Houston has one of the largest new and used car markets in the country, spread across hundreds of dealerships from Katy to Baytown and Spring to Pearland. That’s a lot of inventory to compare, and a lot of room for add-ons and markups to slip into a deal.
Car Concierge is a licensed auto broker and car buying concierge based in Minnesota, working for buyers in Houston and across the country. We don’t take money from dealers. You pay one flat fee, and our only job is getting you the right vehicle at the best price.
How it works for Houston buyers
- Tell us what you’re looking for, your budget, and your timeline, by phone or through our contact form.
- We search dealer inventory around Houston and nationwide, and bring you the best options with real pricing.
- We negotiate the price and check the buyer’s order for markups, add-ons, and fees before you sign.
- You sign and pick up locally, or we arrange delivery through our auto transport service.
Taxes and fees for Houston car buyers
Here’s what Houston buyers should expect on a dealer purchase. Rates were checked against official sources in October 2026 and can change, so confirm with your local office before you buy.
- Sales tax: You’ll pay the flat 6.25% Texas motor vehicle sales tax, minus your trade-in. There’s no extra city or county tax on vehicles.
- How Texas taxes vehicles: Texas charges a 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax. It’s the same rate everywhere in the state, with no city or county add-on for vehicles.
- Trade-in credit: Yes. Your trade-in value comes off the taxable price dollar for dollar.
- Dealer doc fees: Texas doesn’t set a hard dollar cap. A dealer can charge up to $225 without filing anything, but must notify the state’s Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) and justify a higher fee, and has to post a notice saying the fee is not an official fee and not required by law.
- Title and registration: The title application fee is $33, and the vehicle must be titled in your name within 30 days of sale. Dealers file the paperwork for you. Paying the tax late adds a 5% penalty, or 10% after 30 days.
Registration and inspections in Harris County
Where to title: Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector.
Inspections: Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery are all emissions-testing counties. Harris County says vehicles under two years old, over 25 years old, diesels, and EVs don’t need the test. Since January 1, 2025, Texas no longer requires safety inspections for personal vehicles. A $7.50 replacement fee is added at registration instead. Emissions testing is still required in 18 counties.
Good to know in Houston
- Harris County lists the title application fee as $33 and requires filing within 30 days of purchase.
- TxTag accounts are now managed by the Harris County Toll Road Authority. Existing TxTags still work statewide, but new or replacement tags are EZ TAGs.
- Texas lemon law covers problems reported within 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Buying from another state
If you buy out of state, you pay the 6.25% use tax to your county tax office when you title the car in Texas, with credit for sales tax you already paid to the other state. We handle the logistics and make sure the dealer’s paperwork matches your home state’s rules.
What it costs
Our service is a flat fee: $900 for Standard Concierge, $1,000 with trade-in help, and $1,200 for luxury vehicles over $120,000. You’ll know the total up front. See pricing for details.
Houston car buying FAQs
You’ll pay the flat 6.25% Texas motor vehicle sales tax, minus your trade-in. There’s no extra city or county tax on vehicles.
Yes. Your trade-in value comes off the taxable price dollar for dollar.
Texas doesn’t set a hard dollar cap. A dealer can charge up to $225 without filing anything, but must notify the state’s Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) and justify a higher fee, and has to post a notice saying the fee is not an official fee and not required by law.
Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery are all emissions-testing counties. Harris County says vehicles under two years old, over 25 years old, diesels, and EVs don’t need the test.
Yes. We search dealers nationwide and can arrange delivery through our auto transport service. If you buy out of state, you pay the 6.25% use tax to your county tax office when you title the car in Texas, with credit for sales tax you already paid to the other state.
We charge a flat fee: $900 for Standard Concierge, $1,000 with trade-in help, and $1,200 for luxury vehicles over $120,000. We don’t accept dealer compensation.
Get started
Ready to buy your next vehicle in Houston without the dealership hassle? Schedule a consultation or call 612.662.7788. Want to see the other markets we serve? Browse all service areas.
Sources: Harris County Tax Office: Auto FAQ; TxDOT: How toll tags work; Texas Comptroller: Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax; Texas DPS: Vehicle inspection program changes; TxDMV: Buying or selling a vehicle.