Texas vehicle registration renews every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office

Texas sends you a renewal notice 60 days before your registration expires. The notice shows your renewal fee, which depends on your vehicle's weight and type. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can renew as early as 60 days before expiration. The fastest route is the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles online portal at txdmv.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and lets you pay by credit or debit card. If you renew online, your new registration sticker arrives by mail within two weeks.

If you cannot renew online — because your vehicle has a lien, a safety inspection failed, or you moved and the address on file is wrong — you must go to your county tax assessor-collector's office in person. Bring your current registration card, a valid ID, and proof of a passing safety inspection if your vehicle requires one. Some counties also accept mail-in renewal, but the process is slower and you must include a check or money order.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas registration renews every two years, and you can renew online at txdmv.gov starting 60 days before expiration.
  • Your renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type, and the amount appears on the renewal notice Texas mails you.
  • If your vehicle has a lien, failed safety inspection, or your address changed, you must renew in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office.
  • A passing safety inspection is required to renew, and you must complete it before you renew — the inspection sticker must be current.

Online renewal through the Texas DMV portal

The Texas DMV website at txdmv.gov is the fastest way to renew. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and a valid payment method. Log into your account or create one, enter your vehicle information, review the renewal fee, and pay. Your new registration sticker ships within two weeks.

Online renewal is not available if your vehicle has a lien holder on the title, if your safety inspection is expired or failed, or if your address on file does not match your current address. You also cannot renew online if your vehicle is registered as a commercial vehicle or if you have unpaid traffic violations or parking tickets in Texas. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at your county tax assessor-collector

Visit your county tax assessor-collector's office to renew if you cannot use the online portal. Bring your current registration card, a government-issued ID, and proof of a passing safety inspection. The office will verify your inspection, calculate your fee, and issue your new registration sticker on the spot. You can drive home with your new sticker the same day.

To find your county tax assessor-collector's office, search online for "[your county name] tax assessor-collector" or call your county clerk's office. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Some larger counties have multiple locations, so check which one is nearest to you. Bring cash, check, or debit card — not all offices accept credit cards.

Safety inspection requirements before renewal

Texas requires a safety inspection every two years before you can renew your registration. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield, wipers, horn, and steering. You can get an inspection at any licensed inspection station — gas stations, repair shops, and tire shops all offer them. The inspection costs between $7 and $27 depending on your vehicle type and the station you choose.

Your inspection sticker must be current when you renew. If your inspection expires before your registration expires, you must get a new inspection before you can renew your registration. The inspection sticker shows the month and year it expires. If you are renewing online and your inspection is expired, the system will reject your renewal and direct you to get a new inspection first.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Your renewal fee is based on your vehicle's weight and type. A standard passenger car typically costs between $50 and $60 to renew, but trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles cost more. The exact amount appears on your renewal notice. Vehicles over 6,000 pounds pay a higher fee. If you own a vehicle registered as a commercial vehicle, a taxi, or a vehicle for hire, your fee will be different from a personal vehicle.

Some vehicles may have access to for a reduced fee. If your vehicle is more than 20 years old, you may be able to register it as a historic vehicle and pay a lower fee. Disabled veterans and people with disabilities may may have access to for a reduced registration fee — contact your county tax assessor-collector's office to learn what documents you need. If you have unpaid tolls or traffic violations, your renewal fee may include a penalty.

What to do if your registration expires before you renew

If your registration expires before you complete the renewal process, you cannot legally drive your vehicle on Texas roads. If you are pulled over with an expired registration, you can receive a ticket. However, if you can show a law enforcement officer that you submitted your renewal process before the expiration date, you may not be ticketed — keep proof of your online submission or your receipt from the tax assessor-collector's office.

If your registration has already expired and you have not yet renewed, renew when ready. You can renew online or in person using the same process described above. Driving with an expired registration can result in a fine of up to $200. If you were ticketed for an expired registration, you can show the court your current registration to have the ticket dismissed in many cases — contact the court listed on your ticket for their specific policy.

Address changes and registration renewal

If you moved since your last registration, you must update your address before you renew. You can change your address online at txdmv.gov if you have a Texas driver's license or ID card with your current address. If your driver's license address is outdated, update that first through the Texas DMV website, then renew your vehicle registration.

If you cannot update your address online, go to your county tax assessor-collector's office in person with proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works. The office will update your address and process your renewal at the same visit. Do not attempt to renew online if your address on file is wrong, because the system will reject your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle has a lien?

No, you cannot renew online if a lien holder is listed on your title. You must renew in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office and bring proof that the lien has been satisfied, or bring a letter from the lien holder authorizing the renewal. Once the lien is removed from your title, you can renew online in the future.

What happens if I renew late?

If you renew after your registration expires, you are driving illegally and can be ticketed. The fine is up to $200. Renew as soon as you realize your registration has expired. If you were ticketed, show the court your current registration — many courts will dismiss the ticket if you can prove you have since renewed.

How long does it take to get my new registration sticker in the mail?

If you renew online, your sticker arrives within two weeks. If you renew in person at the tax assessor-collector's office, you receive your sticker when ready. If you renew by mail, allow three to four weeks for delivery.

Do I need a new inspection sticker every time I renew my registration?

No. Your inspection is good for two years, and your registration is also good for two years. If both expire at the same time, you need a new inspection before you renew your registration. If your inspection expires before your registration, get a new inspection and then renew your registration.

Can someone else renew my registration for me?

Yes, if you renew by mail or online. If you renew in person, you do not have to be present — someone with power of attorney or a family member can bring your documents and your current registration card to the tax assessor-collector's office on your behalf.