Replace Car Registration Texas
Lost, stolen, or damaged registration? Here's how to get a replacement from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
When You Need a Replacement
You may need to replace your car registration in Texas if:
- Your registration certificate has been lost, stolen, or destroyed
- Your registration sticker is damaged, faded, or illegible
- Your license plates are lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use
- You need a duplicate registration receipt for your records
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) makes it straightforward to get replacement registration documents.
What You'll Need
Before starting the replacement process, gather these documents:
Vehicle Information
- Texas license plate number, or
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Proof of previous registration (if available) or Registration Renewal Notice
Personal Identification
- Valid U.S. Government or State-issued photo ID
- Clear photocopy showing the ID number and issuing state
Proof of Insurance
Current insurance meeting Texas minimum liability limits:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident (two or more people)
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Vehicle Inspection (If Applicable)
Important 2025 change: As of January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles no longer need safety inspections before registration, thanks to House Bill 3297. However, emissions testing is still required in certain counties.
A $7.50 Inspection Replacement Fee is now included in your annual registration cost, replacing the old inspection requirement.
How to Replace Your Registration
Step 1: Choose Your Replacement Type
Different situations require different forms:
- Registration certificate: Complete Form VTR-275
- Registration sticker or plates: Complete Form VTR-60
- Both: Complete both forms
Step 2: Pay the Replacement Fee
Replacement fees vary based on what you need:
- Registration certificate: Check with your county (typically part of registration fee if expired)
- Registration sticker: $6.50
- License plates: $6.50
- New registration (with proof of previous): $90
- Title application fee: $33 (if needed)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You have two options:
In Person (Faster)
Visit your local county tax assessor-collector's office or a TxDMV Regional Service Center. Bring your completed forms, documents, and payment.
In some counties like Bell County, you can also renew at participating H-E-B or Brookshire Brothers grocery stores (up to nine months after expiration).
By Mail
Mail your completed forms, payment, and copies of required documents to the address listed on the form. Note that mail processing typically takes longer.
Step 4: Processing Time
- In person: Often processed the same day or within a few days
- By mail: Allow up to 15 days for your registration sticker
- Title or registration document: Can take 10 to 120+ days depending on circumstances and DMV processing queues
Track your application status through the TxDMV online portal or by contacting the office directly.
Special Situations
Lost or Missing Title
If you've lost your vehicle title and need to replace your registration, you'll need to obtain a duplicate title first. Complete Form VTR-34 (Application for a Certified Copy of Title) along with Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title).
Bonded Title (When You Can't Prove Ownership)
If you don't have proper paperwork to prove ownership, you may need a bonded title:
- Check eligibility: Confirm you're the legal owner and there are no outstanding liens
- Gather documents: Bill of sale, previous registration, completed Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title), and Form VTR-130-SOF (Statement of Fact)
- Purchase a surety bond: The bond amount is typically 1.5 times the vehicle's value
- Contact TxDMV: Get specific instructions for your situation
Vehicle Purchased Privately
When buying from a private seller, registration complications can arise from title transfer delays. Make sure you have:
- Bill of sale
- Completed Form 130-U signed by the seller
- Seller's properly signed title
Process the title transfer within 30 days to avoid a $25 penalty, plus an additional $25 for each subsequent month (capped at $250).
Expired Registration Replacement
If your registration has expired, you'll face additional fees:
- 20% surcharge on the state registration fee if you've been driving on public highways
- Regular late renewal penalties apply
Keep your registration current to avoid these penalties and potential legal issues, especially if you're involved in an accident. Operating with expired registration can leave you responsible for significant out-of-pocket expenses for repairs and medical bills.
Living Out of State
Texas residents living temporarily out of state should contact their home county tax office for guidance on registration and renewal from outside Texas.
New Texas Residents
New residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. Find a local inspection station using the Texas Department of Public Safety Inspection Station Locator (though remember, safety inspections are no longer required for non-commercial vehicles as of 2025).
Important: "Two Steps, One Sticker" Program
Texas offers the "Two Steps, One Sticker" initiative that simplifies registration and inspection by aligning expiration dates. Instead of tracking separate deadlines for registration and emissions testing, both expire together.
This program is administered jointly by the TxDMV, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
Penalties and Fraud Warnings
Late Registration Penalties
Operating a vehicle with expired registration can result in:
- Traffic citations if pulled over
- 20% surcharge on state registration fees
- Late payment penalties of 5% after 30 days, another 5% after 60 days
- Personal liability for accident damages if insurance disputes coverage
Fraudulent Inspection Violations
Critical warning: Using fake inspection stickers or certificates carries severe legal consequences. Since March 2023, the Texas Department of Public Safety has intensified crackdowns on fraudulent inspections through operations like "Operation Cinderblock."
Penalties for Fraudulent Inspections
- First offense: Class B misdemeanor - up to 180 days in jail, fines up to $2,000
- Repeat offense: Class A misdemeanor - up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $4,000
- Intent to defraud: State jail felony - 6 months to 2 years in state jail, fines up to $10,000
- Tampering with government documents: Third-degree felony - 2 to 10 years in prison, fines up to $10,000
Additionally, violations of the Clean Air Act for falsifying emissions testing can result in federal charges. These consequences include license suspension, difficulty securing employment, and significant legal expenses.
If accused of inspection fraud, consult a criminal defense attorney immediately.
Legal Disputes and Title Issues
Disputing TxDMV Decisions
If the TxDMV denies, revokes, or suspends your vehicle title, you have legal options for resolution. Contact the TxDMV for information about the appeals process.
Title Litigation
If your vehicle has been fraudulently registered or there's an ownership dispute, you can file a petition for title litigation in your county court.
Texas Lemon Law
For defective vehicles, the Texas Lemon Law provides remedies including repairs, replacements, or refunds under certain conditions. This applies to vehicles with serious defects that haven't been fixed after reasonable repair attempts.
Common Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement?
In-person replacements are often processed same-day or within a few days. Mail replacements typically take up to 15 days. Title documents can take 10 to 120+ days depending on processing queues.
Can I drive while waiting for my replacement?
If you're replacing a lost sticker but your registration is current, you can drive legally. Keep a copy of your current registration in your vehicle. If your registration has expired, you should not drive until you've completed the renewal process.
What if I lost my paperwork and need to renew?
File for a replacement title with your current state first. Once you have the replacement title (usually takes a few days), you can proceed with registration renewal.
Do I still need a safety inspection in 2025?
No. As of January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles no longer need safety inspections. However, you'll pay a $7.50 Inspection Replacement Fee with your registration, and emissions testing is still required in certain counties.
Can I get a replacement at a grocery store?
In some counties like Bell County, participating H-E-B or Brookshire Brothers stores offer registration services. Check with your local county to see what locations are available.
What happens if my registration is expired during an accident?
Operating with expired registration can leave you personally liable for significant expenses. Your insurance company may dispute coverage, leaving you responsible for repair and medical costs out of pocket.
Quick Tips
- Keep digital or physical copies of your registration in multiple places
- Process title transfers within 30 days to avoid $25 monthly penalties
- Start replacement process early if you need documents by a specific date
- Double-check all forms for accuracy before submitting to avoid processing delays
- Never use fake inspection stickers—the legal consequences are severe
- Contact your county tax office if you're unsure about fees or requirements
- Track your application status online or by phone after submission
- Keep your registration current to avoid penalties and protect yourself financially