Texas driving
Texas DMV: Vehicle Registration, Titles and TxDMV Services
What the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles actually handles, how it differs from DPS, and where to go for registration, titles, dealer and motor-carrier services.
Updated August 20, 2026
Quick answer
TxDMV handles vehicle registration, titles, dealer licensing and motor-carrier services. Texas DPS handles driver licenses and identification cards.
01
What TxDMV handles
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles oversees vehicle titles and registration, motor carriers, dealer licensing and related motor-vehicle programs.
02
Vehicle registration
Texas registration transactions are closely tied to county tax assessor-collector offices, while TxDMV sets statewide requirements and provides online renewal services and guidance.
03
Need a driver license instead?
Driver licenses are a Department of Public Safety service, not a TxDMV service. If your task is a license renewal, replacement, appointment or REAL ID question, use the Texas Defined driver-license guide or the official DPS service.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Does the Texas DMV issue driver licenses?+
No. Texas driver licenses and state IDs are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety. TxDMV handles vehicle titles, registration, dealer licensing and motor-carrier services.
Who handles Texas vehicle registration?+
TxDMV sets statewide vehicle-registration requirements and provides renewal guidance, while county tax assessor-collector offices handle many local registration transactions.
Where should I go for a Texas vehicle title?+
Vehicle-title services are part of the TxDMV system. Use the official TxDMV resources and your county office when the transaction requires local processing.
Verify with the source
Official links used in this guide
TexasDefined explains the system and helps route you to the right place. Current fees, eligibility, deadlines, appointments, rules and transactions should be confirmed with the responsible official source.