Texas Is Finally Eliminating Paper License Plates | Carscoops

      Texas is set to eliminate temporary paper license plates starting next week.

      The new regulations will transition to metal plates only, each associated with a name and address.

      Legislators believe that this initiative will simplify the enforcement of laws for law enforcement.

      While temporary paper license plates offer convenience, they also present challenges. Although they are easy for dealers to use, they can be easily faked by criminals. For this reason, Texas is transitioning from paper tags to metal ones, a move intended to help reduce crime both within and beyond the state.

      Starting July 1, 2025, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles will cease issuing paper tags. Instead, the DMV and state dealers will provide one of four types of metal tags for every vehicle sold.

      Blue metal plates will be designated for dealer vehicles used for purposes such as test drives, loaner cars, or vehicle transport. Green plates are for vehicles sold to out-of-state purchasers. Red plates will serve as the new standard temporary tag, valid for 30 days. Purple tags will be used for other categories if the dealer does not have the appropriate plate type available.

      Drivers with legally issued paper tags prior to July 1 will still be able to use them. Those selling a vehicle to another individual can keep their plates or meet with the buyer at a DMV to update the registration. Individuals trading in a vehicle to a dealer will also retain their plates, but the dealer can choose to re-register it for the new vehicle.

      Notably, this transition has been in development for several years. In 2023, Governor Greg Abbott enacted a law mandating this change. Since then, the state has been preparing to implement the new plate distribution and tracking structure. Officials are optimistic that the transition will be smooth but acknowledge that complications could arise.

      In a statement to NBC, the DMV said: "Given the complexity of the process changes, unique operational challenges may emerge following implementation. However, the processes and systems have been designed with flexibility, allowing the department to quickly and efficiently address any challenges as they arise." If the online registration system experiences issues, dealers have a form that can be provided to buyers to validate the sale.

      Additionally, authorities believe that the new system will enhance policing capabilities. Counterfeit paper tags enable criminals to print them at home, allowing them to drive vehicles that appear legitimate but are not. The updated system will link each plate to a specific individual and address, making it more difficult for wrongdoers to operate.