Updated on July 25, 2021
Did you know Texas is home to over 17.8 million licensed drivers? That’s impressive! it’s also home to 8.3 million registered vehicles; a big portion of those being the Toyota Camry and the Ford F-Series. ATVs and off-highway motorcycles have to be titled in Texas, but not registered. Mopeds have to pass an inspection in order to get tags. Whether you’re registering a Camry or Cadillac for the first time in the Lone Star State, keep in mind you’ll need to display both a front and a back license plate in this two-plate states. Keep reading to learn more about registering a vehicle in Texas.

Texas Vehicle Registration Renewal Guide

How to Renew a Car Registration in Texas

How do I get a replacement vehicle registration in Texas? Good question. If you find yourself asking this, you are not alone.

In the state of Texas residents are required to renew their vehicle registrations every year. Renewals must be made by the last day of the month that they expire. The DMV of Texas should send you a renewal notice long before your registration is due to expire.

The notice will provide you with the following information:

• Renewal fee amount.
• Deadline date.
• Inspection and emissions requirements if they are needed.
• Whether or not your county allows for online renewals.
• Contact information for the local county tax office.

Every vehicle that is registered in the state of Texas will have to undergo a safety inspection each year. This inspection must be completed at by an inspection station that has been approved by the state.

There are several counties in the state that will require an emissions test as well. Your renewal notice will tell you whether or not an emissions test is required.

To renew your registration in person you will need to go to the county tax office and have the following with you:

• Renewal notice, if you do not have your notice you can use your license plate number, VIN, or your receipt from last year’s registration.
• Proof of car insurance.
• Payment for the renewal fees.
• Proof of passing the safety inspection and emissions testing if required.

How to Replace Car Registration Paperwork in Texas

In Texas, all vehicles must be registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If your valid Texas car registration document, sticker, or plates have been lost, stolen or damaged, you’ll need to get them replaced right away.

The process for obtaining a replacement registration, tag or license plate sticker, is different than the process for renewing a registration in Texas. It is also far less expensive. If your registration is damaged, lost, or stolen, you may use the replacement process rather than the registration renewal process.

Texas has a fairly easy process for registration replacement. In this guide will tell you all you need to know about how to replace your vehicle registration, tags, or license plate sticker in Texas.

Replacement Vehicle Registration In Texas

In Texas, your vehicle registration receipt serves as proof of a valid registration. When you initially registered (or renewed) your vehicle, you received the registration receipt. If yours has been lost or destroyed, you can obtain a replacement vehicle registration from a Texas DMV Regional Service Center or from your county tax assessor/collector’s office that issued the original registration.

You will need to fill out a Request for Texas Motor Vehicle Information form (VTR-275). Additionally, you must provide the following:

• Proof of identity.
• Vehicle information such as registration number, VIN, year, make and model.

There is a fee of $2 for a replacement registration receipt. The replacement can be used as legal proof of a valid registration, should you be pulled over for a violation.

Replacing Your Vehicle Registration Plates

If your Texas tags have been lost, stolen or damaged, you can get a replacement car tag by applying at your local county tax office.

You will be required to fill out an Application for Replacement License Plates and/or Vehicle Registration Sticker form (VTR-60).

If your plates have been damaged, bring your old plates to the office and you will be issued a new set.

If either of your license plates have been stolen and you cannot bring the plates to the DMV, you should report the theft to the police right away. Bring the police report to the DMV or assessor’s office to prove the tags have been stolen and to help the State of Texas fight fraud.

There is a $6 charge for replacement of your plates, plus a $0.50 automation fee.

How to Replace a Lost Registration Sticker In Texas

How do I get a replacement car registration sticker in Texas?

In Texas, you must have a valid and legible vehicle registration sticker. The sticker shows your license plate number, a partial vehicle identification number, and the county in which the vehicle is registered. Texas implemented the sticker system to protect against vehicle theft and fraud.

If your license plate sticker has been lost or damaged, you can obtain a replacement sticker from your local county tax assessor’s office.

You must fill out an Application for Replacement License Plates and/or Vehicle Registration Sticker form (VTR-60).

There is a $6 charge for a replacement license sticker, plus a $0.50 automation fee.

Why You Must Replace Your Registration, Plates, or Sticker

Even if your vehicle registration, tags, or license plate sticker have been stolen, it is your responsibility to obtain replacements right away. It is never legal to drive your vehicle without your registration receipt, valid license plates, and your license plate sticker in the State of Texas.

Be sure to visit a Texas DMV Regional Service Center or your county tax assessor/collector’s office to obtain replacements right away and to avoid hefty fines for driving an illegal vehicle on Texas roadways.