July 1 ends paper tags in Texas

HOUSTON – July 1 marks the end of temporary paper tags on Texas vehicles.

KPRC 2’s series of investigations into the problem back in 2021 pushed lawmakers to tackle the issue. Investigative reporter Amy Davis explains the next big step in solving the paper tag problem.

July 1 is the date when car dealers will stop printing and handing out temporary paper plates.

Back in 2021, KPRC 2 showed how big the problem had grown when fake temporary paper tags were popping up on getaway vehicles of suspects all the way up in New York. Criminals in Texas have been using these tags to evade law enforcement.

Dealers will have a stash of metal plates assigned to new vehicles they sell.

New law does away with paper license plates

Here is what the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles says about the new law:

Buying from a dealer: Customers who purchase a vehicle from a Texas dealer will receive metal license plates at the time the dealer delivers the vehicle. This allows them to immediately display the plates and operate the vehicle while awaiting their registration window sticker. Until the registration sticker arrives, drivers must keep the buyer’s plate receipt in the car.

Buying or selling a vehicle in a private sale: The process hasn’t changed. Sellers remove their license plates and registration sticker from the vehicle and can transfer the plates to another vehicle they own.

Sellers of Texas-titled vehicles should submit a Vehicle Transfer Notification (VTN) to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days.

Trading in a vehicle to a dealer: When a customer sells or trades in a vehicle with general issue plates, dealers will remove the plates and may transfer them to another vehicle of the same class sold within 10 days. Consumers with specialty and personalized license plates will retain their plates.

The DMV has a list of FAQ for drivers.

Dealers are using a central database to track plates

Dealers are now using the webDEALER website for processing title and registration applications electronically.

The webDEALER system is designed to make processing dealer tags fast and easy for dealerships throughout the state while making license plate information available in almost real-time to law enforcement.

RELATED: KPRC 2 Investigates: Texas’ temporary paper license plate influx persists

Paper tags issued prior to July 1, 2025, will remain valid until expiration.

For example, a Buyer’s Temporary Tag issued June 30, 2025, will expire August 29, 2025.

The DMV released a guide for law enforcement to show the types of plates to look out for. This is helpful because you can also see the types of metal plates that are being used.

Do you have a question for KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis? Email ADavis@kprc.com .