Texas sticker renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at your county tax assessor's office

Your registration sticker — the decal on your license plate showing your vehicle is current — expires on a date printed on the sticker itself. In Texas, you renew through your county tax assessor's office, not through the state. You can complete the entire process online at mytxplates.com, mail in your renewal notice, or walk into your local assessor's office. Most people renew online because it takes 10 minutes and you can pay by credit card.

The state sends you a renewal notice 60 days before your sticker expires. That notice has everything you need: your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and a link to renew online. If you lose the notice, you can still renew using your VIN and plate number on the assessor's website. You do not need an inspection sticker to renew registration in Texas — that is a separate requirement for some vehicles, handled at a different time.

Key Takeaways

  • Renew online at mytxplates.com using your VIN and license plate number, or wait for the renewal notice the state mails you 60 days before expiration.
  • Online renewal costs the standard registration fee for your vehicle type plus a $1 online processing fee, and takes 10 minutes.
  • Your new sticker arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of payment; you can drive legally during that window if you keep your receipt in the car.
  • If you renew in person at your county tax assessor's office, you get the sticker when ready and do not have to wait for mail delivery.
  • Commercial vehicles, vehicles with outstanding violations, and vehicles registered to businesses may have additional requirements or restrictions.

Renewing online at mytxplates.com

Go to mytxplates.com and select "Renew Registration" from the menu. You will need your VIN (found on your dashboard or registration document) and your current license plate number. Enter those, verify your vehicle information, and review the renewal fee. The fee varies by vehicle weight and type — a standard passenger car typically costs between $50 and $70, but trucks and specialty vehicles cost more. You will also pay a $1 online processing fee.

After you pay by credit card or debit card, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Write it down or take a screenshot. The state mails your new sticker to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can legally drive with your old sticker as long as you carry your payment receipt in the vehicle. Once the new sticker arrives, remove the old one and explore the new one to your license plate in the lower right corner.

If your address has changed since your last registration, update it before you renew. The sticker will be mailed to whatever address is in the system. You can change your address on the same website before completing payment.

Renewing by mail or in person

If you prefer not to use the website, use the renewal notice the state mails you. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date your county receives it, so mail early if your sticker is expiring soon. Do not send cash through the mail.

For when ready renewal, visit your county tax assessor's office in person. Bring your renewal notice or your VIN and license plate number, your driver's license, and payment by check, money order, or card (card acceptance varies by county). You walk out with your new sticker the same day. Most assessor's offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; some larger counties have Saturday hours. Look up your county assessor's office location and hours on the Texas Comptroller's website.

What happens if your sticker expires

Driving with an expired sticker is a traffic violation in Texas. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. The fine is typically $100 to $200, though it varies by county. If you are pulled over, show the officer your payment receipt if your new sticker is in the mail — that may help, but it does not may provide the officer will not cite you.

If your sticker expired more than 60 days ago, you cannot renew online; you must renew in person at your county assessor's office or by mail. The office will process a late renewal, but you may face additional penalties depending on how long it has been expired. Renew as soon as you realize it has lapsed.

Commercial vehicles and special registration types

Commercial vehicles, vehicles registered to businesses, and vehicles with special plates (disabled, veteran, antique, etc.) may have different renewal processes or additional requirements. Some commercial registrations require an inspection or proof of insurance before renewal. If your vehicle falls into one of these categories, the renewal notice will specify what you need to provide.

If you own a commercial vehicle and are unsure whether your registration is current, contact your county tax assessor's office directly. They can tell you the expiration date and what documents you need to renew.

Inspection sticker versus registration sticker

Texas requires an inspection sticker (also called a safety inspection sticker) for most vehicles, but it is separate from your registration sticker. The inspection sticker shows your vehicle passed a safety and emissions test. It expires one year after it is issued and must be renewed at an inspection station, not at the tax assessor's office. Your registration sticker can be current while your inspection sticker is expired, or vice versa — they are two different things.

Check both stickers on your license plate. If either one is expired, you are driving illegally. The registration sticker is on the lower right of the plate; the inspection sticker is on the lower left. Renew whichever one has expired first, then renew the other before it expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my sticker if my vehicle has unpaid traffic tickets or violations?

No. If your vehicle has outstanding violations, holds, or unpaid fines, the tax assessor's office will not process a renewal. You must resolve the violation first — usually by paying the fine or appearing in court. Contact the court or the agency that issued the violation to find out what you owe and how to pay it.

What if I move to a different county in Texas?

Update your address before you renew. You can do this on mytxplates.com or by contacting your new county's tax assessor's office. Your sticker will be mailed to your new address. You do not need to re-register the vehicle or get a new license plate unless you choose to.

How long can I drive with an expired sticker while waiting for the new one?

You can drive legally for up to 10 business days after you pay online, as long as you carry your payment receipt in the vehicle. After 10 business days, if the sticker has not arrived, contact your county tax assessor's office — there may be a mailing delay. Do not drive without a valid sticker or receipt after that window closes.

What if I lose my renewal notice?

You do not need the notice to renew. Go to mytxplates.com and enter your VIN and license plate number. The system will pull up your vehicle information and let you renew. If you do not have your VIN handy, it is printed on your registration card, insurance card, or vehicle title.

Can someone else renew my sticker for me?

Yes. If you renew online, anyone with your VIN and license plate number can complete it. If you renew in person, the person renewing must bring your vehicle's registration or title, proof of ownership, and payment. Some counties allow a notarized power of attorney instead of the owner being present.