Texas
LegalTX
Kei trucks are street-legal and can be titled and registered for on-road use in Texas as of January 2025.
Texas allows kei trucks on all public roads. Annual safety inspections are required, and emissions testing applies in major metro counties.
Registration Status
Street Legal
Kei Vehicles can be driven on public roads.
Titleable
You can obtain a state title for a kei vehicle.
Registerable
Kei Vehicles can be registered with the state.
Inspection Required
A safety and/or emissions inspection is required.
Recent News & Politics
Keijira deep dive
Read our full coverage of Texas's situation →
- Texas Legalizes Kei Vehicles With Immediate Effect
Dallas Express ·
Gov. Abbott signed SB 1816 — unanimous in both chambers — codifying what TxDMV had been allowing administratively since 2024. Effective Sept 1, 2025.
- SB 1816 — Bill text and analysis
Texas Legislature ·
Official legislative analysis: classifies kei trucks as 'miniature vehicles,' requires the federal 25-year import rule, and mandates safety equipment.
- Everything's bigger in Texas — except the now-road-legal mini kei trucks
Texas Standard (Texas Public Radio) ·
Public radio coverage of the bipartisan win, with reporting on Lone Star Kei founder David McChristian's lobbying push.
- Texas Just Passed The Best Car Law In Years
The Autopian ·
Enthusiast perspective on SB 1816 — argues this is the cleanest legislative win for imported-car owners in a decade.
Restrictions
- Must pass state safety inspection
- Must pass emissions testing in applicable counties
How to Register a kei vehicle in Texas
- 1
Get insurance
Obtain liability insurance before visiting the DMV. See our insurance directory for companies that cover kei vehicles.
- 2
Pass required inspections
Texas requires a vehicle inspection. Take your kei vehicle to a licensed inspection station. Emissions testing is also required in certain counties.
- 3
Gather your documents
Bring to the DMV:
- Bill of Lading (proof of shipment)
- Customs Entry Summary (CBP 7501)
- EPA Form 3520-1
- NHTSA/DOT Form HS-7
- Japanese Export Certificate
- Bill of Sale
- Proof of insurance
- Inspection certificate
- 4
Visit the DMV and apply for title
Request a title application for an imported vehicle. The Japanese chassis number will serve as the VIN — clerks may need to enter it manually. If the clerk is unfamiliar with kei vehicles, ask to speak with a supervisor.
- 5
Pay fees and get plates
Pay titling fees, registration fees, and applicable sales tax. You'll receive a state title, registration card, and license plates.
For a detailed walkthrough, see our Title & Registration Guide.
Official Source
Visit your state's DMV/DOT website for the most current information on vehicle registration and titling.
Texas DMV/DOTLast verified: 2025-01
Tips for Texas
- Bring your import documents (bill of lading, customs entry, export certificate) to the DMV for titling.
- The Japanese chassis number will be used as the VIN — DMV clerks may need to enter it manually.
- Schedule your safety/emissions inspection before visiting the DMV.