Cobra Registration Renewal

Rockbit

Rockbit

Member
Joined
Apr 10, 2023
First Name
Chris
Last Name
Byrd
Spouse
Sheila
City
Dallas
Chapter
Dallas / Ft. Worth
I’ve seen discussions about registration renewals and thought I would share my recent experience. My Cobra is registered as an Assembled Vehicle and I live in Dallas County.

I took my renewal notice that I had received in the mail to the customer service desk at a nearby Tom Thumb. The clerked asked me if I had gotten an inspection and I replied ‘It’s exempt’. She said ok, printed my sticker, and took off the $7 inspection fee. The renewal was $68.50.
 
Tried to register my Cobra today and was denied

Told I needed emission test and inspection

Was told when I purchased that it was exempt from needing inspection
 
bwcobra15 said:
Download the Texas DMV manual for Assembled and Reconstructed Vehicles, and read Chapter 4: Kit Cars. All you answers are here:




.
Click to expand...
And then take a copy of that to the DMV with you. Organize all your documents in order. They don’t do this often so many don’t know. Mine knew there was a process, but had to make a call. She was gone for about ten minutes and came back with my registration.
 
I went through same. Registration denied because Emission test/inspection required. A Catch-22 event. No OBD port => hence NO Emission inspection => hence NO renewal. The "manual" is vague and does NOT provide a clear path to how these cars should be registered. The local TAX OFFICES are interpreting these guidelines to different individual outcomes (as noted by members). I have filed a "complaint" with the State of TX (Rep Tom Craddick - Transportation chair) and my local representatives.
 
The simple answer is: Register/title as ASVE "Custom Vehicle". One time inspection by ASE Certified Master Mechanic, then NO safety or emissions testing ever again. I just walk into the tax office, pay my registration, leave with a new window sticker.
 
Rockbit said:
I’ve seen discussions about registration renewals and thought I would share my recent experience. My Cobra is registered as an Assembled Vehicle and I live in Dallas County.

I took my renewal notice that I had received in the mail to the customer service desk at a nearby Tom Thumb. The clerked asked me if I had gotten an inspection and I replied ‘It’s exempt’. She said ok, printed my sticker, and took off the $7 inspection fee. The renewal was $68.50.
Click to expand...
I completed my Superformance III. It is an assembled vehicle. It was inspected by a certified mechanic after completion,
I used the texas dmv portal to register for 2026 and my sticker is in the mail. I live in Tarrant County
 
Recolating from Florida to Frisco. It looks like the Custom Vehcile is the best route to go, but reading conflicting instructions.

"The ASE Safety Inspection for Assembled Vehicles (Form VTR-64) is only required for assembled motor vehicles, replicas, and kit cars on initial titling of the assembled vehicles. Owners with previously titled assembled vehicles, either Texas or out of state, are not subject to the ASE inspection, unless the title is being used as evidence of ownership for a component part in a newly assembled vehicle. The Form VTR-64 is not required forassembled motorcycles, assembled trailers, or glider kits." - 1-6, 1-7, ASSEMBLED AND RECONSTRUCTED VEHICLE MANUAL

However on the Custom Vehicle license plate application, an ASE certified master tech, must inspect and sign the form - https://d3eaozktcyljdh.cloudfront.n...FZqU/1602527250/public/form_files/VTR-852.pdf

I dont have windshield wipers, 20 year old build, registered in Florida. Any guidance would be much appreciated, as I will going through this process in about 2 weeks!
 
I haven’t done this process for an out of state assembled vehicle, but the way I read it, it means “only required”, not “only allowed” or “only possible”. Assembled is the best way to register it if you can. Finding the inspector is the hardest part of the ASE inspection if your vehicle doesn’t have one already. Don’t forget in Texas you also need a VIN inspection. And you need insurance before you go to register it.
 
CoolC said:
Recolating from Florida to Frisco. It looks like the Custom Vehcile is the best route to go, but reading conflicting instructions.

"The ASE Safety Inspection for Assembled Vehicles (Form VTR-64) is only required for assembled motor vehicles, replicas, and kit cars on initial titling of the assembled vehicles. Owners with previously titled assembled vehicles, either Texas or out of state, are not subject to the ASE inspection, unless the title is being used as evidence of ownership for a component part in a newly assembled vehicle. The Form VTR-64 is not required forassembled motorcycles, assembled trailers, or glider kits." - 1-6, 1-7, ASSEMBLED AND RECONSTRUCTED VEHICLE MANUAL

However on the Custom Vehicle license plate application, an ASE certified master tech, must inspect and sign the form - https://d3eaozktcyljdh.cloudfront.n...FZqU/1602527250/public/form_files/VTR-852.pdf

I dont have windshield wipers, 20 year old build, registered in Florida. Any guidance would be much appreciated, as I will going through this process in about 2 weeks!
Click to expand...
I sort of have a 180 issue from your problem—I just moved TO Florida from Las Vegas. Getting the registration in Nevada was a little nightmare, but it got done. Then, of course, my company relocated to Miami Beach. Now, my NV sticker has expired. Any helpful guidelines getting it registered in Florida since you obviously figured out that part? Any help greatly appreciated
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top