Metal License Plates Replace Paper July 1

June 11, 2025 – Starting July 1, Texas car dealerships will begin issuing metal license plates directly to buyers at the time of sale, marking a significant change in the vehicle registration process. This new procedure replaces the previous system where dealerships provided paper temporary tags while buyers waited for their permanent plates to arrive by mail.

The change is part of a legislative effort to combat the widespread problem of fraudulent paper tags, which have been used in criminal activity across the state. By providing metal plates immediately, Texas aims to tighten security, reduce fraud, and make it easier for law enforcement to track vehicles accurately.

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) clarified that this new rule applies only to vehicle sales completed through licensed dealerships. Private party sales will continue under the existing process. In those cases, sellers should still remove their license plates and registration stickers from the vehicle before handing it over to the buyer.

The switch to issuing metal plates at the point of sale is expected to make the vehicle purchasing process more efficient and secure for both buyers and dealers. State officials believe this will significantly reduce the illegal trade and misuse of paper tags, which have posed public safety concerns in recent years.