Texas kei truck registration guide
SB 1816 · miniature vehicle title & highway use
Texas passed SB 1816 in 2025, creating a clear path to title and register 25+ year miniature vehicles — including Japanese kei trucks — for highway use through your county tax assessor-collector.
Bottom line for Texas
- SB 1816 (effective Sept. 1, 2025) classifies qualifying 25+ year miniature vehicles as motor vehicles.
- Title and register at your county tax assessor-collector with Form 130-U.
- TxDMV RTB-001-24 outlines statewide registration procedures.
- Federal import clearance (CBP, NHTSA, EPA) is still required before state titling.
SB 1816
What the law changed
Before SB 1816, Texas owners often faced ambiguous classification for imported kei trucks — some counties refused titles outright. The new law defines miniature vehicles, sets a 25-year age minimum aligned with federal import rules, and directs TxDMV to issue registration procedures for county offices statewide.
Reference TxDMV Registration and Titling Bulletin RTB-001-24 when working with your county assessor. Bring complete import documentation to avoid delays.
Registration
Titling & registration steps
- 1
Import with federal age exemption
For SB 1816 eligibility, the miniature vehicle must be at least 25 years old at import. File NHTSA HS-7 Box 1 and EPA Form 3520-1 at customs.
- 2
Gather Texas title documents
Bring CBP 7501, translated title, bill of sale, and VIN documentation to your county tax assessor-collector (motor vehicle office).
- 3
Apply for Texas title
Complete Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title) and any county-specific affidavits for imported or assembled vehicles.
- 4
Pass inspection if required
Some counties require a safety inspection before registration. Confirm whether your county treats miniature vehicles under standard passenger inspection rules.
- 5
Register and obtain Texas plates
Pay registration fees at the tax assessor-collector and receive Texas license plates and registration sticker.
Official sources
Texas law & agency links
- Texas SB 1816 (88th Legislature, 2025)
Authorizes title and registration of miniature vehicles at least 25 years old as motor vehicles for highway use.
- Texas Transportation Code — Chapter 502 (Registration)
State registration requirements and fee structure.
- Texas Transportation Code — Chapter 501 (Titles)
Certificate of title requirements for Texas motor vehicles.
- TxDMV — RTB-001-24: Miniature Vehicle Procedures
Texas DMV registration and titling bulletin for miniature vehicles under SB 1816.
- TxDMV — Out-of-state / imported vehicle titling
General guidance for titling vehicles brought into Texas from outside the state or country.
- Texas Form 130-U — Application for Texas Title
Standard Texas title application form.
FAQ
Common questions
- When did Texas kei truck registration become legal?
- Senate Bill 1816 was signed in 2025 and took effect September 1, 2025. It explicitly allows miniature vehicles at least 25 years old to be titled and registered as motor vehicles.
- What counts as a miniature vehicle under SB 1816?
- The law targets small imported utility vehicles — including Japanese kei trucks — that meet the age threshold and dimensions defined in the statute. Review SB 1816 and TxDMV RTB-001-24 for exact definitions.
- Can I drive on Texas highways and interstates?
- SB 1816 registers miniature vehicles as motor vehicles for highway use. Normal traffic laws apply. Ensure your vehicle can safely maintain highway speeds and carries required equipment.
- Where do I register — county or TxDMV?
- Texas registration is handled by your county tax assessor-collector. TxDMV sets statewide policy; your county office processes the application.
- Do I still need federal import paperwork?
- Yes. SB 1816 addresses state registration only. You must still clear CBP, NHTSA, and EPA at import before applying for a Texas title.
County offices may implement SB 1816 on different timelines. Call your tax assessor-collector before importing. This page is informational only and not legal advice.
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