Texas
LegalTX
Kei trucks are street-legal and can be titled and registered for on-road use in Texas as of September 2026.
Texas is the cleanest yes in the country. SB 1816, signed in 2025 and effective 1 September 2025, created a “miniature vehicle” classification in the Transportation Code and recognises kei trucks as motor vehicles, replacing the county-by-county interpretations that came before. The vehicle must be at least 25 years old to qualify, so in 2026 that means a 2001 or earlier build. Registration is still administered by the county tax assessor-collector, but the rule is now statewide rather than local discretion.
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/DOTTexas DMV/DOTLast verified: September 2026 · this month
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.
Kei dealers & importers in Texas
Kei rules in nearby states
Legality changes at the state line, and often dramatically. If you are close to a border, or shopping across one, these are Texas’s neighbours.