Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Texas State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Personnel driving privately owned automobiles aboard the station should proceed to the Security Department Pass and Tag Office, Building 1794 (adjacent to South Gate), to register their vehicle within FIVE days after reporting aboard.

To register your vehicle, you must provide the following:

• valid driver license
• current automobile registration
• certified possession of 15-30-15 liability insurance to file for registration

All vehicles must have an annual state inspection if the state requires an inspection. Vehicles manufactured after 1967 must be equipped with seat belts. Persons may register their vehicles from 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Vehicle Registration Office located in Building 1794. Telephone: 361-961-2376.

DoD vehicle tags are no longer required.

In addition to providing vehicle registration, the Pass and Tag Office furnishes identification cards for civilian employees such as the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) Card, Flight Line access card and PROX Cards for building & flight line access. Identification cards for military personnel and their dependents are issued at ID card office, Bldg 1740. 

When a non-resident vehicle owner or operator establishes residency in Texas or enters into gainful employment (not military pay), his or her vehicle(s) may be operated for 30 days thereafter, after which time the vehicle must be registered in Texas. You must show proof of insurance and a valid inspection sticker. Active duty personnel that have out-of-state tags that have expired must be registered with the state of Texas and show proof of title.

To obtain a Texas registration, you can go to the Nueces County Courthouse on Leopard Street, 1st floor, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. You can reach them at 361-888-0459.

You will need a vehicle inspection report prior to registering you vehicle.

State Vehicle Inspections

All motor vehicles registered in Texas, including motorcycles, motor scooters and mopeds, must be inspected each year by an official motor vehicle inspection station.

Automobile insurance premiums will vary according to the type of car and individual driving record and age.

State Inspections are performed at the NAS Auto Hobby Shop. For more information call 361-961-3470 or DSN 312-861-3470.

Base Regulations

Insurance -- All drivers in the State of Texas must carry automobile insurance. Coverage must at least meet State minimum requirements.

Speed Limits --- Speed limit on Naval Air Station Corpus Christi is 30 mph; if not posted it is 20 mph and is enforced by roving police patrols equipped with radar.

Seat Belts -- Seat Belts are required at all times while driving on base. Child seats/restraints are mandatory for children under 40 pounds or under 4 years of age.

Parking -- Parking of motor vehicles is authorized only in those areas/spaces designated for parking.

If a vehicle operator (military or civilian) is stopped by Security Police for a traffic violation or routine identification check, full cooperation with the patrol officer or gate guard is required by producing any and all identification.

Pedestrians -- Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right of way. However, they should not step into crosswalks in the path of approaching vehicles when such action would require emergency braking on the part of the vehicle operator. Pedestrians must consider surface road conditions prior to entering the crosswalk. In addition any traffic violation on the station will be counted against the Texas driving record.

Vehicle Checks -- All vehicles entering or leaving NAS Corpus Christi are subject to search.

Accidents -- All motor vehicle accidents must be reported to the Security Police Desk Sergeant, Building 104, D Street, immediately, no matter how minor the accident may appear.

Registering Vehicles on Base

Personnel driving privately owned automobiles aboard the station should proceed to the Security Department Pass and Tag Office, Building 198 (adjacent to South Gate), to register their vehicle within FIVE days after reporting aboard.

To register your vehicle, you must provide the following:

• valid driver license
• current automobile registration
• certified possession of 15-30-15 liability insurance to file for registration

All vehicles must have an annual state inspection if the state requires an inspection. Vehicles manufactured after 1967 must be equipped with seat belts. Persons may register their vehicles from 6:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Vehicle Registration Office located in Building 198. Telephone: 361-961-2376.

DoD vehicle tags are no longer required.

In addition to providing vehicle registration, the Pass and Tag Office furnishes identification cards for civilian employees. Identification cards for military personnel and their dependents are issued at PSD, Bldg 1730.

All persons who reside in Texas and wish to operate a motor vehicle; automobile, motorcycle, or other self-propelled vehicle on public streets, must be licensed as either an Operator, Commercial, or Chauffeur up to Class A, B, C, and M. Motorcycle operation requires a class M license.

New residents who are properly licensed have 30 days after entry into the State to secure a Texas driver license. During this period, new residents may operate as an operator only. However, active duty military members with a valid out of state license need not apply for a Texas driver license.

The Department of Public Safety maintains an office at 3506 Twin River Blvd, which is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays to assist persons desiring a Texas Driver License. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age unless they present a school enrollment verification Form Number PPD043 along with a certificate showing completion of an approved driver education course. For more information, call 361-879-4500.

To obtain a driver license, you must have:

• A valid driver license from another state. If you don't have a valid license, you will need to take the complete written test, the road test, and the vision test.
• If you have no license, you must show Birth Certificate for verification of name and date of birth. If your name has changed, bring proof of the name change, i.e. marriage license.
• Show your original Social Security Card. (Forms to secure a new card or have a name change on the Social Security card are available at the Family Service Center). The forms are mailed to the Social Security Administration office by the person requesting such actions.

Texas Vehicle Registration

When a non-resident vehicle owner or operator establishes residency in Texas or enters into gainful employment (not military pay), his or her vehicle(s) may be operated for 30 days thereafter, after which time the vehicle must be registered in Texas. You must show proof of insurance and a valid inspection sticker. Active duty personnel that have out-of-state tags that have expired must be registered with the state of Texas and show proof of title.

To obtain a Texas registration, you can go to the Nueces County Courthouse on Leopard Street, 1st floor, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. You can reach them at 361-888-0459.

You will need a vehicle inspection report prior to registering you vehicle.

State Vehicle Inspections

All motor vehicles registered in Texas, including motorcycles, motor scooters and mopeds, must be inspected each year by an official motor vehicle inspection station.

Automobile insurance premiums will vary according to the type of car and individual driving record and age.

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 5 years of age and 36" in height be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.