Getting a Roadster Legal in Texas

[D-Dubya]

I am about to send my Cobra to paint next week and wanted to get a jump on the registration if possible, while the car is there for the next 6 weeks. I live in Wise County Texas and wanted to know if anyone has recent experience getting an FFR build legal in Texas, including ASCE Inspection and weight? I have heard mention that you can get a 30-day temporary registration and plate prior to ASCE Inspection. This would allow me to drive the car to get the car weighed, ASCE Inspection and State Inspection prior to going back to get the final registration done at the courthouse. The last post I saw was from 2018 or 2019 and I wanted to know if it is still allowed to get a temporary registration prior to ASCE Inspection.

This forum is a wealth of knowledge and assistance and I appreciate the "veterans" patience with a newby like me.

Thanks,
Doug

[Mike.Bray]

Here's the manual for Texas http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/texas-cobra-club/131907-texas-asve-title-vtr-63-form.html

You can also do a bonded title. https://classicautotitle.com/

[dallas_289]

I just went through this process in Texas (located in Grapevine). I just submitted my final paperwork the last week of December (2023), so fingers crossed while the state processes my title/registration.

Some things have changed over the years, but the consensus I've seen has been registering as an "Assumed Vehicle - Custom Vehicle". The "Custom Vehicle" designation avoids yearly inspections (inspections are supposedly going away anyway, but who knows with Texas gov what will happen long term), and the extra effort during registration is not really that bad.

I highly recommend reading through the TxDMV guide; it's well-written but takes a few reads to fully grasp.

https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/assembled-vehicles
https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/body-files/Assembled_and_Reconstructed_Vehicle_Manual.pdf

Weird nuances I learned:

Vehicle identification number (VIN) verification document

You do indeed have to get a form VTR-68A completed for Title/Reg
This proves ownership of the frame/body and engine, needed for the state to assign a VIN for title
Finding a Law Enforcement team for this inspection was a PITA at first; Dallas and Tarrant counties were telling me it was a 2 - 3 month line
Full Listing of task forces here: https://www.txdmv.gov/mvcpa-grantees
If you are in the DFW area, I recommend going down to Mansfield; they accept all Texas residents and have a first come, first serve EVERY Thursday
https://www.mansfieldtexas.gov/904/Auto-Burglary-Auto-Theft-Investigations
Just remember to bring an invoice of the engine (with Serial Number) and invoice/Certificate of Origin to this inspection


Proof of an Automotive Service Excellence safety inspection

Form VTR-64
Finding a shop with ASE Master Certification proved a bit difficult
Christian Brothers in the DFW area have them at some locations (I went to the Irving one). They were great to work with and understood the process once I explained it to them
Make sure to get a copy of the inspector's actual ASE Master Certificate, I had to go back and get this as the DMV will not accept a print out of the certs, but the actual certificate itself


Submitting Documentation

Heads up the state enforces year as the year assembled/titled (in my case 2023), they let me use the FFR Chassis number as the VIN
You have to first go to a TxDMV Regional Service Center (RSC)
The RSC will review your paperwork and submit it to the state to issue a letter that all documentation is there/good to submit. This can take a week or two for approval, you then have to go back to the RSC to pick up the letter/paperwork bundle.
You then take the approval letter/bundle to your local county tax office. The process is then the ususal of requesting a title/registration. Just be ready to answer questions and the clerk to bring in a manager (it's a lot of paperwork they don't see very often)
Be warned the RSC has a playbook for ASVE, this is great as it ensures you are submitting all the correct documentation. But downside is you have to do everything by-the-book. You have to follow that PDF guide for ASVE to the letter.



Temp Tag

Just follow the normal process; you just need to get a safety inspection.
Just take the inspection receipt and proof of insurance to your local county tax office and they will issue you a 30 day temp tag (can renew it twice, but in person)



Happy to help with any other questions!

[RoadRacer]

> Finding a shop with ASE Master Certification proved a bit difficult

FWIW, there's a well-trusted and competent company in Austin that understands our weird cars. Made it a no-brainer. It's a trek for you, but always an option: https://excaliburautorepair.com/

[Windsor]

Temp tags ("paper tags") in Texas are expected to go away soon, too. I don't know the date, exactly.

"No more inspections" for regular vehicles is expected to kick in on 1Jan2025.

[Mbufford]

The inspections are not going away if you live in a high populous county, like Dallas, Collin, Harris, Travis, etc. I recall when the law passed, I saw a list of counties where residents will still have to get inspections. So, it’s likely still advisable to get the classic car tags.

On another note, I’m far from being ready to start the process myself. But, has anyone created a registration checklist? Would certainly be helpful to the many Texas builders we have.

[dstelter]

Hey Dallas-289.

is there a certain step or order that needs to be followed on which one of the inspections should be 1st then 2nd...….
Getting very close on wrapping up my Coupe and really don't want to make trips back and forth to all of the different spots.

Thanks Doug

[D-Dubya]

Dallas, thanks for the detailed information. Very helpful.

[sread]

As mentioned above by Dallas 289 ,the Texas Assembled Vehicle manual tells you everything you need to know. Follow it to the letter. The reality though is that you will be totally at the mercy of the individual clerk who is at the window you approach when it is your turn in line. They may or may not know the first thing about their own policy manual (or care). And if for some reason, you don't have something that they want to see the first time, when you go back the next time you will be starting from square one. The next clerk may have a complete new play book that they want to go by. If you are trying to do this in Harris county this a high probability. But, rest assured, when the package goes to Austin for approval you better have every form, inspection, copy, signature, etc that is called for. I would recommend getting the form VTR 68a (vin verification) last as it stated it was only good for 30 days. Good luck!