Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the inspection sticker been eliminated?
HB 2305 was passed during the 83rd legislative session (2013). This bill eliminated the inspection sticker resulting in a single-sticker system and makes vehicle registration dependent on obtaining a passing vehicle inspection.
What are the 'extra' fees on my renewal notice?
On March 1, 2015, vehicle inspection stations no longer collect the state’s portion of the inspection fee. At the time of inspection, you pay only the inspection station’s portion of the fee. The state’s portion of the inspection fee is collected at the time of registration or renewal.
Denial of Motor Vehicle Registration Renewal
When a noncustodial parent has not made a child support payment in more than 6 months, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) may ask the Department of Motor Vehicle (TxDMV) to deny the noncustodial parent’s ability to renew their vehicle registration.
How do I know if my registration has been denied?
If your registration renewal is denied, you will receive a letter from the OAG notifying you of your denial 120 days (3 months) prior to your registration expiration. You will also receive your registration paperwork from TxDMV, with the denial notification printed on the front.
Notice of Denial English
Notice of Denial Spanish
How do I remove the denial of my registration renewal?
Noncustodial parents who have a denial on their registration renewal can call (866) 646-5611, to make payment arrangements.
Will I have to pay everything I owe?
No, however, you will need to make at least a $200 lump sum payment per delinquent child support case and enter into an arrears payment agreement.
How long will it take for TxDMV to release my registration?
It may take up to 3 days before you are able to renew your registration.
I am a Tax Assessor, where can I go to order new posters for my office?
To request additional outreach materials, please send an email to [email protected]. Please be sure to provide your name, county, delivery address and the number of posters and push cards you are requesting.
Options for renewing registration
Renew your registration online
We want you to renew your registration online.
The online system automatically checks your vehicle inspection and insurance, and emails you a paid receipt that allows you to drive for up to 31 days, giving the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles plenty of time to mail your sticker.
Be aware it may take two business days before the Texas Department of Public Safety’s inspection report is loaded into the online system. You can use the online renewal system providing you have not received a citation for expired registration and are not more than 12 months past your sticker’s expiration date.
TEXASxTEXAS
You can set up a personal account using the state service Texas by Texas (TxT), where you can link your vehicle registration and driver's license information. The account is secured by the Texas Department of Public Safety and requires you to create a username and password. This puts your vehicle information in one place and will remind you when it is time to renew your registration and driver's license. To create an account, go to Texas by Texas (TxT). If you want to set up an email reminder for your vehicle registration expiration date, go to www.TxDMV.gov and search for "eReminder."
Other ways to renew
You may renew by:
- Mail (include a copy of your Vehicle Inspection Report and insurance card in the envelope).
- Going to a participating Travis County H-E-B or AAA location where they will print your sticker on the spot. You can renew at these locations providing your sticker isn't expired by more than 12 months. Be sure to bring the complete Texas Department of Motor Vehicles renewal notice, Vehicle Inspection Report, insurance card and your checkbook. (If you cannot find your inspection report, print a duplicate from www.mytxcar.org.)
- Visiting
one of our tax office locations. We provide registration renewal services through the drive-thru lanes. To use the drive-thru, you must bring:
- A paper copy of your insurance card. (We cannot accept an insurance card displayed on your mobile phone in the drive-thru).
- Your passing vehicle inspection report signed by the inspector.
- Using a Tax Office-authorized title service company: Fry’s Auto Title, 3005 S. Lamar Blvd., Auto Title Service of Oak Hill, 5611 West Highway 290 or Centex Auto Title, 9707 FM812 #4. State law allows these private companies to add a service fee of up to $10 for registration renewal.
Pay the state registration, inspection and emissions fees
State law requires us to collect these fees when you renew your registration
A sticky situation
So now, you have your new sticker, but how do you get the old one off? Begin by peeling one of the top corners. You are going to take the sticker off at an angle. Once you begin to peel back the corner, apply steady pressure as you continue to peel it off. If the sticker does not come off in one piece or if it left a sticky residue, apply WD-40 to help with removal. Be sure to clean the area with alcohol before applying the new sticker.
Vehicle safety and emissions inspections
Learn about vehicle safety and emissions inspections.
Registration renewal fees
Learn about Travis County's registration fees.
Vehicle registration, options & special circumstances
Learn about different registration options.
Vehicle registration renewal, in person
Learn how to renew vehicle registration in person.
Vehicle registration renewal, by mail
Learn how to renew vehicle registration by mail.
Vehicle registration renewal, online
Learn how to renew vehicle registration online.
These options are only available for some services