reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 520.001. Definitions

Sec. 520.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Board" means the board of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
(2)  "Department" means the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933 (H.B. 3097), Sec. 2H.01, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 85, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 41, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 520.003. Rules; Fees; Refunds

Sec. 520.003.  RULES; FEES; REFUNDS.  (a)  The department may adopt rules to administer this chapter, including rules that:
(1)  waive the payment of fees if a dealer has gone out of business and the applicant can show that fees were paid to the dealer; and
(2)  allow full and partial refunds for rejected titling and registration transactions.
(b)  The department may collect from a person making a transaction with the department using the state electronic Internet portal project a fee set under Section 2054.2591, Government Code.  All fees collected under this subsection shall be allocated to the department to provide for the department's costs associated with administering Section 2054.2591, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 30, eff. September 1, 2011.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 224, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 86, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 520.004. Department Responsibilities

Sec. 520.004.  DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES.  The department has jurisdiction over the registration and titling of, and the issuance of license plates to, motor vehicles in compliance with the applicable statutes.  The department by rule:
(1)  shall provide services that are reasonable, adequate, and efficient;
(2)  shall establish standards for uniformity and service quality for counties and dealers licensed under Section 520.005;
(3)  may conduct public service education campaigns related to the department's functions; and
(4)  shall establish a risk-based system of monitoring and preventing fraudulent activity related to vehicle registration and titling in order to efficiently allocate resources and personnel.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 30, eff. September 1, 2011.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 4.01, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 520.005. Duty and Responsibilities of County Assessor-Collector

Sec. 520.005.  DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF COUNTY ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR.  (a)  Each county assessor-collector shall comply with Chapter 501.
(b)  An assessor-collector who fails or refuses to comply with Chapter 501 is liable on the assessor-collector's official bond for resulting damages suffered by any person.
(c)  Notwithstanding the requirements of Section 520.0071, the assessor-collector may license franchised and non-franchised motor vehicle dealers to title and register motor vehicles in accordance with rules adopted under Section 520.004.  The county assessor-collector may pay a fee to a motor vehicle dealer independent of or as part of the portion of the fees that would be collected by the county for each title and registration receipt issued.
(d)  Each county assessor-collector shall process a registration renewal through an online system designated by the department.
(e)  Each county assessor-collector shall make available to motor vehicle dealers the electronic system designed by the department that allows a motor vehicle dealer to submit a title and registration application online in the name of the purchaser of a motor vehicle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 501.137 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 31, eff. September 1, 2011.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 501.137 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 225, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 87, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 42, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 4.02, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 520.0055. Duties of Motor Vehicle Dealers

Text of section effective on July 01, 2025
Sec. 520.0055.  DUTIES OF MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERS.  A motor vehicle dealer shall use the electronic system designed by the department and made available by a county assessor-collector under Section 520.005 to submit a title and registration application in the name of the purchaser of a motor vehicle.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 29, eff. July 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 520.006. Collection of Fees on Behalf of Another Assessor-Collector; Compensation of Assessor-Collector

Sec. 520.006.  COLLECTION OF FEES ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR; COMPENSATION OF ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR.  (a)  A county assessor-collector shall retain an amount determined by the board under Section 502.1911 for each receipt issued under Chapter 502.
(a-1)  A county assessor-collector collecting fees on behalf of another county assessor-collector for purposes of Section 501.023, 501.0234, 501.030, 502.0023, 502.040, or 502.041 shall collect all taxes, fees, and other revenue based on the vehicle owner's county of residence.  The vehicle owner's county of residence shall be the recipient of all taxes, fees, and other revenue collected as a result of the transaction, except that the county processing the application may retain the portion of the title application fee under Section 501.138 and the processing and handling fee under Section 502.1911 that the tax assessor-collector is authorized to retain.
(b)  A county assessor-collector who is compensated under this section for processing a transaction shall pay the entire expense of issuing registration receipts and license plates under Chapter 501 or 502 from the compensation allowed under this section.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.44(b), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.109 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 32, eff. September 1, 2011.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.109 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 226, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 161 (S.B. 1093), Sec. 20.015, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 88, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 43.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 968 (S.B. 2075), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 592 (S.B. 876), Sec. 8, eff. March 1, 2022.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 592 (S.B. 876), Sec. 9, eff. March 1, 2022.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 520.0061. Contracts Between Counties

