Renewing your Texas car registration online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Texas vehicle registration through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, by mail, or by visiting a local county tax assessor-collector's office. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home. The process is the same whether you're renewing early, on time, or after your registration has expired — though if it's expired by more than two years, you'll need to visit an office in person.
Your registration renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your current registration expires. That notice contains your renewal code, which you'll need to renew online. If you've moved and didn't receive the notice, you can still renew using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and driver's license number instead.
The cost of renewal depends on your vehicle type and county. Most passenger vehicles cost between $50 and $90, but commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles registered in certain counties may cost more. You'll pay the renewal fee plus any applicable county fees when you complete the process.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at the Texas DMV website using your renewal notice code, or by mail using the notice that arrives 60 days before expiration.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive your new registration by mail within two weeks.
- If your registration expired more than two years ago, you must visit a county tax assessor-collector's office in person to renew.
- Renewal fees vary by vehicle type and county, typically ranging from $50 to $90 for standard passenger vehicles.
- You can renew up to one year before your current registration expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
Renewing online through the Texas DMV website
Go to txdmv.gov and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the homepage. You'll be asked to enter either your renewal code (from the notice you received) or your VIN and driver's license number. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee.
Review the information on screen to make sure it's correct. If your address, vehicle details, or other information has changed, you can update it during this step. Then enter your payment information — the site accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. Once you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
Your new registration sticker and documents will arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days. You can continue driving with your current registration until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before the new sticker arrives and a law enforcement officer stops you, show them your confirmation email or the confirmation number from your screen.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail in your renewal notice along with payment. The notice you receive in the mail has a payment stub on the back with instructions and the mailing address for your county's tax assessor-collector's office.
Write a check or money order for the renewal fee (do not send cash) and mail it with the payment stub to the address shown. Include your renewal notice or a copy of it. Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks, so send your renewal at least three weeks before your registration expires to avoid a lapse.
You'll receive your new registration sticker and documents by mail. Like online renewal, you can continue driving with your current registration until the new one arrives.
Renewing in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office
Visit your county's tax assessor-collector's office with your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a form of payment. You can find your local office and its hours on the Texas DMV website by entering your county name. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours.
Bring your current registration card and proof of current auto insurance. You'll need to show that your vehicle has active insurance coverage in order to renew. If you've moved since your last registration, bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works.
The staff will process your renewal on the spot and you'll walk out with your new registration sticker and documents. This is the fastest option if you need your registration when ready, though it requires a trip to an office during business hours.
What to do if your registration has expired
If your registration expired less than two years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above — online, by mail, or in person. You'll pay the standard renewal fee with no penalty or late fee added.
If your registration expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a county tax assessor-collector's office in person. The staff will process your renewal and may ask you to provide additional documentation, such as proof of inspection or proof of insurance. Once you renew in person, you can renew by mail or online for future years.
Do not drive with an expired registration. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. If your registration is expired and you need to drive to the tax assessor-collector's office to renew, consider asking someone else to drive or using a rideshare service to avoid the risk of being stopped.
Insurance and inspection requirements
Texas requires all registered vehicles to have active auto insurance. When you renew your registration, you'll need to provide proof of current insurance coverage. This can be your insurance card, a letter from your insurance company, or a screenshot of your policy from your insurer's website.
You do not need a vehicle inspection to renew your registration unless your vehicle is over 25 years old or you're registering it for the first time in Texas. If an inspection is required, you'll need to complete it before you renew. Inspections are performed at authorized inspection stations throughout Texas and cost between $7 and $27 depending on the type of vehicle.
Renewing early and managing multiple vehicles
You can renew your registration up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date or to align all their vehicle renewals to the same month. Renewing early doesn't change your expiration date — your new registration will still expire 12 months from your current expiration date, not 12 months from when you renew.
If you own multiple vehicles, each one has its own registration and renewal date. You can renew them at different times or all at once, depending on what works for you. If you renew online, you can process multiple vehicles in one session by entering each vehicle's information separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if I still owe money on my car loan?
Yes. Your registration and your car loan are separate. As long as your insurance is current and you pay the renewal fee, you can renew your registration regardless of your loan status. The lender has no say in whether you can renew.
What happens if I renew online but don't receive my new sticker in the mail?
Contact the Texas DMV at 1-888-368-4689 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your mailed registration and reissue it if needed. Keep your confirmation email as proof that you renewed until your new sticker arrives.
Do I need to renew my registration if I sell my car?
No. When you sell your vehicle, that registration ends. The new owner will register the vehicle in their name. You should notify the Texas DMV that you've sold the vehicle so you're not liable for any violations or tickets issued after the sale.
Can I renew my registration if my license plate was lost or stolen?
Yes, but you'll need to replace your license plate at the same time. When you renew online or in person, you can request a replacement plate for an additional fee (usually $10 to $15). If you renew by mail, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office to arrange a replacement plate.
What if my vehicle information changed since my last registration?
You can update your address, phone number, or other information during the online renewal process. If you're renewing by mail or in person, bring documentation of the change (such as a new driver's license with your updated address) and the staff will update your registration record.