Getting a replacement plate in Texas

If your license plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or unreadable, you can order a replacement from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You do not have to visit an office in person — Texas lets you order online, by mail, or in person at a county tax assessor's office. The replacement plate will have a new number, and you'll pay a fee that varies depending on the plate type you currently have.

The process takes about two weeks if you order online or by mail. In-person orders at a county office are faster. You'll need your vehicle registration and driver's license or ID card. If your plate was stolen, bring a police report or the case number.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas lets you order a replacement plate online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at your county tax assessor's office.
  • You will need your current vehicle registration number and a valid driver's license or ID card to order.
  • If your plate was stolen, you should have a police report number ready when you order.
  • Replacement fees depend on your plate type and range from standard passenger plates to specialty plates, and processing takes about two weeks by mail or online.
  • You can drive legally while waiting for your new plate if you keep your registration and old plate with you, or a receipt showing you ordered a replacement.

Ordering online through the Texas DMV website

The fastest way to order a replacement plate is through the Texas DMV's online portal at txdmv.gov. Go to the "Vehicle Registration" section and select "Order Replacement License Plate." You'll enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and registration information. The site will ask whether your plate was lost, stolen, or damaged.

After you submit the order and pay the fee by credit or debit card, you'll receive a confirmation number. Write this down — you may need it if you contact the DMV later. Your new plate will arrive by mail in about two weeks. Texas will send it to the address on your vehicle registration unless you request a different mailing address during checkout.

Ordering by mail or at a county office

You can also mail a completed Form VTR-130 (process for Replacement License Plate) to your county tax assessor's office along with a check or money order for the replacement fee. The form is available on the Texas DMV website. Include a copy of your registration and driver's license. Mail processing takes longer than online ordering — usually three to four weeks from the time the office receives your envelope.

If you go in person to your county tax assessor's office, bring your registration, driver's license or ID, and payment. You can pay by cash, check, or card depending on the office. In-person orders are processed the same day or within a few days, and you'll leave with a receipt showing your new plate number. Some offices will give you a temporary plate to use while you wait for the permanent one to arrive by mail.

Replacement fees and plate types

The fee for a replacement plate depends on what type of plate you have. A standard white passenger plate costs less than a specialty plate — such as a military, disabled veteran, or environmental plate. Fees also vary slightly by county. When you order online, the system will show you the exact fee before you pay.

If you ordered a specialty plate originally, your replacement will be the same type unless you choose to change it. If you want to switch to a different plate type during replacement, you may pay an additional fee. The DMV website shows all available plate types and their current costs.

What to do if your plate was stolen

If your plate was stolen rather than lost or damaged, file a police report first. You'll need the case number or report number when you order your replacement. This protects you legally — if someone uses your stolen plate to commit a traffic violation or crime, the police report creates a record that you reported it missing.

When you order online or by mail, select "stolen" as the reason. If you order in person, bring a copy of the police report or have the case number ready. Some county offices will not process a stolen plate replacement without proof of the report. After you order, keep the confirmation number and any receipt in your vehicle until your new plate arrives.

Driving while you wait for your new plate

Texas law allows you to drive with your old plate while your replacement is on the way, as long as your registration is current and you keep your registration card with you. If your old plate was stolen, keep your police report number or a copy of the report in the vehicle. If your old plate was damaged or lost and you no longer have it, keep your order confirmation number or receipt visible on your dashboard.

Some county offices issue a temporary plate receipt that you can display in your rear window while waiting. Ask about this option when you order in person. Do not drive without any plate or proof of order — you can be stopped and cited for that.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a replacement plate cost in Texas?

Standard passenger plate replacements cost between $10 and $30 depending on your county and plate type. Specialty plates cost more. The exact fee appears on the DMV website or at your county tax assessor's office before you pay.

Can I get a new plate number if I don't like my current one?

A replacement plate will have a new number assigned by the DMV — you cannot request a specific number. If you want to keep your current plate number, you would need to renew your registration rather than order a replacement, but that only works if your plate is not damaged or stolen.

What if I move to a different county before my replacement arrives?

Update your address with the DMV before you move if possible. If your replacement is already in the mail, contact the county tax assessor's office where you ordered it with your new address. They can try to redirect the mail, but it may be faster to wait for it to arrive and forward it yourself.

Do I need a new registration sticker when I get a replacement plate?

No. Your registration sticker stays valid and moves to your new plate. Peel it off your old plate and stick it on the new one in the same position. If your sticker is damaged, you can order a replacement sticker separately through the DMV.

How long does a replacement plate take if I order in person?

In-person orders at a county tax assessor's office are usually processed the same day or within a few business days. You'll receive a receipt with your new plate number. The physical plate arrives by mail in about two weeks.