Sec. 520.0061.  CONTRACTS BETWEEN COUNTIES.  (a)  A county tax assessor-collector, with approval of the commissioners court of the county by order, may enter into an agreement with one or more counties to perform mail-in or online registration or titling duties.
(b)  A contract entered into under Subsection (a) may be terminated by a county that is a party to the contract.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 89, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 520.007. County Branch Offices

Sec. 520.007.  COUNTY BRANCH OFFICES.  (a)  The commissioners court of a county may authorize the county assessor-collector to:
(1)  establish a suboffice or branch office for vehicle registration at one or more locations in the county other than the county courthouse; or
(2)  appoint a deputy to register vehicles in the same manner and with the same authority as though done in the office of the assessor-collector.
(b)  The report of vehicles registered through a suboffice or branch office shall be made through the office of the county assessor-collector.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.111 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 227, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 520.0071. Deputies

Sec. 520.0071.  DEPUTIES.  (a) The board by rule shall prescribe:
(1)  the classification types of deputies performing titling and registration duties;
(2)  the duties and obligations of deputies;
(3)  the type and amount of any bonds that may be required by a county assessor-collector for a deputy to perform titling and registration duties; and
(4)  the fees that may be charged or retained by deputies.
(b)  A county assessor-collector, with the approval of the commissioners court of the county, may deputize an individual or business entity to perform titling and registration services in accordance with rules adopted under Subsection (a).
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 90, eff. September 1, 2013.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 44, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 520.0072. Liability of County Tax Assessor-Collector for Certain Acts of Deputies

Sec. 520.0072.  LIABILITY OF COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR FOR CERTAIN ACTS OF DEPUTIES.  Notwithstanding any other law, a county tax assessor-collector may not be held liable for an offense or damages arising from the misuse of license plates or other fraudulent activity related to vehicle registration and titling by an individual or business entity deputized by the county tax assessor-collector to perform titling services in accordance with rules adopted under Section 520.0071(a).
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 541 (H.B. 3860), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 520.0075. Contracting Standards for Tax Assessor-Collector

Sec. 520.0075.  CONTRACTING STANDARDS FOR TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR.  (a)  In this section, "deputy" means a deputy classified as a full service deputy by a board rule adopted under Section 520.0071.
(b)  Notwithstanding Section 262.023, Local Government Code, a county tax assessor-collector who awards a contract to a deputy for the performance of registration and titling services must comply with standard state contracting practices as if the county tax assessor-collector were a state agency, including requirements related to:
(1)  purchase methods and competitive bidding under Sections 2155.062 and 2155.063, Government Code;
(2)  determining the best value for the county under Sections 2155.074, 2155.075, and 2155.0755, Government Code;
(3)  contracting standards and oversight under Chapter 2261, Government Code; and
(4)  contract management under Chapter 2262, Government Code.
(c)  A contract described by Subsection (b) must:
(1)  specify an expiration date and renewal or extension terms for the contract; and
(2)  include performance criteria and measures necessary to evaluate the performance of the deputy under the contract.
(d)  A county tax assessor-collector shall monitor and evaluate the performance of a deputy awarded a contract described by this section and use that information in determining whether to renew or extend the contract or award a new contract.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 4.03, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 520.0093. Lease of Computer Equipment

