Texas vehicle registration renewal: deadlines, grace period and inspections
Your Texas registration sticker expires every year (every two years for some new vehicles). Here is when you can renew, what a late renewal risks, and what changed about inspections.
Checked against the official page in October 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm on TxDMV: register your vehicle before you act.
Get a reminder before it's too late. We'll email you ahead of the date, and you can add a phone call.
Create a free accountWhen you can renew, and how
Online renewal opens 90 days before the expiration date. You can also renew by mail or in person at your county tax office.
- Online: Texas by Texas (TxT), on the website or in the app.
- By mail: send your renewal notice, proof of current liability insurance and the fees on your notice to your county tax office.
- In person: at your county tax office or an approved substation. Without the notice you can use your plate number, VIN or last year's receipt.
How long you have
TxDMV says a vehicle may be driven up to five working days after the registration expires without penalty. After that you can be cited, with a fine of up to $200.
Online renewal stays available for up to 12 months after expiration, as long as you have not received a citation for expired registration.
Plan for delay: TxDMV says to allow up to three weeks for processing and mailing, and online payments have a two business day hold before the sticker is printed.
Inspections changed in 2025
According to Texas DPS, non-commercial vehicles no longer need a safety inspection before registration. Instead there is an inspection program replacement fee of $7.50, paid when you register ($16.75 for a newly purchased vehicle, covering two years).
Emissions tests are separate and still apply in emissions counties, which DPS lists as including Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Travis and El Paso, among others. DPS says Bexar County is being added in 2026. Electric-only vehicles are exempt.
A good reminder schedule
Use the date on your sticker or renewal notice. Our template emails you 45 days, 14 days and 3 days before, and on the day, so you are inside the 90-day online window with weeks to spare.
It Is Time is not affiliated with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Source: TxDMV: register your vehicle.