Texas License Plate Replacement

Texas drivers must replace license plates that are lost, stolen, damaged, illegible, or no longer properly reflect the vehicle’s registration. Replacement requests are processed through the county tax assessor-collector’s office where the vehicle is registered. Most replacement transactions can be completed either in person or by mail using Form VTR-60 (Application for Replacement License Plates and/or Registration Sticker).

Because Texas requires both front and rear license plates on most passenger vehicles, it is important to address missing or damaged plates quickly. Driving with missing, altered, or unreadable plates can result in traffic citations and may create complications with toll systems, parking enforcement, and vehicle identification.

My Texas License Plate Was Stolen. What Should I Do?

A stolen license plate should be treated as a potential identity theft issue for your vehicle.

Texas operates one of the largest toll road networks in the United States, including systems such as TxTag, TollTag, EZ TAG, SH 130, and numerous regional toll authorities. A stolen plate can be attached to another vehicle and used to accumulate toll charges, parking violations, red-light camera citations, where applicable, and other enforcement actions that may initially be associated with your registration record.

Taking action immediately can help limit your exposure.

Step 1: File a Police Report

Contact your local police department, sheriff’s office, or the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Although Texas does not universally require a police report to obtain replacement plates, it is strongly recommended whenever theft is involved.

A police report creates an official record showing:

• The plate was stolen
• The date the theft occurred
• The plate number involved
• The reporting law enforcement agency

Keep a copy of the report number. If future toll violations, parking citations, or enforcement notices appear under the stolen plate number, the report provides critical evidence that the vehicle was no longer under your control.

Step 2: Notify Your Insurance Company

While license plate theft itself may not trigger an insurance claim, notifying your insurer creates an additional record of the incident.

Provide:

• Your policy number
• Vehicle information
• Police report number
• Date of theft

Step 3: Apply for Replacement Plates

Once the theft has been documented, contact your county tax assessor-collector’s office to begin the replacement process.

Replacing the plates helps ensure the stolen plate number is removed from active use and associated with a theft record when applicable.

How to Replace a Texas License Plate

Texas plate replacements are generally handled through local county tax offices rather than a centralized DMV office.

Replace Plates In Person

Visiting the county tax office is often the fastest option.

Bring:

• Valid Texas driver’s license or government-issued photo ID
• Current vehicle registration receipt
• License plate number or VIN
• Proof of ownership if requested
• Payment for replacement fees

If replacing damaged plates, bring the damaged plates with you whenever possible.

Many counties issue replacement plates during the visit, while others may place an order and mail the new plates to the registered owner.

Replace Plates By Mail

Drivers may also submit Form VTR-60 by mail.

Include:

• Completed Form VTR-60
• Copy of your Texas driver’s license or government-issued ID
• Payment for replacement fees
• Supporting documentation requested by the county

Mailing addresses vary by county, so applicants should verify submission instructions before sending paperwork.

Documents Required for Plate Replacement

All Replacement Applications

• Texas driver’s license or state-issued ID
• Vehicle registration information
• License plate number or VIN
• Payment for required fees

Lost or Stolen Plates

• Police report number (strongly recommended)
• Theft documentation if available

Damaged or Illegible Plates

• Existing plate for surrender
• Explanation of damage if requested

Texas License Plate Replacement Fees

Because Texas uses two plates on most passenger vehicles, replacing both plates generally costs $14.00.

County processing procedures may vary slightly.

Replacing Damaged or Illegible Plates

Texas law requires license plates to remain clearly visible and legible.

A plate may need replacement if:

• Reflective coating has peeled away
• Numbers or letters can no longer be read
• The plate is bent or cracked
• Mounting holes have damaged the registration characters
• The plate has become excessively rusted or corroded

Law enforcement officers may issue citations for plates that cannot be easily read from a reasonable distance.

If your plate is becoming difficult to read, replacing it before it reaches that point can help avoid unnecessary enforcement issues.

Replacing a Registration Sticker

The windshield registration sticker may be replaced separately from the license plate.

Common reasons include:

• Sticker theft
• Windshield replacement
• Sticker damage
• Sticker becoming unreadable

Form VTR-60 is also used to request replacement registration stickers.

The replacement fee is $6.50.

What Happens If Only One Plate Is Missing?

Because Texas requires both front and rear plates, losing either plate should be addressed promptly.

If only one plate is missing:

• Contact your county tax office
• Confirm whether a single-plate replacement is allowed
• Ask whether both plates must be replaced to prevent misuse of the missing plate number

Requirements may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the loss or theft.

Texas Front and Rear Plate Requirement

Texas law generally requires two license plates for standard passenger vehicles:

• One mounted on the front of the vehicle
• One mounted on the rear of the vehicle

Both plates must:

• Be securely fastened
• Remain clearly visible
• Not be obscured by frames or covers
• Be displayed in a horizontal position

Motorcycles and certain specialty vehicle classes follow different display requirements.