Sec. 520.0093.  LEASE OF COMPUTER EQUIPMENT.  (a)  The department may lease equipment and provide related services to a:
(1)  county for the operation of the automated registration and titling system in addition to the equipment provided by the department at no cost to the county under a formula prescribed by the department; and
(2)  deputy appointed under Section 520.0071.
(b)  On the request of the tax assessor-collector of a county, the department may enter into an agreement with the commissioners court of that county under which the department leases additional equipment to the county for the use of the tax assessor-collector in operating the automated registration and titling system in that county.
(b-1)  On the request of a deputy appointed under Section 520.0071, the department may enter into an agreement under which the department leases equipment to the deputy for the use of the deputy in operating the automated registration and titling system.  The department may require the deputy to post a bond in an amount equal to the value of the equipment.
(c)  A county may install equipment leased under this section at offices of the county or of an agent of the county.  A deputy appointed under Section 520.0071 may install equipment leased under this section on the premises described in the agreement.
(d)  Equipment leased under this section:
(1)  remains the property of the department; and
(2)  must be used primarily for the automated registration and titling system.
(e)  Under the agreement, the department shall charge an amount not less than the amount of the cost to the department to provide the equipment and any related services under the lease.  All money collected under the lease shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund.
Redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 520.002 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 232, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 91, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 92, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 520.010. Audit and Investigation Related to Registration and Titling Services

Sec. 520.010.  AUDIT AND INVESTIGATION RELATED TO REGISTRATION AND TITLING SERVICES.  (a)  The department may:
(1)  audit or perform a compliance review of a person performing registration or titling services;
(2)  investigate any provision of state functions related to registration or titling; and
(3)  access any records needed to conduct the audit, compliance review, or investigation.
(b)  A county tax assessor-collector may:
(1)  audit, perform a compliance review of, or investigate a person providing registration or titling services in the county in which the assessor-collector is located; and
(2)  access any records needed to conduct the audit, compliance review, or investigation.
(c)  The department's authority under Subsection (a) is not limited by a similar audit, compliance review, or investigation conducted by a county tax assessor-collector under Subsection (b).
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 4.03, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 520.011. Audit of County Tax Assessor-Collector

Sec. 520.011.  AUDIT OF COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR.  The comptroller, in coordination with the department, may include, as part of the comptroller's regular audits of state revenue collection by county tax assessor-collector offices, the review of processes relating to a county's collection and remittance of revenue included in an audit.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 4.03, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 520.015. Information Consolidation Study

Sec. 520.015.  INFORMATION CONSOLIDATION STUDY.  (a)  In consultation with the Department of Public Safety, the department shall conduct a study on the consolidation of similar information that is collected separately by each agency. The study should include recommendations that sufficiently protect the privacy of the public and the security and integrity of information provided.
(b)  The study must be completed not later than September 1, 2012.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 234, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 520.016. General Penalty

Sec. 520.016.  GENERAL PENALTY.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person violates this subchapter in a manner for which a specific penalty is not provided.
(b)  An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $200.
(c)  This section does not apply to a violation of Section 520.006 or a rule adopted under Section 520.0071.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 520.036 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 235, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 93, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 46, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter C. Automated Registration and Titling System › Section 520.021. Rules and Policies

Sec. 520.021.  RULES AND POLICIES.  The department may adopt rules and policies for the maintenance and use of the department's automated registration and titling system.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 4.04, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter C. Automated Registration and Titling System › Section 520.022. Access to System

Sec. 520.022.  ACCESS TO SYSTEM.  The department has the sole authority to determine access to the department's automated registration and titling system.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 4.04, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter C. Automated Registration and Titling System › Section 520.023. Training

Sec. 520.023.  TRAINING.  (a)  The department shall implement a training program providing information on the:
(1)  department's automated registration and titling system; and
(2)  identification of fraudulent activity related to vehicle registration and titling.
(b)  The department shall require a person performing registration or titling services to complete the training under Subsection (a).
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 4.04, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter E. Motor Vehicle Title Services › Section 520.051. Definitions

