Motorists
Register your Vehicle
Your vehicle registration sticker displays your license plate number, county of registration and partial vehicle identification number. This customization helps protect you against theft and fraud. Registration expires on the last day of the month shown on your sticker. For example, if your sticker shows a date of 12/15, your registration is valid through the last day of December 2015.
Stickers for motorcycles are smaller and are displayed in the top right corner of the license plate.
Since March 1, 2015, your current registration sticker also serves as proof of vehicle inspection.
How to Register
Your vehicle must have a current passing inspection to qualify for vehicle registration.
Vehicles may be registered in the following ways:
Online
Renew Your
Registration Online!
By Mail
Registration renewal notices are mailed to all registered vehicle owners. To register by mail, send the following to your county tax office:
- Renewal notice (keep the vehicle owner's section for your records)
- Proof of current liability insurance
- All fees plus $1 mail-in fee
In Person
To register your vehicle in person, take your registration renewal notice and proof of current liability insurance to your county or an approved substation.
If you did not receive your renewal notice, you can renew your registration using your:
- License plate number
- Vehicle identification number, or
- Registration receipt from the previous year.
Some counties allow renewals at substations or subcontractors, such as a participating grocery store. Acceptable forms of payment vary by county. Contact your county tax office for more details.
Fees
Cars and Light Trucks
The standard fee for cars and lighter pickup trucks is a base registration fee of $50.75.
Pickup Trucks
Motor vehicles 6,001 to 10,000 pounds, which includes heavier pickup trucks, pay a $54 base registration fee.
Heavy Vehicles
Heavy vehicles, including heavy-duty pickups, motor homes and commercial trucks, will find their registration fees fall into seven weight classifications between 6,001 pounds and 80,000 pounds.
Trailers
Trailer and travel trailer fees are $45 to register a trailer up to 6,000 pounds.
Mopeds and Motorcycles
The standard fee for mopeds and motorcycles is a base registration fee of $30.
Registration Fees
Your total fees will include the base registration fee, plus a $1 Automation fee (used for improvements to the registration and title system) and $1 for the Department of Public Safety to support the TexasSure insurance verification program and other Department of Public Safety initiatives. You will see these fees itemized on your registration receipt. The state's portion of the inspection fee may be due at the time of registration and will also be line-itemed on your registration renewal notice.
Local county fees will be included in the total amount owed, if applicable. These fees are collected with registration fees through your local County Tax Assessor-Collector's office and range up to $20 depending on the county.
Other Vehicle Types
Pocket bikes and mini scooters (gasoline or battery-powered scooter)
Most of these vehicles do not pass a vehicle safety inspection and cannot be registered or driven on public roads. A secure Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin issued by a manufacturer registered with NHTSA is required to title any motorized vehicle.
Mopeds
To be registered, your moped must be on the approved list of mopeds maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety. In order to title, a secure Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin is required.
Motor Homes
The registration fee is based on weight for cars and trucks, including motor homes. For more information, contact your local county tax assessor-collector office. Proof of liability insurance and inspection is required to register your vehicle.
ATVs and off-highway use vehicles
All-terrain vehicles (three or more wheels, equipped with one or more seats, and not designed by the manufacturer for farm or lawn use) are required to be titled, but may not be registered.
Off-highway motorcycles (two or three wheels) are required to be titled, but not registered.
Boats
Boats, boat motors and personal watercraft are registered and titled with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
FAQs
I have not received my registration renewal notice. What should I do?
You can renew your vehicle without the renewal notice if you provide the following to your county tax office:
- Registration receipt from the previous year
- Texas license plate number, or
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Ask your local county tax office to verify your correct mailing address. If you would like to be reminded by email when to renew in the future, sign up for our free eReminder service now.
Sign Up For
Your eReminder!
I moved to a different address in Texas. How can I ensure that I will receive my registration renewal notice?
It is important to update your address on your motor vehicle record. Updating your address will help ensure you receive your registration renewal notice. Failure to renew your registration is against the law and may result in a fine.
Update Your Address
In Our System
I sold my vehicle, why did I receive a registration renewal notice in the mail?
Renewal notices are printed in advance, and at the time of printing our record still indicated you as the recorded owner. If you think the buyer of your vehicle did not transfer the vehicle title you should file a vehicle transfer notification. This lets us know that you no longer own the vehicle. You should file the transfer notice within 30 days of selling or trading in your vehicle in order to receive the state protection that no longer makes you responsible for that vehicle.
Note: Filing the transfer notification does not transfer vehicle ownership; it simply removes liability for what the new owner may do with your old vehicle. Contact our customer service at (888) 368-4689 or (512) 465-3000 with the VIN of the vehicle you sold for more information.
Submit a
Vehicle Transfer Notification.
