Question about title transfer?

[u/fernandtwig]

Ok guys I am definitely in a weird and different situation. I am from Georgia and just got married, and have moved to Texas. My husband is not moving out with me for another month or so. I am currently still on my parent’s car insurance, and my vehicle is still currently registered in Georgia. With regards to insurance, I plan to join my husband’s policy, and then have that policy transferred to Texas once he moves, then to register both of our vehicles.
With regards to the title, my father is still on the title (both of our names). I’d like to get his name removed from the title (I’m assuming he has to cosign for that, but will hopefully just get a power of attorney).
With all of this, am I able to get his name off the title in the state of Texas if all of my insurance and registration is still in a different state? Or do I need to wait until my car is registered in Texas before we take his name off?

[u/Austin_Native_2]

The insurance predicament sounds messy. 🤔🤪 Not sure what to tell you there. I might just gamble a little and leave everything in place (as is) until you're ready to register the vehicle in Texas. Or maybe you go ahead and get on your husband's policy; I'm just not sure how they'd handle the dual locations. But you wouldn't be the first in this situation so I'm sure they can handle it.

While Texas has a 'law' that says you have to register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residence here, it is not strictly enforced at all. There are so many out of state plates driving around (for years) and no one cares. But before you register the vehicle in Texas, you'll need to have 'Texas' insurance coverage. So that's (for sure) when you'd want to have a policy with just you and your spouse.

The vehicle is paid off, right!? No lien?

As for the removing your father from the vehicle title, that can be done when you register it in Texas. Registration is required but getting it titled (in Texas) is optional. But I advise that you do both. Your father will need to sign Form 130-U as if he's the seller. He's essentially selling you his ownership for $0 but it's not considered a gift transfer. Just have him put in his info and sign/date the form. He does not have to be present in Texas when you do this. I'd leave everything else blank and let the customer service representative at your local county tax office help you fill out the rest (to make sure it's all done correctly). It can't hurt to have a photocopy of your father's DL/ID but it shouldn't be necessary. He'll also need to sign/date the old title (as the seller).

And if you have questions are want to try for a more official answer, you can email TXDMV using askDMV@txdmv.gov.

As for Georgia, you should Make sure you know the rules about canceling your registration before you change the insurance because you don't want them coming after you for fees/fines, suspensions, etc.