Texas license plate renewal happens through your county tax assessor-collector's office, online through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, or by mail — and you'll receive a renewal notice 60 days before your plate expires.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail and shows your expiration date, the fee amount, and which office handles your county. The notice itself is not your new registration; it's the document that tells you how much to pay and where. You have three ways to complete the renewal: visit your county tax assessor-collector's office in person, renew online through the Texas DMV website if you meet certain conditions, or mail in your renewal notice with payment.

The fee varies by vehicle type and county, but typically ranges from around $50 to $90 for standard passenger vehicles. Some counties charge slightly more or less. You'll pay the same fee whether you renew in person, online, or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Your renewal notice arrives 60 days before your plate expires and shows the exact fee and your county office location.
  • You can renew in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office, online through the Texas DMV website, or by mail using the notice you received.
  • Online renewal is available only if your vehicle has a valid inspection, you have no outstanding violations or fees, and your address is current with the DMV.
  • If you renew by mail, send your notice and payment to the address printed on the form, and allow two to three weeks for processing.
  • Driving with an expired plate is a traffic violation; renew before the expiration date shown on your current plate.

Renewing in person at your county office

The fastest way to renew is to visit your county tax assessor-collector's office with your renewal notice and a valid form of payment. Bring your current registration card and driver's license. Most offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. You'll walk out with your new registration card the same day, though the new plate itself may arrive by mail within one to two weeks if you're also replacing the physical plate.

If you're only renewing the registration (keeping your current plate), you leave with the registration card when ready. If you ordered a new plate design or your current plate is damaged, the office will mail the new plate to your address on file. You can continue driving with your old plate until the new one arrives, as long as your registration card shows the renewal date.

Wait times vary by county and time of year. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can find your county office location and hours on the Texas DMV website by searching for your county name.

Renewing online through the Texas DMV website

Online renewal through the Texas DMV is available only if all of these conditions are met: your vehicle has a current inspection sticker, you have no outstanding tolls or violations, your address is current with the DMV, and your vehicle is not a commercial vehicle or motorcycle. If any of these don't explore to you, you'll need to renew in person or by mail.

To renew online, go to the Texas DMV website, select "Renew Your Vehicle Registration," and enter your license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN). You'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new registration card will be mailed to your address on file within one to two weeks. You can continue driving with your current plate and registration until the new card arrives.

Keep your confirmation number from the online transaction. If you need to check the status of your renewal or have questions, you'll reference this number when you contact the DMV or your county office.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, use the renewal notice you received. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice, and mail both the notice and payment to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash through the mail. Include a note with your phone number in case the office needs to contact you about your renewal.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives your payment. Send your renewal at least three weeks before your plate expires to avoid driving with an expired registration. If you're concerned about timing, consider renewing in person or online instead.

Keep a copy of the notice for your records. If your renewal doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office with your confirmation information to check the status.

What happens if your plate expires

Driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation in Texas. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. The fine for an expired registration is typically between $100 and $200, depending on how long the plate has been expired and whether the officer issues a warning or citation.

If you realize your plate has expired, renew it when ready. If you're stopped before you renew, bring your renewal notice to the officer to show that you've initiated the process. This doesn't may provide the officer won't issue a citation, but it demonstrates good faith. After you receive your new registration card, keep it in your vehicle along with your proof of insurance.

Renewing a plate you want to keep

If you have a personalized plate, a specialty plate (such as a military or university plate), or a plate with sentimental value, you can renew it without losing the number. When you renew in person, online, or by mail, straightforward indicate that you want to keep your current plate. The tax assessor-collector's office will renew the registration under the same plate number.

If your plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, you'll need to order a replacement. The office can issue a new plate with a different number, or in some cases, a duplicate of your current number. Replacement plates cost more than a standard renewal and typically take one to two weeks to arrive by mail.

Address changes and renewal

If you've moved since your last registration, update your address with the DMV before you renew your plate. You can update your address online through the Texas DMV website, in person at your county office, or by mail. Use the address change form available on the DMV website.

Your renewal notice is mailed to the address on file with the DMV. If you've moved and haven't updated your address, your renewal notice may not reach you. If you don't receive a notice 60 days before your plate expires, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office to confirm your address and request a duplicate notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license plate before the notice arrives?

Yes. You don't have to wait for the notice. Visit your county tax assessor-collector's office with your current registration card and driver's license, or renew online through the Texas DMV website if you meet the requirements. The notice is a reminder and payment instruction, but you can renew anytime within 60 days before your plate expires.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office and request a duplicate notice. You can also renew in person with your current registration card and driver's license, or renew online if your vehicle meets the requirements. The office can tell you the renewal fee over the phone.

Do I need a new inspection before I renew my plate?

Your vehicle inspection must be current to renew online. If your inspection has expired, you'll need to get a new one before renewing online, or you can renew in person or by mail without an inspection. An inspection typically costs $27.50 and is valid for one year.

How long does it take to receive my new registration card by mail?

The Texas DMV typically mails new registration cards within one to two weeks of processing your renewal. If you renew by mail, allow an additional one to two weeks for the office to receive and process your payment. You can drive with your old registration card until the new one arrives.

What if my vehicle has outstanding tolls or violations?

You cannot renew online if you have unpaid tolls or traffic violations. Contact the toll authority or the court handling your violation to resolve the issue, then renew in person or by mail. Your county office can tell you which violations are blocking your renewal.