How to Renew Vehicle Registration in Texas
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Texas requires drivers to regularly renew their vehicle registrations to make sure that the vehicles are registered to the right owners and meet any applicable safety and emissions standards.
Depending on the vehicle you drive and the renewal method you choose, the process can vary slightly. Learn how to renew your Texas vehicle registration, including which documents you need and what fees you’ll need to pay for online, mail, or in-person renewals.
When and How Often You Need To Renew in Texas
Typically, you need to renew your Texas vehicle registration every year. You’ll receive a renewal notice in the mail unless you opt to go paperless, and that notice is your sign to start thinking about the renewal process.
You can complete your registration renewal 90 days before your expiration date. To see when your registration expires, check your registration sticker on your windshield.
Renewal Methods: Online, In Person, or By Mail
You have three options for completing your State of Texas car registration renewal: by mail, online, or in person, so choose whichever is most convenient for you.
By Mail
You can renew your vehicle by mail by sending the following documents to your county tax assessor-collector office:
- Your renewal notice
- Proof of current liability insurance
- Payment for all applicable renewal fees
- A copy of your Vehicle Inspection Report (if applicable)
Renewing Online Through TxDMV
To complete your Texas registration renewal online, you can use the classic online renewal or use Texas by Texas (TxT). TxT is an official way to access government services, including renewing your car registration, through a digital government assistant.
Create a TxT account if you don’t already have one, and follow the steps on the website to renew your vehicle.
What To Expect If You Renew In Person
You can also renew your registration in person at your county tax office or another approved office. Search the list of approved registration renewal locations on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website to find the one closest to you. Depending on the location, you may need to make an appointment.
Make sure to bring your renewal notice and proof of current liability insurance, plus payment for the fees. If you don’t have your renewal notice, bring your registration receipt from the previous year or use your license plate number or vehicle identification number to complete your renewal.
You can use your renewal receipt as a temporary registration for 30 days until your new registration arrives.
Required Documents and Eligibility Criteria
For non-commercial vehicles, you generally just need your renewal notice and proof of current Texas car insurance to complete your registration renewal. If you live in certain Texas counties, your vehicle may need to pass an emissions inspection but not a safety inspection before registration.
For commercial vehicles, you might need emissions testing or a safety inspection as part of your vehicle registration renewal.
Inspection Requirements and Recent Changes
The Texas Two-Step process involved vehicle owners completing a safety inspection before renewing their registration. However, as of January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles no longer need a separate safety inspection before registration.
While you’re adapting to recent changes, check out the Texas driver’s handbook in case there’s anything important you’ve missed or forgotten since the last time you read it.
Registration Fees and Accepted Payment Methods
Currently, the standard renewal fee for cars and light trucks is $50.75. For heavier pickup trucks, the base fee is $54. You may have to pay additional local fees, electric vehicle fees, and processing and handling fees.
Different counties accept different forms of payment, so if you’re renewing in person, make sure you ask your county office which payment types are acceptable.
Compare Auto Insurance Rates Before You Renew
In Texas, you need current liability insurance to renew your vehicle registration. If you received your renewal notice but are looking for cheap car insurance in Texas first, you’re in luck.
With EverQuote, you can browse customized car insurance options to help you find the right coverage at the lowest possible prices. It only takes a few minutes to enter your details and see car insurance tailored to you. Get your free custom insurance comparison from EverQuote now.
FAQs
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Premiums are sourced from over 30,000 zip codes across 200 insurance companies. We estimate premiums based on public filings for policies seeking 50/100 in liability with $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage. Estimated rates are based on a 35-year-old single female with a good credit score and no history of accidents or violations driving a 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE. We partner with Quadrant Information Services to source our data and assume no unique benefits or discounts are applied for these rates (unless otherwise stated). Your own rates may be different.