End of Statutory Waivers Due to COVID-19: Processing Vehicle Registration and Title Transactions and Enforcement of Registration

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Please review and distribute as appropriate.

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles announced in December of 2020 that the temporary waivers issued by Governor Greg Abbott regarding certain vehicle registration and titling requirements would last through April 14, 2021. The temporary waiver period covers March 16, 2020, through April 14, 2021.

A driver operating a motor vehicle on a Texas public roadway with expired registration after April 14, 2021, is subject to citation by law enforcement and a late registration penalty. 

As a reminder, select “Invalid Reason” on the Registration Additional Info REG039 screen in the Registration and Title System (RTS) if the owner does not have a valid reason for the delinquency. If the owner presents evidence of a valid reason for the delinquency as specified in 43 Texas Administrative Code §217.28(e)(6), select “Valid Reason” on the Registration Additional Info REG039 screen in RTS. The waiver is not a valid reason for delinquent registration.

Delinquent title applications submitted to the county tax assessor-collector’s office after April 14, 2021, should be assessed a delinquent transfer penalty based on the date of sale, excluding the days of the temporary waiver period. The attached delinquent transfer penalty calculator is being provided to assist in subtracting the waiver period from the calculation of the delinquent transfer penalty for vehicles sold prior to or during the waiver period. The penalty should be modified on the Sales Tax TTL012 screen based on the amount calculated.


Thank you,

 


Roland D. Luna, Sr., Director
Vehicle Titles and Registration Division
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Attachment

If you have any questions concerning this communication, please contact your local TxDMV Regional Service Center.