After placing an order for a MYLR I scoured the groups and network for the delivery process in Texas. Nothing was consistent in what has happened to others, but here is my experience that I am sharing to hopefully save any frustration for Texas new Tesla buyers:
1. MY LR (dark blue, hitch, white interior, FSD, hitch). Order placed April 26th. VIN received May 28. That's when things really start happening. No plan to finance, but I had a trade, which I had already accepted the offer for (saying the value was good until May 30).
2. Immediate request online from Tesla was insurance, which I could do online and right away. Had to upload that to Tesla. Several other items were communicated from Tesla's 3rd party handling the trade-in. Bottom line is I brought nothing but the vehicle and 2 sets of keys to the Tesla showroom. I'd already fedex'd the signed title and other paperwork as well as emailed a copy to them. Also used their "PLAID" service to ACH the balance owed on the vehicle.
3. Delivery was pretty painless. They called to set an appointment, and we selected noon one day during the week at the Houston Westheimer service center. Delivery took about half an hour. I inquired to the agent about the title application process, and he said I'd get a packet in the mail in a few weeks with all the necessary paperwork. They put a 30 day tag on the MY (although it actually would expire Aug 1 for some reason, even though the receipt said Jul 1).
4. Fedex envelope received yesterday with the necessary documentation for the title, along with a service called "The Title Girl." Seemed pretty straightforward, but I elected to call my local tax office yesterday and ensure I could take care of it myself. I did that today and it took about 30 minutes plus a bit of driving to/from.
5. In Texas - as others on these forums state - Tesla cannot sell directly within the state as a dealer. So essentially it's somewhat like buying a used car as far as registration goes. Here is what I learned at the tax office:
1. Easiest to have the person who is registering present. Not doing that is possible, but everything must be signed and in good order. Along with a copy of the Texas DL.
2. The odometer disclosure that Tesla sent (on a Texas form) was invalid because Tesla is not a dealer in Texas. So instead, the backside of the certificate of origin (the one with Elon's signature) has to be signed by the buyer.
3. Fees are currently 6.25% on the balance of the purchase price, less trade in, plus a handful of misc fees totaling about $100. They take personal checks.
4. If you want any specialty plates, that's the best time to apply - right at the tax office.
5. Tax office will give you a new temp plate (have 48 hours to swap it), a windshield sticker (with Tesla's date on it - which was May - and only for 1 year unlike cars you buy at the dealership which have 2 years), and your receipts.
6. Must have a copy of the insurance card at the tax office.
Other "newbie" items - was very happy to have ordered and had a wall charger installed at my house prior to delivery. The installation ran $400 and I used one of Tesla's preferred electricians - it took the electrician 20 minutes and he wired it hot. Now I charge at 48A/240V to get 11.5KW. Very pleased with the plastic floor mats Tesla sells - these are Weathertech ones with Tesla's brand on them. I also had full 30% nano-ceramic tint applied to all windows (except the front) and the roof - the very next day after delivery. Tint World did this and did a fantastic job. I cannot stress how hot the sun felt just on the 10 minute drive to the tint place.
1. MY LR (dark blue, hitch, white interior, FSD, hitch). Order placed April 26th. VIN received May 28. That's when things really start happening. No plan to finance, but I had a trade, which I had already accepted the offer for (saying the value was good until May 30).
2. Immediate request online from Tesla was insurance, which I could do online and right away. Had to upload that to Tesla. Several other items were communicated from Tesla's 3rd party handling the trade-in. Bottom line is I brought nothing but the vehicle and 2 sets of keys to the Tesla showroom. I'd already fedex'd the signed title and other paperwork as well as emailed a copy to them. Also used their "PLAID" service to ACH the balance owed on the vehicle.
3. Delivery was pretty painless. They called to set an appointment, and we selected noon one day during the week at the Houston Westheimer service center. Delivery took about half an hour. I inquired to the agent about the title application process, and he said I'd get a packet in the mail in a few weeks with all the necessary paperwork. They put a 30 day tag on the MY (although it actually would expire Aug 1 for some reason, even though the receipt said Jul 1).
4. Fedex envelope received yesterday with the necessary documentation for the title, along with a service called "The Title Girl." Seemed pretty straightforward, but I elected to call my local tax office yesterday and ensure I could take care of it myself. I did that today and it took about 30 minutes plus a bit of driving to/from.
5. In Texas - as others on these forums state - Tesla cannot sell directly within the state as a dealer. So essentially it's somewhat like buying a used car as far as registration goes. Here is what I learned at the tax office:
1. Easiest to have the person who is registering present. Not doing that is possible, but everything must be signed and in good order. Along with a copy of the Texas DL.
2. The odometer disclosure that Tesla sent (on a Texas form) was invalid because Tesla is not a dealer in Texas. So instead, the backside of the certificate of origin (the one with Elon's signature) has to be signed by the buyer.
3. Fees are currently 6.25% on the balance of the purchase price, less trade in, plus a handful of misc fees totaling about $100. They take personal checks.
4. If you want any specialty plates, that's the best time to apply - right at the tax office.
5. Tax office will give you a new temp plate (have 48 hours to swap it), a windshield sticker (with Tesla's date on it - which was May - and only for 1 year unlike cars you buy at the dealership which have 2 years), and your receipts.
6. Must have a copy of the insurance card at the tax office.
Other "newbie" items - was very happy to have ordered and had a wall charger installed at my house prior to delivery. The installation ran $400 and I used one of Tesla's preferred electricians - it took the electrician 20 minutes and he wired it hot. Now I charge at 48A/240V to get 11.5KW. Very pleased with the plastic floor mats Tesla sells - these are Weathertech ones with Tesla's brand on them. I also had full 30% nano-ceramic tint applied to all windows (except the front) and the roof - the very next day after delivery. Tint World did this and did a fantastic job. I cannot stress how hot the sun felt just on the 10 minute drive to the tint place.
