What Your Texas Vehicle Registration Card and Sticker Actually Look Like

The Texas Vehicle Registration Card

Your Texas vehicle registration is a wallet-sized card, roughly the size of a credit card, printed on white cardstock with a blue header. The card displays your vehicle's information on the front: the owner's name and address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make and model of your vehicle, the year, the license plate number, and the registration expiration date. The back of the card lists the vehicle's color, body type, and gross vehicle weight rating.

The card is issued by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and comes in the mail after you complete your registration. You are required to keep this card in your vehicle at all times — it is your proof of registration if a police officer asks to see it during a traffic stop. The expiration date printed on the front tells you when you need to renew.

The Registration Sticker

Along with the card, you receive a small rectangular sticker, usually about 2 inches by 1 inch, with a white background and blue text. This sticker displays your registration expiration date and your license plate number. The sticker is meant to be placed on your vehicle's windshield, typically in the lower right corner on the passenger side, where it is visible from outside the vehicle.

The sticker serves as a quick visual check for law enforcement and parking enforcement that your registration is current. Some vehicles, particularly commercial trucks or those with special registrations, may receive a different style of sticker or decal instead. The sticker must remain legible and unobstructed.

Key Takeaways

Your Texas registration card is a credit-card-sized document with your vehicle information, owner details, and expiration date printed on it.
The registration sticker is a small rectangular decal that displays your expiration date and plate number and goes on your windshield.
You must carry the registration card in your vehicle at all times as proof of registration.
The sticker must remain visible and legible on your windshield so law enforcement can verify your registration status at a glance.
Both the card and sticker show the same expiration date, which tells you when to renew your registration.

Where the Sticker Goes on Your Windshield

Texas law requires the registration sticker to be placed on the lower right corner of your windshield, on the passenger side. The sticker must be positioned so that it does not obstruct your view of the road and remains clearly visible from outside the vehicle. If your windshield is tinted or has a reflective coating, the sticker should still be placed in the same location and must remain readable.

If you have a vehicle with a rear window instead of a traditional windshield, or if you drive a motorcycle, the placement rules may differ slightly. For motorcycles, the sticker typically goes on the rear fender or frame. If you are unsure about placement for your specific vehicle type, the registration materials that come with your card include placement instructions.

What Information Appears on Each Document

The registration card contains the most detailed information. On the front, you will see the owner's full name and mailing address, the vehicle's VIN, the license plate number, the vehicle make and model, the year of manufacture, and the expiration date of your registration. The back includes the vehicle's color, body type (such as sedan, truck, or SUV), and the gross vehicle weight rating, which matters for commercial or heavy vehicles.

The sticker is much simpler and contains only two pieces of information: your license plate number and the month and year your registration expires. This limited information is intentional — the sticker is designed to be read quickly from a distance by law enforcement or parking enforcement officers.

How to Know If Your Registration Is Current

Both your card and your sticker display the same expiration date. This date is printed as a month and year — for example, "12/2025" means your registration expires in December 2025. On the sticker, this date is the most prominent information displayed. On the card, it appears in the upper right corner of the front side.

Your registration expires on the last day of the month shown. If your sticker says "06/2026," your registration is valid through June 30, 2026, and you must renew before July 1, 2026. If you drive with an expired registration, you can be stopped by law enforcement and issued a citation. Renewal notices are typically mailed to you about 60 days before your expiration date.

Variations for Different Vehicle Types

Most passenger vehicles receive the standard white card and rectangular sticker described above. However, some vehicle types have different registration formats. Commercial vehicles, fleet vehicles, and vehicles registered under a business name may receive cards with different formatting or additional information. Motorcycles receive a smaller card and sticker designed to fit on a motorcycle frame.

Vehicles with special registrations — such as disabled person placards, antique vehicle registrations, or temporary registrations — may have different colored cards or stickers. Temporary registrations, issued when you purchase a vehicle and have not yet completed full registration, come as a paper document rather than a card and sticker. If you have a specialty vehicle or registration type, your registration materials will explain what your specific card and sticker look like.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my registration sticker falls off my windshield?

Contact the Texas DMV and request a replacement sticker. You can do this online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. You will need to provide your vehicle information and proof of registration. In the meantime, carry your registration card with you, as it serves as proof of registration if you are stopped by law enforcement.

Can I get a replacement registration card if I lose mine?

Yes. You can request a duplicate registration card from the Texas DMV online, by mail, or in person. There is a small fee for a replacement card. You will need to provide your vehicle information and identification. The replacement card will have the same expiration date as your original.

Do I need to display the sticker if my registration card is current?

Yes. Texas law requires both the card and the sticker. The card must be in your vehicle, and the sticker must be visible on your windshield. Law enforcement may cite you for a missing sticker even if your card is current, so both are necessary.

What happens if my registration card and sticker show different expiration dates?

This should not happen under normal circumstances. If you notice a discrepancy, contact the Texas DMV when ready. One of the documents may have been printed in error, and you should clarify which date is correct before your registration expires.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.