Where to order replacement plates and what you need

You can order replacement Texas license plates through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online, by mail, or in person at a local county tax assessor-collector office. The online route is fastest — you can order through the DMV website, pay the fee, and receive plates by mail in about two weeks. By mail, you send a completed form and payment to the address on the DMV site and wait three to four weeks. In person, you go to your county tax assessor-collector office, pay the fee, and walk out with plates the same day.

Before you order, have your vehicle registration certificate and driver's license ready. You will also need to know your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration and on the dashboard of your vehicle. If your plates were stolen or lost, you may need to file a police report — some counties require this before issuing replacements, though not all do. Check with your county office first.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DMV website lets you order replacement plates online and receive them by mail in about two weeks for a standard fee.
  • Your county tax assessor-collector office can issue plates the same day if you go in person with your registration and driver's license.
  • If your plates were stolen, some counties require a police report before issuing replacements; call your county office to confirm.
  • Specialty plates (vanity, military, collegiate) have different fees and may take longer to arrive than standard white plates.

Online ordering through the DMV website

Go to the Texas DMV website and select "Order Replacement License Plates" from the main menu. You will enter your vehicle registration number, VIN, and driver's license number. The site will confirm your vehicle information and show you the fee — currently $30.75 for a standard replacement plate set, though this can vary if you are replacing a specialty plate. You pay by credit or debit card and provide a mailing address.

After you submit your order, the DMV mails your plates to the address you provided. Standard plates arrive in ten to fourteen business days. You do not need to visit an office or sign anything in person. Once the plates arrive, remove the old ones from your vehicle and install the new ones yourself — no inspection or registration update is required.

Ordering by mail

read form VTR-130 (process for Replacement License Plates) from the Texas DMV website or pick one up at your county tax assessor-collector office. Fill in your vehicle information, VIN, and current registration number. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee (currently $30.75 for standard plates) made out to the "Texas Department of Motor Vehicles."

Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form — this varies by region. Include a return address so the DMV can send your plates back to you. Processing takes three to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. If you need plates faster, use the online method or go in person to your county office.

Getting plates same-day at your county tax assessor-collector office

Bring your vehicle registration certificate, driver's license, and VIN to your local county tax assessor-collector office. You can find the office location and hours on your county's website or by calling the county clerk's office. Tell the staff member you need replacement plates. They will verify your information, collect the fee (currently $30.75 for standard plates), and issue your plates on the spot.

You can then install the plates yourself at home or in the office parking lot. No appointment is usually needed, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Going early in the morning or mid-week often means a shorter wait. If your county requires a police report for stolen plates, bring that with you.

Specialty plates and higher fees

If you are replacing a vanity plate, military plate, collegiate plate, or other specialty design, the replacement fee is higher than the standard $30.75 — specialty plates cost between $50 and $100 depending on the type. Specialty plates also take longer to arrive by mail, sometimes four to six weeks instead of two weeks. If you need a specialty plate quickly, the in-person option at your county office is your best choice, though not all county offices stock specialty plates in inventory.

Before ordering a specialty replacement, confirm with your county office that they have that plate type in stock. If they do not, you may have to order by mail or online and wait for production. Some specialty plates (like military or disabled veteran plates) have additional requirements beyond a standard replacement, so call ahead to ask what documents to bring.

What to do if your plates were stolen

If your plates were stolen, some Texas counties require you to file a police report before issuing replacements. This is not a statewide rule — it depends on your county. Call your county tax assessor-collector office and ask whether a police report is required. If it is, file the report with your local police department and keep a copy of the report number.

Bring the police report number (or a copy of the report itself) to your county office when you order replacements. If you are ordering online or by mail, include a note with your report number. The DMV will process your order normally once they see the report. Processing time does not change — you still get plates in two weeks by mail or the same day in person.

Fees and payment methods

Standard replacement plates cost $30.75 in Texas. This fee covers one set of two plates (front and rear). If you are replacing specialty plates, the fee is higher — check the DMV website or call your county office for the exact amount for your plate type. Payment methods vary by ordering route: online orders accept credit and debit cards; mail orders require a check or money order; in-person orders accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on your county office's policy.

Some counties add a small local fee on top of the state fee when you order in person. This is usually $1 to $3 and goes to the county. Ask about this when you call or visit. Online and mail orders do not include local fees — you pay only the state fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get replacement plates by mail?

Standard plates arrive in ten to fourteen business days if you order online, or three to four weeks if you mail in a form. Specialty plates take longer — four to six weeks. If you need plates faster, visit your county tax assessor-collector office in person and receive them the same day.

Do I need a new registration sticker when I get replacement plates?

No. Your registration sticker stays valid and does not change when you replace your plates. You keep the same sticker on your new plates. If your sticker is damaged or missing, you can order a replacement sticker separately from the DMV.

Can I order replacement plates if my vehicle registration is expired?

No. Your registration must be current to order replacement plates. If your registration is expired, renew it first through the DMV website or your county office, then order your replacement plates.

What if I lost one plate but still have the other?

You can order a single replacement plate instead of a pair. The fee is usually lower — ask your county office for the exact cost. You will need to provide your vehicle information and current registration just as you would for a full set.

Can I pick a new plate number when I order a replacement?

No. Replacement plates are issued with a new random number assigned by the DMV. If you want to choose your own number, you would need to order a vanity plate instead, which is a different process and costs more.