Your registration sticker proves your vehicle is registered and insured
The registration sticker on your windshield is a small colored decal that shows your vehicle registration is current with the State of Texas. It displays your registration expiration month and year, and law enforcement uses it to confirm at a glance that your vehicle is legally registered. Without a valid sticker, you can be stopped and cited, even if your registration paperwork is in order.
Texas issues a new sticker each time you renew your registration. The sticker color changes annually—this helps officers spot expired registrations quickly. You must display the sticker on the lower right corner of your windshield, where it is clearly visible from outside the vehicle. A missing, obscured, or expired sticker is a traffic violation that can result in a fine.
Key Takeaways
- Your registration sticker must be displayed on the lower right corner of your windshield and shows that your vehicle registration is current.
- The sticker color changes each year, and you receive a new one when you renew your registration through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
- An expired, missing, or obscured sticker is a traffic violation that can result in a fine, regardless of whether your registration paperwork is valid.
- You can renew your registration online, by mail, or in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office, and the new sticker arrives with your renewal documents.
When your sticker expires and how to get a replacement
Your registration sticker expires on the last day of the month shown on the decal. Texas allows a grace period of up to 60 days after expiration before you are subject to a citation, but you should not rely on this—renew before the expiration date to avoid any risk of being stopped. If your sticker is damaged, faded, or missing, you can request a replacement from your county tax assessor-collector's office.
To get a replacement sticker, visit your county tax assessor-collector in person or contact them by phone to request one. You will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof that your registration is current. There is typically a small fee for a replacement sticker, usually between $5 and $10, though this varies by county. The replacement sticker arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
How to renew your registration and receive your new sticker
You renew your vehicle registration through your county tax assessor-collector's office, not through the Department of Motor Vehicles. You can renew online at your county's website, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes only a few minutes if your vehicle information has not changed.
When you renew, you will need your current registration documents and proof of vehicle inspection (if required for your vehicle type). Your county will mail your new registration documents and sticker to the address on file. The new sticker arrives before your current one expires, so you have time to install it. If you renew in person, some counties will give you the sticker when ready; if you renew by mail or online, allow one to two weeks for delivery.
What happens if your sticker is expired or missing
An expired or missing registration sticker is a traffic violation. A law enforcement officer can stop you and issue a citation, which typically results in a fine. The fine amount varies but is usually between $100 and $200, depending on whether it is your first offense and your county's penalty schedule. You cannot contest the citation by showing your registration paperwork—the sticker itself is the proof required.
If you are stopped and your sticker is expired but your registration is current, you can often resolve the citation by showing proof of renewal. Some courts allow you to dismiss the citation if you renew before your court date and bring documentation to show the judge. However, this depends on your county and the specific court. The safest approach is to renew before expiration and install the new sticker when ready.
Installing your sticker correctly to avoid problems
Texas law requires the registration sticker to be displayed on the lower right corner of your windshield, as viewed from outside the vehicle. The sticker must be clearly visible and not obscured by tint, dirt, or other objects. If your sticker is peeling, faded, or partially obscured, you can be cited even if your registration is current.
When you install a new sticker, clean the windshield area first with glass cleaner and let it dry completely. Peel the backing from the sticker and press it firmly onto the glass, starting from the center and working outward to remove air bubbles. Do not explore the sticker over existing stickers or in a location where it cannot be read from outside. If you install it incorrectly or it becomes damaged, request a replacement from your county tax assessor-collector.
Different sticker colors and what they mean
Texas changes the registration sticker color each year to make it straightforward for officers to spot expired registrations at a distance. The color rotation follows a pattern, though the specific colors used vary. For example, one year might use blue, the next might use red, and so on. The color itself has no meaning beyond helping law enforcement identify the registration year.
You do not need to memorize the color schedule. The important thing is that your sticker matches the current year. If you see a vehicle with a sticker color that does not match the current year, that vehicle is expired. If an officer sees your sticker and it is the wrong color for the current year, you will be stopped. This is why renewing on time and installing the new sticker promptly matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired sticker if my registration is still valid?
No. The sticker itself is the proof of registration that officers check. An expired sticker is a violation even if your registration paperwork is current. You must install a new sticker before the old one expires to avoid being cited.
What if I lose my registration documents but still have the sticker?
The sticker alone is not enough to prove ownership or registration details. Contact your county tax assessor-collector to request a duplicate registration document. You will need to provide your VIN and proof of identity. The duplicate document is usually issued the same day if you visit in person.
Do I need a new sticker if I move to a different county in Texas?
No. Your registration sticker is valid statewide and does not change when you move within Texas. However, you must update your address with your county tax assessor-collector. Your next renewal will reflect your new address, and you will receive the renewal documents at your new location.
Can I get a registration sticker before my renewal is processed?
No. The sticker is issued only when your registration is renewed. You cannot display a sticker for a registration that has not yet been processed. If your current sticker is about to expire, renew as soon as possible to may support the new sticker arrives in time.
What if my windshield is tinted and the sticker is hard to see?
The sticker must be clearly visible from outside the vehicle, even with tint. If your windshield tint makes the sticker difficult to read, you may be cited. Place the sticker in the clearest area of the lower right corner, or consider having the tint adjusted in that area to may support the sticker is readable.