Sec. 520.051.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Motor vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 501.002.
(2)  "Motor vehicle title service" means any person that for compensation directly or indirectly assists other persons in obtaining title documents by submitting, transmitting, or sending applications for title documents to the appropriate government agencies.
(3)  "Title documents" means motor vehicle title applications, motor vehicle registration renewal applications, motor vehicle mechanic's lien title applications, motor vehicle storage lien title applications, motor vehicle temporary registration permits, motor vehicle title application transfers occasioned by the death of the title holder, or notifications under Chapter 683 of this code or Chapter 70, Property Code.
(4)  "Title service license holder" means a person who holds a motor vehicle title service license or a title service runner's license.
(5)  "Title service record" means the written or electronic record for each transaction in which a motor vehicle title service receives compensation.
(6)  "Title service runner" means any person employed by a licensed motor vehicle title service to submit or present title documents to the county tax assessor-collector.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1478, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 236, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter E. Motor Vehicle Title Services › Section 520.052. Applicability

Sec. 520.052.  APPLICABILITY.  This subchapter applies to any motor vehicle title service operating in a county:
(1)  that has a population of more than 500,000;  or
(2)  in which the commissioners court by order has adopted this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1478, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 448, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter E. Motor Vehicle Title Services › Section 520.053. License Required

Sec. 520.053.  LICENSE REQUIRED.  A person may not act as a motor vehicle title service or act as an agent for that business unless that person holds a license issued under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1478, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter E. Motor Vehicle Title Services › Section 520.054. General License Application Requirements

Sec. 520.054.  GENERAL LICENSE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.  (a)  An applicant for a motor vehicle title service license must apply on a form prescribed by the county tax assessor-collector.  The application form must be signed by the applicant and accompanied by the application fee.
(b)  An application must include:
(1)  the applicant's name, business address, and business telephone number;
(2)  the name under which the applicant will do business;
(3)  the physical address of each office from which the applicant will conduct business;
(4)  a statement indicating whether the applicant has previously applied for a license under this subchapter, the result of the previous application, and whether the applicant has ever been the holder of a license under this subchapter that was revoked or suspended;
(5)  information from the applicant as required by the county tax assessor-collector to establish the business reputation and character of the applicant;
(6)  the applicant's federal tax identification number;
(7)  the applicant's state sales tax number;  and
(8)  any other information required by rules adopted under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1478, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter E. Motor Vehicle Title Services › Section 520.055. Application Requirements: Corporation

Sec. 520.055.  APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:  CORPORATION.  In addition to the information required in Section 520.054, an applicant for a motor vehicle title service license that intends to engage in business as a corporation shall submit the following information:
(1)  the state of incorporation;
(2)  the name, address, date of birth, and social security number of each of the principal owners and directors of the corporation;
(3)  information about each officer and director as required by the county tax assessor-collector to establish the business reputation and character of the applicant;  and
(4)  a statement indicating whether an employee, officer, or director has been refused a motor vehicle title service license or a title service runner's license or has been the holder of a license that was revoked or suspended.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1478, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter E. Motor Vehicle Title Services › Section 520.056. Application Requirements: Partnership

Sec. 520.056.  APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:  PARTNERSHIP.  In addition to the information required in Section 520.054, a motor vehicle title service license applicant that intends to engage in business as a partnership shall submit an application that includes the following information:
(1)  the name, address, date of birth, and social security number of each partner;
(2)  information about each partner as required by the county tax assessor-collector to establish the business reputation and character of the applicant;  and
(3)  a statement indicating whether a partner or employee has been refused a motor vehicle title service license or a title service runner's license or has been the holder of a license that was revoked or suspended.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1478, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter E. Motor Vehicle Title Services › Section 520.057. Records

Sec. 520.057.  RECORDS.  (a)  A holder of a motor vehicle title service license shall maintain records as required by this section on a form prescribed and made available by the county tax assessor-collector for each transaction in which the license holder receives compensation.  The records shall include:
(1)  the date of the transaction;
(2)  the name, age, address, sex, driver's license number, and a legible photocopy of the driver's license for each customer;  and
(3)  the license plate number, vehicle identification number, and a legible photocopy of proof of financial responsibility for the motor vehicle involved.
(b)  A motor vehicle title service shall keep:
(1)  two copies of all records required under this section for at least two years after the date of the transaction;
(2)  legible photocopies of any documents submitted by a customer;  and
(3)  legible photocopies of any documents submitted to the county tax assessor-collector.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1478, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter E. Motor Vehicle Title Services › Section 520.058. Inspection of Records

