What a Black License Plate Is and Who Can Get One
A black license plate in Texas is an optional design that replaces the standard white plate. It has white lettering and a black background instead of the traditional blue and white. You do not have to get one — the standard plate works exactly the same way legally — but if you want the appearance, you order it through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when you renew your registration or at any time after that.
Any vehicle owner in Texas can order a black plate. There is no special status required, no income limit, and no waiting period. You straightforward pay a fee and request it. The plate arrives by mail within two to three weeks, and you install it yourself using the hardware that comes with it.
Key Takeaways
- Black plates are a cosmetic choice available to any Texas vehicle owner and cost extra when you order them.
- You order a black plate through the Texas DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office during your registration renewal or anytime after.
- The plate arrives by mail and you install it yourself; the old plate goes back to the DMV by mail in the prepaid envelope provided.
- Black plates work in every Texas county and are legal for all vehicle types, including commercial and government vehicles.
How to Order a Black Plate Online
The fastest way to order a black plate is through the Texas DMV website at txdmv.gov. Go to the vehicle registration section and look for the option to customize your plate or change your plate design. You will need your vehicle registration number and driver's license number to log in.
Select the black plate design from the available options. The system will show you the cost — this varies depending on whether you are renewing your registration at the same time or just changing the plate design mid-registration cycle. Pay the fee using a credit or debit card. The DMV will mail your new plate to the address on file within two to three weeks.
When the plate arrives, remove your old plate and install the new one using the hardware included in the package. Put your old plate in the prepaid return envelope that comes with the new plate and drop it in any mailbox. Do not throw it away or keep it.
Ordering a Black Plate by Mail or In Person
If you prefer not to order online, you can request a black plate by mail. read the Vehicle Registration process (Form VTR-130) from txdmv.gov, check the box for plate design customization, and mail it with your payment to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the plate fee plus any registration renewal fees if applicable.
You can also visit a DMV office in person. Bring your vehicle registration, driver's license, and payment method. Tell the clerk you want to order a black plate. They will process the request on the spot, and the plate will be mailed to you. This method takes the same two to three weeks as online or mail orders.
What the Black Plate Costs
The cost of a black plate depends on your situation. If you are renewing your registration and adding a black plate at the same time, you pay the standard registration renewal fee plus an additional fee for the plate design change. If you are ordering a black plate in the middle of your registration cycle — meaning your current registration is not expiring soon — you pay only the plate design fee.
The exact dollar amount varies by vehicle type and county, so check the DMV website or call your local DMV office for the current price in your area. There is no refund if you change your mind after ordering, so make sure you want the black plate before you pay.
When You Can Order a Black Plate
You can order a black plate at any time, not just when your registration is due for renewal. If your registration does not expire for another year, you can still order a black plate now and pay the mid-cycle fee. Your current registration stays valid; the new plate straightforward replaces the old one.
If your registration is expiring soon, it makes sense to order the black plate at the same time you renew, because you will pay only one set of fees. If your registration is not expiring for a while, you can wait and order the black plate when renewal time comes around, or order it now if you prefer not to wait.
Installing Your Black Plate and Returning the Old One
When your black plate arrives in the mail, you will also receive mounting hardware and a prepaid return envelope for your old plate. Remove the old plate by unscrewing the bolts or clips that hold it to your vehicle — usually two bolts, one on top and one on bottom. Keep the hardware; you will use it to attach the new plate.
Line up the new black plate with the bolt holes on your vehicle and screw it in using the same hardware. Make sure it is tight and level. Do not drill new holes or use different hardware. Put your old plate in the prepaid return envelope and mail it back to the DMV. The envelope has postage already paid, so you just drop it in any mailbox.
If you have a front and rear plate, you will receive two black plates. Install both the same way and return both old plates in the envelope.
Black Plates and Vehicle Registration in Other States
A Texas black plate is legal only in Texas. If you move to another state, you will need to get that state's license plate. If you travel to another state temporarily, your black plate is still valid — you do not need to change it for a trip. But if you establish residency in another state, you must register your vehicle there and get that state's plate.
If you move back to Texas later, you can order another black plate at that time. There is no limit to how many times you can change your plate design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a black plate to renew my registration?
No. The standard white plate works for registration renewal. A black plate is purely cosmetic and optional. You can renew your registration with your current plate and add a black plate anytime, or skip it entirely.
Can I order a black plate if my registration is expired?
No. Your registration must be current to order a plate. If your registration is expired, renew it first through the DMV website or office, then order the black plate.
What if I do not like the black plate after I get it?
You can order a different plate design or go back to the standard white plate anytime. There is no refund for the black plate fee, but you can change your plate design as often as you want by paying the design change fee each time.
Do black plates work for commercial vehicles or trailers?
Yes. Black plates are available for all vehicle types registered in Texas, including commercial vehicles, trailers, and government vehicles. Order them the same way as you would for a standard vehicle.
How long does it take to get a black plate after I order it?
Two to three weeks by mail is standard. If you need a plate faster, you cannot expedite a black plate order. If you need a temporary plate to drive while you wait, contact your local DMV office about a temporary registration.