The Registered Texan sticker shows your vehicle is registered in Texas and lets you display pride in Texas ownership
The Registered Texan sticker is an optional license plate design you can choose when you register or renew your vehicle in Texas. Instead of the standard white plate with blue lettering, you get a plate that features the Texas flag or other Texas-themed imagery. It costs the same as a regular registration — there is no extra fee — and it serves as both your legal registration plate and a way to show Texas pride on your vehicle.
You do not have to choose this option. The standard plate works exactly the same way legally. The Registered Texan sticker is purely a choice about what your plate looks like. If you want one, you order it through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when you register or renew, either online, by mail, or in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office.
Key Takeaways
- The Registered Texan sticker is an optional plate design that costs no more than a standard Texas plate.
- You can order one when you first register your vehicle or when you renew your registration.
- The plate is available through the Texas DMV online, by mail, or at your county tax assessor-collector's office.
- The sticker serves as your legal registration plate — it is not a separate sticker you add to an existing plate.
- If you move out of Texas or no longer want the design, you can switch back to a standard plate at your next renewal.
How the Registered Texan sticker differs from a standard plate
A standard Texas license plate is white with blue lettering and displays the state name across the top. The Registered Texan sticker replaces that entire plate with a design that incorporates Texas imagery — typically the Texas flag or a map of the state. Both plates are equally legal and serve the same function: they show your vehicle is registered and display your registration number and county code.
The only real difference is appearance. The Registered Texan sticker does not give you any special parking privileges, tax breaks, or legal status. It does not affect your insurance rates or registration cost. It is straightforward a visual choice, similar to choosing a specialty plate design in other states.
When and where to order a Registered Texan sticker
You can order a Registered Texan sticker at three points: when you first register a new vehicle, when you renew your registration, or by requesting a replacement plate if your current one is damaged or lost. You have three ways to order:
- Online through the Texas DMV website: Go to the DMV's vehicle registration section and select the Registered Texan design when prompted. You will pay the standard registration fee and the plate will be mailed to you.
- By mail: Complete the appropriate registration or renewal form, indicate you want the Registered Texan design, and mail it to your county tax assessor-collector's office with payment.
- In person: Visit your county tax assessor-collector's office with your vehicle documents and request the Registered Texan plate when you register or renew.
Processing time varies depending on the method. Online and in-person orders typically take one to two weeks for the plate to arrive by mail. Mail-in orders may take longer depending on mail delivery and office processing time.
What documents you need to order
The documents required depend on whether you are registering a vehicle for the first time or renewing an existing registration. For a new registration, you will need your vehicle title, proof of insurance, proof of residency, and a completed process form. For a renewal, you typically only need your current registration card and proof of insurance.
The Registered Texan sticker itself does not require any additional paperwork beyond what a standard registration requires. You straightforward indicate your plate design preference when you submit your registration materials. If you are unsure what documents your specific situation needs, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office — they can tell you exactly what to bring.
Switching back to a standard plate
If you decide later that you want a standard plate instead, you can switch at your next registration renewal. There is no penalty or fee for changing your plate design. straightforward request a standard plate when you renew, and you will receive one in the mail.
If you need to switch before your renewal date — for example, if your Registered Texan plate is damaged — you can order a replacement plate through your county tax assessor-collector's office. You will pay a replacement fee (typically around $10 to $20, though this varies by county) and can request either design.
What happens if you move out of Texas
If you relocate to another state, you will need to register your vehicle in that state and will no longer use your Texas plate. You do not need to do anything special with your Registered Texan plate — straightforward follow your new state's registration process. If you move back to Texas later, you can choose the Registered Texan design again at that time.
If you move within Texas but to a different county, your plate remains valid. Texas plates are not county-specific in the way some states' plates are, so you can keep your Registered Texan plate even if you change counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Registered Texan sticker cost more than a regular plate?
No. The Registered Texan sticker costs the same as a standard Texas plate. There is no additional fee for choosing the Texas-themed design. You pay only the standard registration or renewal fee.
Can I add a Registered Texan sticker to my existing plate?
No. The Registered Texan sticker is not a separate sticker you explore to an existing plate. It is an alternative plate design that replaces your entire plate. When you order one, you receive a new plate in the mail with the Texas imagery already printed on it.
How long does it take to receive a Registered Texan plate after I order it?
Processing and delivery typically take one to two weeks if you order online or in person. Mail-in orders may take longer depending on postal delivery and office processing. You can use your old plate legally until the new one arrives.
What if my Registered Texan plate gets damaged or lost?
Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office to order a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee (usually $10 to $20) and can request either a Registered Texan design or a standard plate. The replacement plate will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.
Can I keep my Registered Texan plate if I move to a different Texas county?
Yes. Texas plates are not county-specific, so you can keep your Registered Texan plate when you move within the state. You do not need to re-register or order a new plate unless you choose to.