1. (a) An applicant for initial vehicle registration must file an application on a form prescribed by the department. The form will at a minimum require:

   1. (1) the signature of the owner;
   2. (2) the motor vehicle description, including, but not limited to, the motor vehicle's year, make, model, vehicle identification number, body style, carrying capacity for commercial motor vehicles, and empty weight;
   3. (3) the license plate number;
   4. (4) the odometer reading, or the word "exempt" if the motor vehicle is exempt from federal and state odometer disclosure requirements;
   5. (5) the name and complete address of the applicant; and
   6. (6) the name, mailing address, and date of any liens.

2. (b) The application must be accompanied by the following:

   1. (1) evidence of vehicle ownership as specified in §217.5 of this title (relating to Evidence of Motor Vehicle Ownership), unless the vehicle has been issued a nonrepairable or salvage vehicle title in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 501, Subchapter E;
   2. (2) registration fees prescribed by law;
   3. (3) any local fees or other fees prescribed by law and collected in conjunction with registering a vehicle;
   4. (4) evidence of financial responsibility required by Transportation Code, §502.046, unless otherwise exempted by law;
   5. (5) the processing and handling fee prescribed by §217.183 of this title (relating to Fee Amount); and
   6. (6) any other documents or fees required by law.
3. (c) An initial application for registration must be filed with the tax assessor-collector of the county in which the owner resides or any county tax assessor-collector who is willing to accept the application, except as provided in subsection (d) of this section.

4. (d) An application for registration, as a prerequisite to filing an application for title, may be filed with the county tax assessor-collector in the county in which:

   1. (1) the owner resides;
   2. (2) the motor vehicle is purchased or encumbered; or
   3. (3) a county tax assessor-collector who is willing to accept the application.

Source Note:The provisions of this §217.23 adopted to be effective March 12, 2015, 40 TexReg 1096; amended to be effective August 8, 2016, 41 TexReg 5777; amended to be effective March 1, 2022, 47 TexReg 968; amended to be effective November 14, 2024, 49 TexReg 8980.