaser must then go to either the Comal County Tax Office or our satellite location in Sattler or Bulverde and file the title application. Proof of current insurance is required. The fee is $33.00, plus motor vehicle sales tax (6.25%). There is also a $2.50 transfer fee. If the registration is not current, there may be a registration fee. When you purchase a vehicle from a licensed Texas dealer located in Comal County, the dealer is required to complete all the paperwork necessary to title and register the vehicle in your name. The dealer is also required to file the documents with the Comal County Tax Office within 20 business days of the date you purchased the vehicle.

Q. How do I renew my registration by mail?

A. Follow the instructions on the renewal notice. Send the renewal notice, registration fee and all requested information to the Comal County Tax Office. Add an additional $1.00 for the processing and mailing fee. Include a photocopy of your current insurance card to show proof of financial responsibility. Please make your check payable to the Comal County Tax Assessor-Collector. Our mailing address is Comal County Tax Assessor-Collector, P.O. Box 311445, New Braunfels, TX 78130.

Q. I have not received a renewal notice from the state. What do I do?

A. Your vehicle registration can be renewed at the Comal County Tax Office in New Braunfels or at our satellite locations in Sattler and Bulverde by using your license receipt from the previous year, the title, or the license plate number along with proof of insurance and identification. The Comal County Tax Office is able to verify your registration, electronically, either by using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or your license plate number. The Department of Transportation can also mail you another renewal notice, depending on the amount of time remaining before the registration expires. Just call the Comal County Tax Office (830-221-1350) and we’ll help correct the problem.

Q. How do I turn a Salvage Document into a blue negotiable Texas title?

A. If a salvaged vehicle for which a salvage document has been issued is repaired and placed in operable condition by purchaser of such salvaged vehicle, the person or firm who purchased and repaired the vehicle (Texas licensed salvage dealers excepted) must apply for title and registration in their name. The following must support the application for title:

1. Salvage Document

2. Form 61- Rebuilt Affidavit & Form 130U

3. A $65 Rebuilt fee, $33 Title Fee, Registration and 6.25% Sales Tax

4. Odometer statement (If applicable)

5. If the vehicle for which the salvage certificate has been issued has a non-conforming USA VIN, proof of compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation safety regulations is required.

6. In any case when a negotiable title is issued and a Salvage Document is in evidence, the negotiable title will contain a notation to indicate that the vehicle was previously damaged. "Flood Damaged" will be shown, when applicable, or “Rebuilt Salvage” will be shown. These notations are carried permanently in the master title records and will appear on all subsequent titles.

7. Valid proof of financial responsibility, covering the described vehicle, in the applicant’s name.

Q. What is a bonded title and what is it used for?

A. A bonded title is a notation on a title document, as well as on the motor vehicle records, which indicates that a Certificate of Title Surety Bond has been surrendered in support of the application for title. The bond is issued in the title applicant's name, for a three-year period. The notation (bonded title) is renewed for another three-year period. The bond is required by statute in cases where proper ownership documents are unavailable. Purpose of a bonded title is to protect previous and future owners of the vehicle, as well as lien holders, from potential claims.

Q. I did not receive my renewal notice and my registration has expired. Why am I being forced to pay a 20% penalty?

A. The 20% penalty is required by law if a vehicle is driven on public highways with expired registration after the five-day grace period and you were issued a ticket by law enforcement.

Q. I registered my vehicle in August. So why does the registration expire in July?

A. A vehicle registration period is for 12 consecutive months or any portion thereof. Registration for vehicles registered during August will expire on July 31.

Q. Must I register/title my ATV or my off-highway use vehicle?

A. All-terrain vehicles (three or more wheels, equipped with a saddle or bench seat, and not designed by the manufacturer for farm or lawn use) are required to be titled, but not registered. Off-highway motorcycles (two or three wheels) are required to be titled, but not registered.

Q. Can I register or title my “pocket bike” or “toy motorcycle” (gasoline or battery-powered scooter), and drive it on the street?

A. Most of these vehicles do not pass a vehicle safety inspection and therefore cannot be registered or driven on public roads. A secure Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin would be required to title any motorized vehicle

Q. How do I title a new manufactured trailer? A trailer must weigh at least 4001 pounds to be titled. You will need:

Manufactured Certificate of Origin (MCO)

Form 130-U Application for Texas Certificate of Title

May need weight certificate if weight is not indicated on MCO

Q. How do I register a homemade / shopmade trailer that does not meet the title requirements? You will need:

Form 130-U Application for Texas Certificate of Title (Required even if not titled)

Weight Affidavit

Q. How do I title a homemade / shopmade trailer that is 4001 pounds or more? You will need:

Form VTR-305-A - Statement of Fact for Ownership of Homemade/Shopmade Trailer

Form 130-U Application for Texas Certificate of Title

Weight Certificate

Form VTR-68-A - Application for Assigned or Reassigned Vehicle Identification Number

Q. What documents do I need to transfer an out of state titled trailer? You will need:

Out of State Title

Form 130-U Application for Texas Certificate of Title

May need weight certificate if weight is not indicated on title

VI-30-A Certificate of Inspection if weight is 4500 lbs or more

Q. What about Golf Carts and miniature type vehicles?

Must be registered and titled if operated upon road or highway
Mules, Gators, Rangers, and other miniature type farm vehicles designed for farm or lawn care may be registered or titled at the owners discretion
A completed Form VTR-471 is submitted
Body style of GC is used
A slow moving emblem must be displayed
The vehicle cannot exceed 25 miles per hour
Vehicles required to display a "slow moving emblem" are exempt from inspection requirements
Golf carts are allowed to operate within 2 miles to/from golf course with no registration required, if operation occurs in daytime
Any vehicle that exceeds the 25 MPH cannot qualify for slow moving vehicle. If the vehicle can pass the DPS Safety Inspection Requirements they must be registered and titled.

Transportation Code , Section 502.001

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