The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) is making headlines this year with a wave of changes set to impact millions of drivers across the Lone Star State. From new rules on vehicle inspections to a complete overhaul of license plate procedures, here’s what you need to know if you’re hitting the road in Texas.
Vehicle Safety Inspections: Most Are Going Away
Starting January 1, 2025, most Texas drivers will no longer need to get a vehicle safety inspection before registering their cars. This change, thanks to House Bill 3297, eliminates the requirement for non-commercial vehicles to undergo annual safety checks. However, you’ll still have to pay a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee when registering your vehicle. For brand-new cars, the initial fee is $16.75 and covers two years.
It’s important to note: this fee is not an increase in registration costs, but simply replaces the revenue previously generated by the inspection program.
Goodbye Paper Tags, Hello Metal Plates
Another big update is coming July 1, 2025: Texas is ditching temporary paper license plates for good. Instead, when you buy a car from a dealership, you’ll receive permanent metal plates right away. This move aims to crack down on the widespread fraud involving paper tags, which has made it tough for law enforcement to track vehicles.
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For Dealers: They’ll now issue one of four types of metal plates, each color-coded for different uses (dealer vehicles, out-of-state buyers, temporary 30-day use, and more).
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For Buyers: You’ll leave the dealership with your metal plates, but will still wait for your registration sticker to arrive in the mail.
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For Private Sales: Sellers keep their plates, which can be transferred to their next vehicle or reassigned at a DMV office.
If you have a valid paper tag issued before July 1, it remains good until it expires.
Watch Out for DMV Scams
With all these changes, scammers have been busy. The Texas DMV warns drivers to ignore any text messages claiming to be from “TxDMV” or “Texas DMV” demanding toll payments. The DMV does not operate toll roads or collect toll fees, and clicking these links can lead to identity theft or financial loss. If you get such a message, report it to the FBI.
What Else Does the Texas DMV Do?
Unlike some states, the Texas DMV focuses only on vehicle-related services—not driver’s licenses. Most DMV business happens at your local county tax office, where you can:
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Register your vehicle
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Renew registration and get new plates
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Transfer vehicle titles
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Update your address
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Apply for specialty plates or disabled parking placards
For more complex issues, like replacement titles or title corrections, you’ll need to visit one of TxDMV’s 16 Regional Service Centers.
Final Thoughts
With vehicle inspections ending for most cars and metal plates replacing paper tags, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of big changes for Texas drivers. Stay alert for scams, keep up with the new rules, and make sure you’re registering your vehicle the right way. The Texas DMV says these changes will make roads safer and help law enforcement do their jobs better—but for drivers, it’s just one more thing to keep track of in the ever-changing world of car ownership.