Big Changes to Texas Vehicle Tags Begin July 1, 2025: Paper Temporary Tags Replaced with Metal Plates

AUSTIN, TX -- As of July 1, 2025, House Bill 718 has officially gone into effect, marking a significant change for vehicle registration in Texas. Under this new law, temporary paper tags have been replaced with metal license plates, a move designed to reduce fraud and improve public safety across the state.

What Texans Need to Know:

• Paper Temporary Tags Are Discontinued: Temporary paper tags—including those issued to buyers and dealers—are no longer valid for vehicles sold on or after July 1, 2025.

• Metal Plates Now Required: The following categories of metal plates will replace paper tags:

  • General Issue License Plates: Issued by dealers to buyers at the time of vehicle sale.

  • Dealer Temporary License Plates: For dealer business use, including test drives, transit, and loaner vehicles.

  • Out-of-State Buyer Plates: Provided for vehicles sold to buyers residing outside Texas.

  • Temporary Registration License Plates: Replaces the 30-day and one-trip permits previously issued on paper.

  • Buyer Provisional License Plates: Used when a specific plate type is not immediately available at the time of sale.

• Tags Issued Before July 1 Remain Valid: Any paper temporary tags issued before July 1, 2025, will remain valid through their printed expiration date.

This change affects motor vehicle dealers, county tax assessor-collectors, law enforcement agencies, and vehicle buyers. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) is offering guidance and resources to assist in a smooth transition to the new system.

For more information and support materials, visit the official TxDMV website at www.txdmv.gov.