Texas

Texas now explicitly classifies kei trucks as "miniature vehicles" under SB 1816 (eff. Sept 1, 2025). Registration proceeds through the county tax assessor-collector, same as any standard vehicle.

Step 1 — Gather Import Documents

You will need CBP Form 7501, EPA Form 3520-1, DOT Form HS-7, and your foreign title (translated if non-English).

Step 2 — Title Application

Submit Form 130-U (Application for a Texas Title) at your county tax assessor-collector office with all import documentation.

Step 3 — Emissions Test (select counties only)

Emissions testing is required in Dallas, Tarrant, Harris, Bexar, Travis, El Paso, and a handful of other counties. Kei trucks typically pass without issue. Rural counties are exempt.

Note — Safety Inspection No Longer Required

HB 3297 (eff. Jan 1, 2025) eliminated mandatory safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles in Texas. You no longer need an inspection sticker.

Step 4 — Pay Registration Fees

Registration fees vary by county but are generally $50–$75 for light trucks.

Texas minimums: $30,000 bodily injury per person / $60,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage. Most standard carriers will insure kei trucks as pickup trucks or compact trucks.

Texas has the most favorable statutory environment in the country as of 2025. SB 1816's "miniature vehicle" classification removes ambiguity that previously existed in county offices.

Safety inspections were eliminated for private non-commercial vehicles effective Jan 1, 2025 (HB 3297) — you do not need an inspection sticker.

Texas allows kei trucks on all public roads, including highways. The large rural population makes kei trucks common in agricultural areas. TxDMV has historically been consistent in processing kei truck registrations.