Yes. If the applicant indicates that the vehicle is from a foreign country
and provides proof of foreign residency, a NAFTA annual permit can be issued.
The title record in the motor vehicle database does not necessarily reflect the
current vehicle owner. One exception is when a foreign carrier is apprehended and an “RPO”
application is allowed to be processed showing a “non-resident address” on the RPO license receipt.
Sales tax is a State Comptroller issue. According to that agency, sales tax
is due if the carrier is delivering their own goods. If the carrier is hauling
for hire, the sales tax is not due. Contact the State Comptroller of Public
Accounts at (800) 252-1382 or (512) 463-4600.
Yes. Submit applications to any Vehicle Titles and Registration Division
Regional Office or any of the county tax offices that issue NAFTA annual
permits. Applications must be submitted with valid evidence of insurance and
applicable fees.
From a company authorized to write liability insurance in Texas. The same
insurance requirements apply to Mexican companies and Texas companies (minimum
liability).
No. NAFTA annual permits can not be sold to apprehended vehicles. Apprehended vehicles are to be handled in the usual manner at the county tax offices and the 20% penalty for operating illegally is collected. Applicants with apprehended vehicles from Mexico that are sold Texas registration should be reminded that they can not legally operate outside of the border zones until the border moratorium is lifted by USDOT.
Not at this time. The regional offices do issue bulk permits to trucking firms. A trucking firm can place an order for permits through the regional office. The regional office prepares each receipt in the name of the firm but leaves the vehicle description blank. When the firm assigns the permit to a specific vehicle, the vehicle description is completed on the receipt and a copy of the receipt is returned to the regional office with proof of insurance. If the firm fails to provide proof of insurance information in a timely manner, the capability to obtain bulk permits is lost.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) booklets "Texas Motor Carrier Guide to Highway Safety" and "Driver and Vehicle Requirements for Commercial Transportation in Texas" cover the state requirements including: proof of vehicle registration; operating authority; motor fuel taxes; and insurance. These booklets are available at DPS Regional Offices statewide through the agency’s License and Weight Services division.
The Vehicle Titles and Registration Division (VTR) booklet entitled "General Information Covering Commercial Vehicle Operation in Texas" is a cooperative publication involving TxDOT, DPS, and the State Comptroller of Public Accounts. Copies of our booklet are available at any VTR Regional Office, VTR Headquarters, and the Motor Carrier Division.
