Vehicle Registration Renewal Texas
Registering your vehicle in Texas and renewing it when due is a necessity. Failure to do so can attract mild to severe penalties. The body that manages and controls vehicle registration in the state is the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). For your vehicle registration with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, you must do it in person. But for your vehicle renewal, there are several options; you can do it in person, by mail, or online with a recognized vehicle registration agency like swift-tags.
Registering Your Vehicle in Texas
Before hitting the road in Texas, ensure that your vehicle is registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Here are the steps to achieve this:
- Take your vehicle for inspection at a certified inspection center. In Texas, your vehicle must pass an annual inspection before you can register it. This is to ensure that all state-registered vehicles comply with safety standards.
- You must provide your insurance coverage which should cover the required minimum per accident, per person, and property damage.
- Have your vehicle registered and get your sticker at your local county’s Tax Assessor Collector office.
Renewing Your Vehicle Registration in Texas
In Texas, you are expected to renew your vehicle registration yearly. Your registration expires on the last day of the month, as indicated on your sticker. For example, if your sticker has 06/22 on it, then your registration is valid until the last day of June 2022 (30th June 2022). The TxDMV will also send you a renewal notice before the expiration date. Unlike the initial vehicle registration, you can renew your registration via different means. However, your vehicle must pass the annual vehicle inspection before you become eligible to renew via any of the means listed below.
Apply Online for Registration Renewal
Your registration renewal can be done online up to 6 months after it expires or 90 days before the expiration date. If you renew your registration online before receiving a citation for expired registration, you will get a discount of $1. If you want to renew your registration online, there are three options available for you:
- Via the TxT official website. The website provides fast, easy, and secure ways for Texans to settle government services like vehicle registration renewal. However, you will need to create an account before you can access these services.
- Via the TxDMV registration renewal page. You will need to complete the application to begin your renewal process.
- Via a trusted TxDMV authorized title service company like swift-tags. Some of the benefits of renewing your vehicle registration with swift-tags are the fast processing and the ease of carrying out your renewal process. When you use swift-tags, you will also get a constant reminder when your expiration date is approaching. This way, you won’t be caught unaware. With swift-tags, you can save time and speed up the process of your vehicle registration renewal. You can easily renew your vehicle registration with our online services via your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
How Can I Check My Registration Renewal Status in Texas?
The way to check the status of your registration is dependent on the method of application. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has a tracking tool on their website where you can check when your registration was mailed. It usually takes a maximum of two weeks for the US postal service to deliver it to your mail. Contact your local county office if you have not received it after two weeks.
By Mail
To renew your registration by mail, send a copy of your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR), proof of your current liability insurance, the renewal notice, and the necessary fees to the office of your local county Tax Assessor Collector.
In-person
You can choose to renew your registration in person by taking your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR), proof of your current liability insurance, and the renewal notice to the Tax Assessor Collector office of your local county. If you did not get a renewal notice, you could use other alternatives like Vehicle Identification Number, License Plate Number, or the registration receipt from your previous renewal.
Before going in person, be sure to confirm the acceptable payment methods so you won’t have issues when you need to pay the fees.
Registration Renewal in Texas made easy with Swift-tags
Swift-tags allow you to renew your vehicle registration without stress. Renewing your registration has never been this swift and easy. You can renew your registration in under three minutes and have a digital copy of your vehicle registration sent to your email.
Renewing your vehicle registration with swift-tags involves three simple steps:
- Fill in your vehicle details. You will need to fill in the vehicle type, license plate number, and other required information.
- Fill in your personal details. This includes your name, date of birth, and insurance information.
- Checkout. Here, you will double check to confirm there was no mistake when filling in your vehicle and personal information. Once you’ve ascertained that the data are correct, proceed to make payment and complete the process. After completing the process, you will get a digital copy of your vehicle registration in your email.
Why Swift-tags?
- Fully licensed by TxDMV.
- Swift and easy online process for Texas registration renewal.
- You will get a digital copy of your registration in your email.
- You will enjoy excellent customer support and expert advice if your request is canceled.
- Responsive website suitable for all devices.
- Supports virtually all types of vehicles, including cars, vans, motorcycles, pickup trucks, and trailers.
- Constant reminder when your registration is about to expire, so you are never late to renew.
- Diverse payment methods are supported, including credit cards and PayPal.
Texas Vehicle Registration Fees
When registering your vehicle, you will be required to pay some fees. The fees will vary depending on your vehicle type. Generally, here are some of the costs you will have to pay before your vehicle is registered.
Registration Fee
The registration fee includes the base registration fee depending on your vehicle type and $1 for the operation and maintenance of TeaxsSure (Insurance Verification Project). 100% of your base registration fee goes into the State Highway Fund, which is used to maintain and construct transportation systems in the state. On average, the registration fee is about $52.
Local Fee
The local fee goes directly to your local county. The cost will vary depending on your county. It can range from $0 to $32. Counties may charge a fee of up to $10, which goes into the road and bridge fund. The counties can also charge up to $1.5 as child safety fees used to promote child safety programs like school crossing guards and health and nutrition education. Some counties may also charge an additional fee (should not exceed $20) which they use to fund transportation projects in the county.
Inspection Fee
You will also be required to pay a vehicle inspection fee of about $7.5. This ncludes the inspection station fee, which will be paid outrightly when you take your vehicle for inspection, and the state’s portion of the inspection fee, which will be paid at the time of registration or renewal.
Processing and Handling Fee
This fee covers the costs incurred in processing your vehicle registration. This includes annual renewal notice, state and county services, and registration stickers. The fee estimate for processing and handling is $4.75.
Special Plate Fee
This fee is only applicable to vehicles with specialty license plates.
Donations
This is optional. You can choose to donate any amount of your choice to support Texas Veterans, State Parks, or Donate Life.
Vehicle Registration Fees By Vehicle Type
- Motorcycles and mopeds - The standard base registration fee for motorcycles and mopeds is $30.
- Cars and light trucks - The standard base registration fee for cars and light trucks is $50.75.
- Trailer - The standard base registration fee for a trailer is $45, provided the weight does not exceed 6,000 pounds.
- Heavy pickup trucks - The standard base registration fee for heavy pickup trucks (6,000 to 10,000 pounds) is $54.
FAQs
Is there a grace period for registration renewal in Texas?
Yes, you have a grace period of five days, after which it will be illegal to drive a vehicle with expired registration in Texas. If you continue to drive your vehicle with an expired registration, you must be ready to bear the penalties, which are often heavy fines (double the cost of renewal). When you use Swift-tags for your registration renewal, you will get a printable receipt which you can use as proof that you have renewed your registration pending the time your sticker will arrive.
Can I renew my registration online if it’s expired in Texas?
Yes, you can renew your registration online via swift-tags.com or other valid online means.
How much is registration renewal in Texas?
The cost of registration renewal in Texas will vary depending on the weight and type of your vehicle. The fee ranges between $30 to $100.
How do I register an expired registration in Texas?
You can register an expired vehicle online, provided it is not more than six months since expiration. Other ways to renew your expired registration are by mail or in-person.
What is the penalty fee for late registration in Texas?
When you purchase a new vehicle, you have a grace period of 30 days starting from the day the seller signs over the vehicle to you. If you fail to apply for title and register your vehicle at the tax office within this period, you will have to pay a late registration penalty fee of up to $250.
Is there a grace period for new Texas residents to register their vehicles?
Yes, new Texas residents have up to 30 days to register their vehicle.
