Vehicle Registration
Cars in Montgomery County Need Emissions Testing First
Montgomery County is in the Houston area emissions testing program, so most vehicles must pass an emissions test before you can register them.
Texas uses a system called Two Steps, One Sticker. Step one is passing a vehicle emissions inspection. Step two is paying your registration fee to the county tax office. Both steps must be completed for your registration to be renewed. Montgomery County is part of the greater Houston area, which requires an emissions check.
New residents have 30 days to register their out-of-state vehicle in Texas. After that, late fees apply. Your county tax assessor-collector handles registration. Check the TxDMV new-to-Texas page at txdmv.gov for the current process or find an inspection station near you.
Source to confirm: TxDMV — New to Texas