License Plate FAQs

I think one of my car tags was stolen. How do I get a replacement?

You'll need to report the theft to your local police to obtain a case number. Take that number to your county tax office to get a set of replacements. New numbers will be issued so you'll get two new tags. If you had two originals and only one was stolen, just discard the other one; Texas doesn't require that you surrender it to the state. The fee for the set of replacement tags is $6.30 (or $5.30 in counties with populations under 50,000).

Someone hit my car in the parking lot, and the front tag was damaged. Do I need to replace it?

Yes. The procedure is the same as above, except no police report is required. Just visit your county tax office to obtain a new set. The fee is $6.30 (or $5.30 in counties with populations under 50,000).

How do I get a personalized tag for my new pickup?

Texas has a few guidelines for personalized plates, such as a maximum of six characters and nothing obscene or objectionable. Figure out what you'd like on your plate, then call (512) 374-5010 (select option 4) to see if yours is available. For more details on cost and the application process, check out DMV.ORG's license plates page.

Someone told me the state offers souvenir plates. Can you tell me about them?

Sure. The state offers a variety of souvenir license plates for $20. You can even get them personalized for $20 more per plate. Just complete an application and submit the appropriate fees to:

• Texas Department of Transportation

• Vehicle Title & Registration Division (SPB)

• Austin, TX 78779-0001

These souvenir plates are not valid tags and should not be displayed on any motor vehicle.

I'm moving out of state. Do I need to surrender my Texas license plates?

No. The state does not require you to surrender them.

I plan on getting reflective yellow plastic license plate covers. Are these legal?

No, they are not. Texas law prohibits using anything that will obscure your license plates or cover up the state's name by more than half.

Does Texas offer antique plates?

Yes, it does. It offers two types of plates specifically for older vehicles: antique and classic. Also, model year plates may sometimes be used.

Visit our License Plates & Placards section for more information on all of these plates.