Sec. 520.058.  INSPECTION OF RECORDS.  A motor vehicle title service license holder or any of its employees shall allow an inspection of records required under Section 520.057 by a peace officer on the premises of the motor vehicle title service at any reasonable time to verify, check, or audit the records.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1478, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter E. Motor Vehicle Title Services › Section 520.059. Denial, Suspension, or Revocation of License

Sec. 520.059.  DENIAL, SUSPENSION, OR REVOCATION OF LICENSE.  (a)  The county tax assessor-collector may deny, suspend, revoke, or reinstate a license issued under this subchapter.
(b)  The county tax assessor-collector shall adopt rules that establish grounds for the denial, suspension, revocation, or reinstatement of a license and rules that establish procedures for disciplinary action.  Procedures issued under this subchapter are subject to Chapter 2001, Government Code.
(c)  A person whose license is revoked may not apply for a new license before the first anniversary of the date of the revocation.
(d)  A license may not be issued under a fictitious name that is similar to or may be confused with the name of a governmental entity or that is deceptive or misleading to the public.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1478, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter E. Motor Vehicle Title Services › Section 520.060. License Renewal

Sec. 520.060.  LICENSE RENEWAL.  (a)  A license issued under this subchapter expires on the first anniversary of the date of issuance and may be renewed annually on or before the expiration date on payment of the required renewal fee.
(b)  A person who is otherwise eligible to renew a license may renew an unexpired license by paying to the county tax assessor-collector before the expiration date of the license the required renewal fee.  A person whose license has expired may not engage in activities that require a license until the license has been renewed under this section.
(c)  If a person's license has been expired for 90 days or less, the person may renew the license by paying to the county tax assessor-collector 1-1/2 times the required renewal fee.
(d)  If a person's license has been expired for longer than 90 days but less than one year, the person may renew the license by paying to the county tax assessor-collector two times the required renewal fee.
(e)  If a person's license has been expired for one year or longer, the person may not renew the license.  The person may obtain a new license by complying with the requirements and procedures for obtaining an original license.
(f)  Notwithstanding Subsection (e), if a person was licensed in this state, moved to another state, and has been doing business in the other state for the two years preceding application, the person may renew an expired license.  The person must pay to the county tax assessor-collector a fee that is equal to two times the required renewal fee for the license.
(g)  Before the 30th day preceding the date on which a person's license expires, the county tax assessor-collector shall notify the person of the impending expiration.  The notice must be in writing and sent to the person's last known address according to the records of the county tax assessor-collector.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1478, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter E. Motor Vehicle Title Services › Section 520.061. Criminal Penalty

Sec. 520.061.  CRIMINAL PENALTY.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person violates this subchapter or a rule adopted by the county tax assessor-collector under this subchapter.
(b)  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1478, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter E. Motor Vehicle Title Services › Section 520.062. Injunction

Sec. 520.062.  INJUNCTION.  (a)  A district attorney of the county in which the motor vehicle title service is located may bring an action to enjoin the operation of a motor vehicle title service if the motor vehicle title service license holder or a runner of the motor vehicle title service while in the scope of the runner's employment is convicted of more than one offense under this subchapter.
(b)  If the court grants relief under Subsection (a), the court may:
(1)  enjoin the person from maintaining or participating in the business of a motor vehicle title service for a period of time as determined by the court;  or
(2)  declare the place where the person's business is located to be closed for any use relating to the business of the motor vehicle title service for as long as the person is enjoined from participating in that business.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1478, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 520 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subchapter E. Motor Vehicle Title Services › Section 520.063. Exemptions

