Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?
You should renew your TX vehicle registration prior to its expiration date in order to avoid paying any fines or late fees. Additionally, you should keep a copy of your car registration in your vehicle at all times.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Texas

Can somebody else renew my registration for me?
It is highly recommended that you, not another individual, renew your Texas vehicle registration. And with the convenience of renewing auto registration online, by mail or in person, you can select the option that facilitates matters for you.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Texas

Do boats need to be registered?
Yes, if you own a motorized boat, then you must have it properly registered in Texas. Additionally, any sailboats that are 14 feet in length, with an auxiliary engine or USCG documented vessels must be registered as well. A boat registration is valid for two years. If you would like more information about what is required on your end to complete boat registration, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife webpage.

For more information: How to Register a Boat or Water Craft in Texas

Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?
Filing a police report is not required; however it is highly recommended that you report your lost car registration or stolen car registration to local law enforcement authorities. By filing a police report, you can then present a copy at your local Texas DPS office as part of any necessary documentation to get a duplicate registration.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Texas

Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?
The state of Texas does not make it necessary for drivers to surrender their license plates when you are moving to a different state. However, it is strongly recommended that you properly discard of the plates, so as to avoid any future problems or even theft. Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety for more information about how you can deface your places and get rid of it for good.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Texas

Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?
Yes, in the event that your car registration is damaged, turn it in to a nearby tax county collector s office, so that it is not mishandled or misused. While at the tax collector’s office, you can also take advantage of replacing your car registration by filling out any necessary forms and presenting your TX driver’s license. You will also be required to pay the correct fee.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Texas

Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?
Yes, both mopeds and scooters must have a DMV car registration in the state of Texas. To complete the process of getting car registration in the state, make sure to follow these steps outlined below:
  • Present any necessary documentation
  • Gather proof of insurance
  • Have payment ready for fees

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Texas

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?
There are certain counties in the state of Texas that do not require an emissions testing for registering car. To find out if your county is one of them, visit the Texas DPS Inspection Station Locator page. Certain vehicles are also exempt from undergoing smog and emissions testing. These vehicles include the ones listed below:
  • Diesel-powered cars
  • Cars that are less than two years old
  • Electric cars

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Texas

How can I renew my vehicle registration?
The Texas DOT allows you to renew car registration online, in person or by mail. Regardless of which method you choose, make sure to gather the proper documentation prior to renewal.

Online

To renew online, visit the Texas DPS Registration Renewal page. Once there, select the county you reside in to begin the process. You will be asked to submit a few details such as your license plate number. Additionally, have payment ready for renewal fees.

In Person

When making your auto registration renewal in person, bring your DMV renewal notice with you, along with proof of vehicle insurance. Should you not have your registration renewal notice, you can present your license plate number or registration receipt from the previous year. You will also be asked to pay any renewal fees.

By Mail

To renew your car registration by mail, follow the instructions stated on your renewal notice. Proof of car insurance along with payment for any renewal fees will also be necessary.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Texas

How can I transfer my registration to another state?
If you are in the process of moving to a different state, contact the DMV of your new state to find out about how to transfer your vehicle registration. You should be aware that you will most likely need to present documentation that shows proof of ownership, such as your original car title, as well as proof of identity. The DMV of your new location will be able to guide you step-by-step throughout the process, so you are well-prepared in making the registration transfer.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Texas

How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?
In Texas, you can apply for either a temporary or permanent handicap placard. To apply, follow the steps below:

If you are a disabled veteran, you can obtain disabled veteran license plates with a special “DV” designation. To get started, fill out an Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard and/or License Plate (VTR-214) form and submit proof of your honorable discharge.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Texas

How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?
If your car registration was recently lost or stolen, report this to local authorities at your earliest convenience. Doing so will minimize the risk of identity theft and fraud. Once you have an official police report at hand, bring a copy of it to a nearby Texas Department of Public Safety office in order to request a duplicate car registration. Your fee may be waived with a police report.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Texas

How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?
If you need to replace car registration, you can obtain a duplicate by copy by visiting your local tax county collector s office with proper documentation, such as your driver’s license and proof of insurance. You may also need to fill out an application in person. Make sure to also bring with you payment for any duplicate fees.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Texas

How do I obtain car registration?
If you are in the process of getting car registration for your vehicle, you will have to stop by a local Texas tax county office. While making your in-person visit, you are required to complete the following:
  • Present any necessary documentation
  • Gather proof of insurance
  • Have payment ready for fees

It is important to be well-prepared with these documents prior to making your visit, that way you can receive your new car registration in a timely manner.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Texas

If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?
If you renew expired car registration, you may be charged with a late fee. For more information, contact a nearby county tax collector s office. Make sure to bring your Texas driver’s license as proof of identity. You may also be asked to present proof of car insurance.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Texas

Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?
No, the process is the same for standard license plate. Apply for duplicate personalized license plates in person at your local tax county collector s office. Once there, you will be asked to fill out an Application for Replacement License Plate(s), and/or Vehicle Registration Sticker (VTR-60) form. Make sure to also bring proper payment to cover the cost of a car registration copy.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Texas

Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?
It is recommended that you keep a copy of your registration in your car, inside the glove compartment, at all times. Should you get pulled over, an officer will ask to see your DMV car registration. Your car registration is an essential piece of document that will show proof that you have paid taxes on your vehicle and are legally allowed to use it on roadways, streets and highways.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Texas

What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?
You will need to apply for duplicate car registration in the following circumstances:
  • Your car registration was lost.
  • Your car registration was stolen.
  • Your car registration was damaged.

