What the 2025 Texas registration sticker is and where it goes

The Texas registration sticker is a small decal that shows your vehicle's registration is current. It displays the month and year your registration expires and goes on your windshield in the lower right corner (passenger side). Texas issues a new sticker each time you renew your registration, whether that's annually or every two years depending on your vehicle type.

The sticker itself is not optional — it's the visible proof that you've paid your registration fees and your vehicle is legal to drive on Texas roads. A peace officer can see at a glance whether your registration is current. Driving without a valid sticker, or with an expired one, can result in a traffic citation.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas registration stickers expire on the last day of the month shown on the decal, and you must renew before that date to avoid a citation.
  • Most passenger vehicles renew annually, but some vehicle types renew every two years — check your current registration paperwork to see your renewal cycle.
  • You receive the new sticker in the mail when you renew online, by mail, or in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office.
  • The sticker arrives separately from your registration certificate, usually within one to two weeks after your renewal is processed.
  • You must physically place the sticker on your windshield yourself; the tax office does not install it for you.

When your 2025 sticker arrives and how to install it

If you renewed your registration before your expiration date, the new sticker arrives by mail at the address on file with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Processing time varies depending on how you renewed: online renewals typically mail the sticker within five to seven business days, while mail-in renewals may take two to three weeks. In-person renewals at a county tax assessor-collector's office sometimes provide the sticker when ready, though some offices mail it instead.

The sticker comes as a small adhesive decal in an envelope or package. To install it, clean the lower right corner of your windshield (passenger side) with a dry cloth, peel the backing from the sticker, and press it firmly onto the glass. The sticker should be visible from outside the vehicle and positioned so that it does not obstruct your view of the road.

Do not place the sticker over tint, dirt, or condensation — it will not adhere properly and may peel off. If your sticker arrives damaged or does not stick, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office and request a replacement.

What happens if you miss the expiration date

If your registration and sticker expire before you renew, your vehicle is no longer registered with the state. Driving an unregistered vehicle is a traffic violation. A peace officer who sees an expired sticker can issue a citation, which typically results in a fine. The fine amount varies by county but generally ranges from $100 to $200 for an expired registration.

If you are pulled over with an expired sticker, you can often show proof that you have already renewed (such as a confirmation email or receipt) to avoid or reduce the citation. However, the safest approach is to renew before your expiration date. You can renew up to 90 days before your sticker expires, so plan ahead if you know your renewal date is approaching.

If your registration has been expired for an extended period, you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost. Some counties charge a penalty of $10 to $25 for late renewal. Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office to find out the exact amount owed before you renew.

How to renew and get your new sticker

Texas offers three main ways to renew your registration and receive a new sticker. Online renewal through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website (txdmv.gov) is the fastest option for most drivers. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and a valid payment method. The sticker mails to you within a week.

Mail-in renewal requires you to send your current registration certificate and payment to your county tax assessor-collector's office. The office address is on your registration paperwork. This method takes longer — typically two to three weeks — because the office must receive your payment, process it, and mail the sticker back to you.

In-person renewal at your county tax assessor-collector's office is an option if you need the sticker quickly or prefer to handle it face-to-face. Bring your current registration certificate, proof of vehicle inspection (if required), and payment. Some offices issue the sticker on the spot; others mail it. Call ahead to confirm what your office does and what hours they keep.

Different renewal cycles for different vehicle types

Not all vehicles renew on the same schedule in Texas. Most passenger cars and light trucks renew annually — meaning you get a new sticker every year. However, some vehicle types renew every two years. Trailers, for example, typically renew biennially (every two years), as do some commercial vehicles and vehicles registered under certain exemptions.

Check your current registration certificate to see your renewal cycle. The certificate will show your expiration date. If you are unsure whether your vehicle renews annually or biennially, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office with your VIN and they can tell you. Do not assume your vehicle renews annually — if it renews every two years and you miss that date, you will be driving an unregistered vehicle.

Replacing a lost, damaged, or missing sticker

If your sticker falls off, gets damaged, or is missing, you can request a replacement from your county tax assessor-collector's office. You will need to provide your vehicle identification number and current registration number. Some offices issue a replacement sticker for free if your registration is current; others charge a small fee (typically $2 to $5).

You can request a replacement in person, by mail, or by phone depending on your county's procedures. Contact your local tax assessor-collector's office to find out how they handle replacements and whether you can pick one up the same day or if it will be mailed to you.

What to do if your sticker does not arrive before expiration

If you renewed on time but your sticker has not arrived by your expiration date, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office when ready. Bring proof of your renewal (such as a confirmation email, receipt, or bank statement showing the payment) and ask for a temporary registration or a replacement sticker. Many offices can issue a temporary document that proves your registration is current while you wait for the sticker to arrive in the mail.

If you are stopped by a peace officer before your sticker arrives, show them your proof of renewal. Most officers will not issue a citation if you can demonstrate that you renewed before the expiration date and are straightforward waiting for the physical sticker to arrive. However, having that proof on hand is essential — keep your renewal confirmation email or receipt in your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle inspection is expired?

In Texas, your vehicle must pass a current safety and emissions inspection before you can renew your registration. If your inspection is expired, you must get a new one first. Once you have a current inspection, you can renew your registration and receive your new sticker. Some inspection stations can process both the inspection and registration renewal on the same visit.

What if I moved and my sticker was mailed to my old address?

Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office and provide your new address. They can remail the sticker to your current location or issue a replacement. You may also update your address online through the Texas DMV website if you have an account. If your sticker was mailed before you updated your address, it may take additional time to receive a replacement.

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

Yes, remove the old sticker before explore the new one. Use a plastic scraper or credit card to gently peel it off. Clean any remaining adhesive residue with rubbing alcohol or a commercial adhesive remover, then dry the area completely before explore the new sticker. A clean surface helps the new sticker adhere properly and last longer.

What if I bought a used vehicle and it does not have a current sticker?

You must register the vehicle in your name and obtain a new sticker before driving it on public roads. Visit your county tax assessor-collector's office with the title, bill of sale, and proof of inspection. They will process your registration and issue a new sticker. You cannot legally drive the vehicle until this is complete.

Can I get a sticker for a vehicle that is registered in another state?

No. You must register your vehicle in Texas if you live here and plan to drive it on Texas roads regularly. Out-of-state registrations are not valid in Texas. Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office to register your vehicle in Texas and receive a Texas sticker.