Sec. 520.063.  EXEMPTIONS.  The following persons and their agents are exempt from the licensing and other requirements established by this subchapter:
(1)  a franchised motor vehicle dealer or independent motor vehicle dealer who holds a general distinguishing number issued by the department under Chapter 503;
(2)  a vehicle lessor holding a license issued by the department under Chapter 2301, Occupations Code, or a trust or other entity that is specifically not required to obtain a lessor license under Section 2301.254(a) of that code; and
(3)  a vehicle lease facilitator holding a license issued by the department under Chapter 2301, Occupations Code.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1478, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.832, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 276 (H.B. 3514), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle B - Driver's Licenses and Personal Identification Cards › Chapter 521 - Driver's Licenses and Certificates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 521.0015. Statutory References

Text of section effective on June 10, 2019, but only if the report required by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 595 (S.B. 616), Sec. 6.005, is not submitted within the period prescribed by that section.
Sec. 521.0015.  STATUTORY REFERENCES.  A statutory reference to the Department of Public Safety means the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles if the statutory reference concerns:
(1)  the administration of the programs established by this chapter, Chapter 522, and other law that license a person to operate a motor vehicle, as defined by Section 501.002, or a commercial motor vehicle, as defined by Section 522.003, in this state; or
(2)  the administration of Chapter 521A.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 595 (S.B. 616), Sec. 6.003, eff. June 10, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle B - Driver's Licenses and Personal Identification Cards › Chapter 521 - Driver's Licenses and Certificates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 521.002. Convenience to Public

Sec. 521.002.  CONVENIENCE TO PUBLIC.  The department shall implement its duties under this chapter in the manner that provides the greatest convenience to the public.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle B - Driver's Licenses and Personal Identification Cards › Chapter 521 - Driver's Licenses and Certificates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 521.003. Enrollment and Attendance Verification

Sec. 521.003.  ENROLLMENT AND ATTENDANCE VERIFICATION.  The Texas Education Agency shall design a standard form for use by public and private schools to verify a student's enrollment and attendance for purposes of this chapter.  The form must be approved by the department.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 16.003, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle B - Driver's Licenses and Personal Identification Cards › Chapter 521 - Driver's Licenses and Certificates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 521.004. Penal Code References

Sec. 521.004.  PENAL CODE REFERENCES.  In this chapter:
(1)  a reference to an offense under Section 49.04, Penal Code, includes an offense under Article 6701l-1, Revised Statutes, as that law existed immediately before September 1, 1994;
(2)  a reference to an offense under Section 49.07, Penal Code:
(A)  means only an offense under that section involving the operation of a motor vehicle;  and
(B)  includes an offense under Section 6701l-1, Revised Statutes, as that law existed immediately before September 1, 1994;  and
(3)  a reference to an offense under Section 49.08, Penal Code:
(A)  means only an offense under that section involving the operation of a motor vehicle;  and
(B)  includes an offense under Section 19.05(a)(2), Penal Code, as that law existed immediately before September 1, 1994.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle B - Driver's Licenses and Personal Identification Cards › Chapter 521 - Driver's Licenses and Certificates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 521.005. Rulemaking Authority

Sec. 521.005.  RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.  The department may adopt rules necessary to administer this chapter.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.72, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle B - Driver's Licenses and Personal Identification Cards › Chapter 521 - Driver's Licenses and Certificates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 521.006. Advertising in Driver's Handbook and Driver's License Mailings

Sec. 521.006.  ADVERTISING IN DRIVER'S HANDBOOK AND DRIVER'S LICENSE MAILINGS.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the department may sell advertising for inclusion in:
(1)  any driver's handbook that the department publishes; and
(2)  any mailing the department makes in connection with a driver's license.
(b)  The department shall deposit the proceeds from the advertising to the credit of the driver's license administration advertising account.  The driver's license administration advertising account is an account in the general revenue fund that may be appropriated only for the purpose of administration of this chapter.
(c)  The department may not include in the driver's handbook or a driver's license mailing advertising for an alcoholic beverage or a product promoting alcoholic beverages.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 154 (S.B. 1084), Sec. 1, eff. May 21, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle B - Driver's Licenses and Personal Identification Cards › Chapter 521 - Driver's Licenses and Certificates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 521.0061. Advertising Inside Driver's License Offices