If your car registration is damaged, you are required to turn it in to a Texas Department of Public Safety office.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Texas

What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?
The fees to get car registration vary, according to the list below:
  • Passenger vehicles/truck that are 6,001 pounds or less: $50.75
  • Trailers/Travel Trailers that are 6,001 pounds or less: $45.00
  • All vehicles between 6,001 pounds to 10,000 pounds : $54.00
  • Motorcycles/mopeds: $30.00

When registering your vehicle, you will be required to bring in proof of identification, such as your Texas driver’s license, as well as proof of car insurance. You should also have payment for the car registration fee readily available. For a complete list of all registration fees, see the Texas Registration Fees. Keep in mind that fees may vary.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Texas

What are the required fees to get replacement registration?
The cost to obtain a Texas car registration replacement sticker from your tax county collector s office is $7 ($6 for the replacement fee and $1 for automation fee). Keep in mind that fees may vary. When renewing your car registration, you will also need to bring proper documentation as part of the process.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Texas

What are the required fees to renew my registration?
The fees to renew car registration vary, according to the list below:
  • Passenger vehicles/truck that are 6,001 pounds or less: $50.75
  • Trailers/Travel Trailers that are 6,001 pounds or less: $45.00
  • All vehicles between 6,001 pounds to 10,000 pounds: $54.00
  • Motorcycles/mopeds: $30.00

When registering your vehicle, you will be required to bring in proof of identification, such as your Texas driver’s license, as well as proof of car insurance. You should also have payment for the car registration fee readily available. For a complete list of all registration fees, see the Texas Registration Fees page. Keep in mind that fees may vary.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Texas

What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?
If you lost your registration certificate, you will need to hand in a completed Request for Texas Motor Vehicle Information and check off the “Duplicate Registration” checkbox. Bring in your Texas driver s license and payment for fee as well.

If you lost your registration sticker, you will need to submit a completed Application for Replacement License Plate(s), and/or Vehicle Registration Sticker (VTR-60) form instead.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Texas

What documents do I need to present to get new registration?
When registering cars for the first time, drivers must present the items below in order to obtain new registration without any issue or problem:

You may want to call your local tax county collector’s office ahead of time to find out if there are any other additional documents you will need to bring with you.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Texas

What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?
Depending on the method in which you are renewing car registration, you may be asked to present different documents. For example, to renew by mail, you will need to send your registration renewal notice and a copy of your car insurance. In person you will have to show proof of insurance and proof of identity, such as your driver s license. For online renewal, certain information and details you provide will verify who you are.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Texas

What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?
If you have not received your car registration renewal items, contact your local tax county office. Have on hand your driver s license, your license plate number and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should a representative ask for it. You can also call the Texas Department of Public Safety in advance to get clarification on any other DMV-related queries you may have.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Texas

When does my car registration expire?
Your car registration will need to be renewed before the last day of the month in which it is set to expire. In the state of Texas, you have the option to renew your car registration either in person, by mail or online. If renewing in person, make sure to bring a copy of the DMV renewal notice you received in the mail. If you do not have the renewal notice, you may also present your license plate number or registration receipt from the previous year.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Texas

Where can I find a local tax county collector office?
You can replace car registration and locate a local tax county office by visiting the TxDMV Find Your Local Office page. Prior to making your way to a nearby office, gather all of the necessary documents with you, including but not limited to your Texas driver’s license, an official police report if applicable and payment for any fees.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Texas

Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?
Depending on whether you need a duplicate car registration certificate or a duplicate registration sticker, the state of Texas requires drivers to fill out the correct application. You will need to either submit a Request for Texas Motor Vehicle Information or an Application for Replacement License Plate(s), and/or Vehicle Registration Sticker (VTR-60) form instead.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Texas

Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?
Yes, you should receive a renewal notice when renewing car registration. The Texas Department of Public Safety also encourages drivers to sign up for eReminders, so that you will always receive an email notification about your registration renewal well in advance. Keep in mind that your car registration typically expires on your birthday month.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Texas

Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?
Your car registration will only be good until the last day of the month s expiration date. It is important to renew your car registration before this date in order to avoid any late fees or penalties. To begin the renewal process, simply visit your local tax county collector’s office. You may also have the option to renew online or by mail.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Texas