Car Shipping from California to Texas
Texas is the most common destination for Californians who move out of state, followed by Nevada and Arizona. The route runs roughly 1,300 to 1,800 miles, mostly along I-10 or I-40. Barakah Holdings is based in Frisco, Texas. Here's what the trip typically costs, how long it takes, and what Texas requires when you arrive.
What It Typically Costs
Across the market, shipping a car from California to Texas averages about $1,006, with typical rates from $650 to $1,500. The exact price depends on the city-to-city distance, the transport method, and your vehicle's size.
Open Transport
Roughly $800 to $1,470, the most popular and economical choice for standard sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
How open car transport worksEnclosed Transport
Roughly $1,470 to $2,190, about 50% more, recommended for luxury, classic, or exotic cars.
How enclosed car transport worksVehicle Size & Condition
SUVs and pickup trucks typically cost $150 to $300 more than a sedan. An inoperable car typically adds $150 to $200 for winching.
Shipping a car that doesn't runPickup & Delivery Locations
Major hubs right off I-10 or I-40 cost less. Remote or rural pickups and drop-offs add detour mileage fees.
These are typical market ranges, not a quote for your car. What affects the cost of car shipping Get a quote
How Long It Takes
Expect about 3 to 7 days in transit once the car is picked up: 1 to 3 days for dispatch and pickup after booking, then 3 to 6 days on the road.
How car shipping works, step by stepWhen to Book
Summer is the peak moving season, which drives up demand and cost, and booking in late fall or winter usually secures slightly lower baseline rates.
Give the carrier a flexible pickup window of about 5 days so it can optimize its route, and book 6 to 8 weeks ahead to avoid peak rush pricing.
Getting the Car Ready
Wash the exterior so you can document existing scratches or dents on the Bill of Lading with the driver, and remove personal items, since most transport companies and insurance policies don't cover them.
Keep the tank at about a quarter full, and check the battery, tire pressure, and coolant, especially with hot Texas weather ahead.
Moving a Household Too?
If you're relocating the whole household, the car is only one piece of the budget.
Across the market, a do-it-yourself moving truck for the roughly 1,410-mile trip typically costs $1,000 to $3,000, and moving containers typically cost $2,000 to $7,000, which is useful context when you're budgeting the car separately.
Registering Your Car in Texas
A car moved to Texas has to be registered within 30 days of establishing residency or securing employment in the state, and you have up to 90 days to transfer your driver's license. The registration happens at your county tax assessor-collector's office.
- Application: Form 130-U, the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration.
- Proof of ownership: your original out-of-state title. If a lienholder holds it, bring a copy of the front and back, or ask them to send it.
- Insurance: a policy meeting Texas minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Out-of-state insurance isn't accepted for registration.
- Identification: a valid government-issued photo ID, plus proof of legal presence under rules that took effect in 2026.
- Inspection: non-commercial vehicles don't need a general safety inspection, but if you live in one of 17 designated counties, including Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Travis, Bexar, and Collin, the car must pass an emissions test first.
- Fees: typically $140 to $200 or more in standard fees and new-resident taxes, made up of a base registration fee of $50.75, a title fee of $28 to $33, a $90 new-resident tax (or 6.25% sales and use tax, minus credit for tax paid elsewhere), and small processing and local fees. Fully electric vehicles add $200 a year.
Registering late can bring civil penalties of up to $250 and a fine of up to $200 if you're stopped with expired out-of-state plates.
Eastbound vs. Westbound
Direction changes the price. Texas to California averages about $883, while California to Texas averages about $1,006, roughly $120 more.
See Texas to CaliforniaFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Texas?
The market average is about $1,006, with typical rates from $650 to $1,500. Open transport runs roughly $800 to $1,470 and enclosed roughly $1,470 to $2,190.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Texas?
About 3 to 7 days in transit, after 1 to 3 days for dispatch and pickup.
Is it cheaper to ship from California to Texas or the other way?
Texas to California averages about $883 and California to Texas about $1,006, so this direction runs roughly $120 higher.
What do I need to do when the car arrives in Texas?
New residents must register the car within 30 days and can take up to 90 days to transfer their driver's license. Non-commercial cars don't need a general safety inspection, but cars in 17 designated counties need an emissions test first.
When should I book?
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks ahead, and late fall or winter usually gets slightly lower rates than the summer peak.
Shipping a Car from California to Texas?
Get a quote with your vehicle and pickup and delivery cities.