What you need to renew your Texas registration sticker

Texas registration stickers expire on the date printed on your current sticker. To renew, you need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and proof that your vehicle passed its most recent inspection. You can renew online through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, by mail, or in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office.

The online route is fastest: you provide your VIN and registration number, pay the renewal fee (which varies by vehicle weight and county), and print your new sticker at home. By mail, you send your renewal notice and payment to your county tax assessor-collector. In person, you bring your current registration and payment to your local office and walk out with your sticker the same day.

Your vehicle must have a current inspection sticker to renew registration. If your inspection has expired, you cannot complete renewal online or by mail—you must get a new inspection first, then renew. The inspection sticker shows the month and year it expires; if that date has passed, your registration renewal will be rejected.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas registration stickers expire on the date printed on your current sticker, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office.
  • Your vehicle must have a current inspection sticker to renew; if your inspection has expired, you must get a new one before you can renew registration.
  • Online renewal through the Texas DMV website is the fastest option and lets you print your new sticker at home when ready after payment.
  • The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and your county, so the cost varies; check your renewal notice or the DMV website for the exact amount.
  • If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing; renewing in person takes minutes and gives you your sticker when ready.

Renewing online through the Texas DMV website

Go to the Texas DMV website and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You will need your VIN (found on your registration or driver's side dashboard) and your current registration number (on your renewal notice or registration card). Enter both, verify your vehicle information, and confirm that your inspection is current.

Once you confirm your information, you will see the renewal fee for your vehicle. This fee is based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and your county. Pay by credit card or debit card. After payment processes, you can print your new sticker when ready. The sticker is valid as soon as you print it, so you can place it on your windshield right away.

Online renewal is available 24 hours a day. Your new sticker is good for 12 months from the expiration date of your old sticker, not from the date you renew. This means if your sticker expired on March 31, your new sticker will expire on March 31 of the following year, even if you renew in April.

Renewing by mail

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your sticker expires. It includes your VIN, registration number, and the renewal fee amount for your vehicle and county. Write a check or money order for that amount, sign the renewal notice where indicated, and mail both to the address printed on the notice.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time your county tax assessor-collector receives your payment. Your new sticker will arrive by mail. During this time, your old sticker is still valid, so you can continue driving legally. Do not remove your old sticker until the new one arrives.

If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by phone or through the Texas DMV website. Have your VIN and registration number ready. Mail renewal works best if you renew at least three weeks before your sticker expires, so your new sticker arrives before the old one becomes invalid.

Renewing in person at your county tax assessor-collector

Find your county tax assessor-collector's office online or call your county courthouse to get the address and hours. Bring your current registration card or renewal notice and a payment method (cash, check, or card—policies vary by office). Some offices accept card payments; others do not, so call ahead if you want to pay by card.

Tell the staff member you are renewing your registration sticker. They will verify your vehicle information, confirm your inspection is current, and tell you the renewal fee. Pay, and they will print your new sticker on the spot. You can place it on your windshield when ready and drive legally that same day.

In-person renewal takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the office is. This is the fastest way to renew if your inspection has expired, because you can get a new inspection at a nearby inspection station and then go directly to the tax assessor-collector to renew registration without waiting for mail.

What happens if your inspection sticker has expired

If your vehicle inspection expired before your registration sticker expires, you cannot renew registration until you get a new inspection. Online and mail renewal will reject your request if your inspection date has passed. In-person renewal at the tax assessor-collector will also be denied.

To fix this, find a vehicle inspection station in your area—these are typically independent repair shops, dealerships, or service stations that are licensed by the state. Bring your vehicle and current registration. The inspection takes about 15 minutes and costs between $25 and $50 depending on the station. Once you pass, you receive a new inspection sticker valid for 12 months.

After you have a current inspection sticker, you can renew your registration when ready. If your registration sticker has already expired while you were waiting for an inspection, you are still driving with an expired registration, which can result in a traffic stop and fine. Renew as soon as your inspection is complete.

Late renewal and expired registration stickers

If your registration sticker has already expired, you can still renew using any of the three methods—online, by mail, or in person. However, driving with an expired registration sticker is a violation. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. The fine amount varies by county but typically ranges from $100 to $200 for a first offense.

Renew as soon as you notice your sticker has expired. Online renewal is the fastest way to get a valid sticker if you are already past the expiration date. If your inspection has also expired, you must get a new inspection before you can renew registration, even if your registration sticker is already expired.

Some counties offer a grace period of a few days after expiration before enforcement begins, but this is not may provide. Do not rely on a grace period. Renew on or before the expiration date shown on your current sticker to avoid the risk of a traffic stop and fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration sticker if my inspection has expired?

No. Your inspection sticker must be current to renew registration. If your inspection has expired, you must get a new inspection first at a licensed inspection station, then renew your registration. This applies to online, mail, and in-person renewal.

How long does it take to get my new sticker by mail?

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time your county tax assessor-collector receives your payment. Your old sticker remains valid during this time, so you can continue driving legally. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your sticker expires to may support the new one arrives on time.

What if I lose my renewal notice?

You can renew without the notice if you have your VIN and current registration number. Renew online through the Texas DMV website, or call your county tax assessor-collector to request a new notice. You can also renew in person at the tax assessor-collector's office with just your vehicle and payment.

Do I have to remove my old sticker before putting on the new one?

Yes. Remove the old sticker completely before placing the new one on your windshield. Use a plastic scraper or credit card to avoid scratching the glass. The new sticker should be placed in the lower right corner of the windshield on the driver's side, where it is clearly visible.

What if I renew online but my payment fails?

The renewal will not process, and you will not receive a sticker. Try again with a different payment method, or renew by mail or in person instead. If you have questions about a failed payment, contact your county tax assessor-collector or the Texas DMV for help.