How do I renew my vehicle registration?

Category
General
Site Section
How-To FAQ
Question
How do I renew my vehicle registration?
Answer

Texans have several options available to renew their registration.

  • Step 1: Obtain a Texas vehicle inspection at any state inspection station within the owner's/renewal recipient's county of residence, no earlier than 90 days prior to the registration expiration
    • Proof of vehicle insurance will be required at time of inspection
    • Visit our website to find out when to inspect
  • Step 2: Renew the vehicle registration one of three ways:
  • NOTE: You will need to go in person to your county tax office if:
    • You received a citation for expired registration (a 20% registration penalty fee applies)
    • Your registration is expired (online renewal is allowed up to 6 months after expiration)
    • There is a hold on your registration due to certain unpaid fines, fees, or taxes
     
    • ONLINE OPTION:
    • We recommend waiting at least 24 hours after obtaining a passing inspection to renew online
      • Click here to renew online
      • A payment confirmation receipt email will be sent immediately to you if the online renewal is successful
      • Approximately 3 business days later, a second email will be sent to you advising you if the renewal was approved
      • If approved, the email will include a receipt that may be used as temporary proof of registration, while the sticker is in the mail process which may take up to 2 weeks to receive. Keep this in your vehicle in case you are stopped by law enforcement.

    • COUNTY TAX OFFICE OPTION:
    • Submit the following in person or by mail to the owner's/renewal recipient's local county tax office:
      • Renewal notice or vehicle identification number or plate number
      • Copy of owner's current driver license or government-issued photo identification
      • Proof of current vehicle insurance (copy)
      • Proof of current Texas vehicle inspection (copy)
      • Fees: Contact your local county tax office for exact fee amount and payment methods

    • GROCERY STORE OR OTHER APPROVED LOCATIONS OPTION (varies by county):
    • The same items are required as if you were renewing in person at the county tax office; however, you must have the Renewal Notice or the Inspection and Registration Notice to renew at one of these locations.