Sec. 521.0061.  ADVERTISING INSIDE DRIVER'S LICENSE OFFICES.  The department may enter into an agreement with a public or private entity for a digital message display system to promote department information or news items of general interest in a publicly accessible area of a driver's license office.  For the purpose of funding the system, a portion of the information displayed on the system may consist of digital advertisements. The department may review and has the right to reject any proposed advertising to be displayed on a system.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 485 (H.B. 1542), Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle B - Driver's Licenses and Personal Identification Cards › Chapter 521 - Driver's Licenses and Certificates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 521.0062. Information on Driving With Autism

Sec. 521.0062.  INFORMATION ON DRIVING WITH AUTISM.  The department may make available, in a publicly accessible area of a driver's license office, informational materials and videos on driving with autism that are developed by an appropriate entity, as determined by the department.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 90 (H.B. 1434), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle B - Driver's Licenses and Personal Identification Cards › Chapter 521 - Driver's Licenses and Certificates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 521.0063. Information on Bone Marrow Donation

Sec. 521.0063.  INFORMATION ON BONE MARROW DONATION.  The department may make available, in a publicly accessible area of a driver's license office, informational materials and videos on bone marrow donation that are developed by an appropriate entity, as determined by the department.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1078 (H.B. 3359), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
Redesignated from Transportation Code, Section 521.0062 by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 467 (H.B. 4170), Sec. 21.001(67), eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle B - Driver's Licenses and Personal Identification Cards › Chapter 521 - Driver's Licenses and Certificates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 521.007. Temporary Visitor Stations

Sec. 521.007.  TEMPORARY VISITOR STATIONS.  (a)  The department shall designate as temporary visitor stations certain driver's license offices.
(b)  A driver's license office designated as a temporary visitor station under this section must have at least two staff members who have completed specialized training on the temporary visitor issuance guide published by the department.
(c)  A driver's license office designated as a temporary visitor station shall provide information and assistance to other driver's license offices in the state.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 4 (S.B. 1), Sec. 72.01, eff. September 28, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle B - Driver's Licenses and Personal Identification Cards › Chapter 521 - Driver's Licenses and Certificates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 521.008. Voluntary Contributions

Sec. 521.008.  VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS.  (a)  When a person applies for an original, renewal, corrected, or duplicate driver's license or personal identification certificate under this chapter, the person may contribute $1 or more to the following:
(1)  the Glenda Dawson Donate Life-Texas Registry fund created under Section 692A.020, Health and Safety Code, to be used for the purposes of the nonprofit organization administering the Glenda Dawson Donate Life-Texas Registry under Chapter 692A, Health and Safety Code;
(2)  the fund for veterans' assistance established under Section 434.017, Government Code;
(3)  the evidence testing account established under Section 772.00716, Government Code, to be used for the purposes of the evidence testing grant program established under Section 772.00715, Government Code;
(4)  the Blindness Education, Screening, and Treatment Program established under Section 91.027, Human Resources Code; or
(5)  the identification fee exemption account established under Section 521.4265.
(b)  The department shall:
(1)  include space on each application for an original, renewal, corrected, or duplicate driver's license or personal identification certificate that allows a person applying for an original, renewal, corrected, or duplicate driver's license or personal identification certificate to indicate that the person is voluntarily contributing $1 to the designated fund, account, or program, as applicable; and
(2)  provide an opportunity for the person to contribute $1 to the designated fund, account, or program, as applicable, during the application process for an original, renewal, corrected, or duplicate driver's license or personal identification certificate on the department's Internet website.
(c)  The department shall remit any contribution made under this section to the comptroller for deposit to the credit of the designated fund, account, or program, as applicable.  Before sending the money to the comptroller, the department may deduct money equal to the amount of reasonable expenses for administering this section, not to exceed five percent of the money collected under this section.
(d)  The organization described by Subsection (a)(1) shall submit an annual report to the director of the department that includes the total dollar amount of contributions received by the organization under this section.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 121 (S.B. 1815), Sec. 3, eff. May 18, 2013.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1261 (H.B. 3283), Sec. 3, eff. January 1, 2016.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 614 (H.B. 3798), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.