Renew Car Registration in Texas
Keep your Texas vehicle registration current and avoid penalties with this complete renewal guide.
When Your Registration Expires
Your Texas vehicle registration expires on the last day of the month shown on your registration sticker. For example, if your sticker shows "12/25," your registration expires on December 31, 2025.
You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail before your expiration date. However, even if you don't receive a notice, you're still responsible for renewing on time.
Grace Period and Penalties
Texas gives you a five-working-day grace period after your registration expires. You can drive without penalty during these five days.
Late Registration Penalties
After the grace period ends, penalties kick in:
- 20% penalty of the state registration fee if you drive on public highways with expired registration
- 5% late payment penalty if fees aren't paid within 30 days (60 days for military personnel)
- Additional 5% penalty if payment is delayed another 30 days (minimum $1 penalty applies)
Citation Dismissed?
If you receive a citation for expired registration that's later dismissed, you must:
- Renew your registration within 20 business days
- Pay the state penalty fee
- Pay a $20 court fee
Four Ways to Renew
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) offers multiple convenient renewal options.
Option 1: Renew Online (Most Popular)
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient method. As of January 1, 2022, you can renew online up to twelve months past your expiration date.
How to renew online:
- Visit the TxDMV website
- Select the registration renewal option
- Enter your license plate number and VIN
- Provide proof of insurance information
- Pay the renewal fee
Processing time: Allow up to three weeks for processing and mailing of your new registration.
Important eligibility note: To renew online or by phone, you typically must have renewed in person during your last renewal cycle. Some vehicle types aren't eligible for online renewal, including newly transferred titles and certain commercial vehicles.
Option 2: Renew by Phone
Call the TxDMV at 1-866-DL-RENEW (1-866-357-3639) to renew by phone. This method is perfect if you're not comfortable with online transactions but want the convenience of renewing from home.
You'll need the same information as online renewal: license plate number, VIN, and insurance details.
Option 3: Renew In Person
Visit your local county tax office or driver license office to renew in person.
What to bring:
- Vehicle license plate number or VIN
- Proof of insurance
- Photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
- Emissions inspection proof (if required in your county)
- Payment for renewal fees
- For business vehicles: employee work ID or company letterhead
Option 4: Renew by Mail
If you received a renewal notice by mail, you can complete the form and mail it back with your payment and required documents by the deadline listed.
Make sure to include proof of insurance and payment, and mail everything to the address on your renewal notice.
What You'll Need
Proof of Insurance
Texas requires valid auto insurance. You'll need to provide your insurance information when renewing. The TxDMV may verify your insurance electronically.
Vehicle Information
- License plate number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Current registration or renewal notice
Emissions Inspection (If Required)
Certain Texas counties require emissions testing. If you live in one of these counties, you'll need a passing emissions inspection before renewing. Check with your local county to see if this applies to you.
Registration Fees
The total cost to renew your registration depends on your vehicle type and location.
Base Registration Fee
For new vehicles or first-time registration: $16.75 covers the current year and the following year.
For renewals, the base fee varies by vehicle type and weight.
Local County Fees
Your county can add local fees ranging from $0 to $31.50, which may include:
- Up to $10 for county road and bridge fund
- Up to $20 for long-term transportation projects
- Up to $1.50 for child safety programs
For example, Bell County charges $11.50 in local fees ($10 for roads and $1.50 for child safety).
Processing Fees
- Renewals under $100: $3 flat fee
- Renewals over $100: Additional 3% charge on total amount
Payment Methods
You can pay with cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. Note that credit card transactions incur a 2.10% service charge (minimum $1.00).
Special Situations
Senior Drivers (79+), Provisional Drivers (Under 18), and Expired Licenses
These categories may have additional requirements for renewal. Review specific requirements on the TxDMV website or contact your local office to avoid delays.
Military Personnel
Active duty military members get extended deadlines—60 days instead of 30 days before late payment penalties apply.
Health Conditions or Disabilities
Thanks to Senate Bill 976, you can now have information about health conditions or disabilities associated with your vehicle registration. This helps peace officers provide appropriate assistance during traffic stops. Learn more through the TxDMV.
Why Your Online Renewal Might Fail
Several issues can prevent online renewal:
Eligibility Issues
- You didn't renew in person last time (required for online eligibility)
- Your vehicle has a newly transferred title
- You have a specific commercial vehicle type that isn't eligible
- Outstanding tickets or flags on your vehicle record
Information Errors
- Incorrect license plate number or VIN entry
- Insurance information doesn't match state records
- Address verification problems
- Incomplete required information
Technical Problems
If the TxDMV website is down or experiencing issues:
- Try accessing during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening)
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Try a different browser or device
- Contact the TxDMV directly if problems persist
Recent Changes in Texas Registration
No More Paper Temporary Plates
As of July 1, 2023, Texas eliminated temporary paper license plates for new vehicles (House Bill 718). This change combats fraudulent paper tag use, toll evasion, and helps identify uninsured vehicles. New car buyers now receive metal license plates at the time of purchase.
Enhanced Online Services
The TxDMV has invested in technology to improve online registration renewals and related services, making the process faster and more user-friendly.
Driver Education in Offices
House Bill 1434 requires driver license offices to display informational materials and videos to help drivers understand registration laws and requirements.
Checking Your Renewal Status
You can check the status of your registration renewal through the TxDMV's online portal or by contacting their customer service. This helps you stay informed about processing times and catch any issues early.
Helpful Tips
- Don't wait for your renewal notice—mark your calendar with your expiration date
- Start the renewal process at least 3-4 weeks before expiration to allow for processing and mail time
- Double-check all information before submitting to avoid errors
- Keep digital or physical copies of your insurance card easily accessible
- Resolve any outstanding tickets or violations before attempting to renew
- Update your address with the TxDMV if you've moved to ensure you receive renewal notices
- If you can't renew online, don't panic—you have multiple other options
- Save your confirmation number or receipt after renewing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew if my registration is already expired?
Yes! You can renew online up to twelve months past your expiration date. However, you'll face penalties if you've been driving with expired registration after the five-day grace period.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You don't need the physical renewal notice to renew. You can still renew online, by phone, or in person using your license plate number and VIN.
Do I need a vehicle inspection to renew?
As of 2025, most non-commercial vehicles in Texas no longer need safety inspections. However, emissions testing is still required in certain counties. Check your county's requirements.
How long does it take to receive my new registration?
Allow up to three weeks for processing and mailing after completing your renewal online or by phone.
Can I drive while waiting for my new registration?
Once you've completed the renewal process and paid the fees, you can drive legally even if you haven't received your new registration sticker yet. Keep your confirmation or receipt in your vehicle.
Need Help?
If you have questions or need assistance: