Forum Discussion

DallasSteve's avatar
DallasSteve
Nomad II
Jun 16, 2020

Buy Register A Car While Traveling?

I'm living in my motorhome full time and I bought a Jeep to tow behind it. I'm currently in Arkansas but I want to maintain my Texas residency. I called Arkansas and they said I can't register it in Arkansas because I'm not a resident. I called Texas and I must return to Texas and have it inspected there to register it there. I don't want to return to Texas I want to go North to escape the heat.

Is there any legal way to stay on the road for 4 or 5 months without returning to Texas first? I don't want to get tickets for no plates or expired temporary plates. I may go back to Texas for a few days if there is no other option. I'm only 5 hours away, but that puts me in the heat for several more days. I have AC (2 units), but I don't like to run it 12 hours straight. Plus I'll spend several hundred dollars in extra gasoline.

19 Replies

Show More
  • DallasSteve's avatar
    DallasSteve
    Nomad II
    Jun 16, 2020
    Those are some interesting replies. I will try to research the "in transit permit" and maybe try to contact someone in Texas who is more knowledgeable about this. I'm also going to contact the dealer again.
  • RetiredRealtorR's avatar
    RetiredRealtorR
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2020
    It should be the responsibility of the dealer you bought it from to see to it that it gets properly registered.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Jun 16, 2020
    Ask for their out of state resident department (probably called something different in texas).

    Most states have accommodation for military and people working out of state who do not give up their state residency. My guess is the person you talked to isn't used to dealing with this...or they may have simply thought Arkansas is right adjacent to Texas, so why don't you just drive back. When you call back, tell them you are out of the state for the summer and won't be back, so how do you get it registered. I'm betting there is a way.
  • wanderingaimles's avatar
    wanderingaimles
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2020
    Are you using a service for your Texas mail? Can they handle DMV transactions for you?
    Dakota Post does for their clients, and I think Escapees does as well.
  • Tom_N's avatar
    Tom_N
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2020
    Ask for an "intransit permit" This will give you the credentials to take the vehicle to Texas and register there. Your choice on route you take to Texas. I did this when I purchased my motorhome in NY and registered in PA. But I drove to PA via FLORIDA for the winter. Make certain you have insurance.

About Full Time RVers

1,587 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 05, 2025