Texas Temporary License Plate

What Is a Temporary License Plate in Texas?

Texas issues nine different classes of short-term license plates and permits, each with a specific name assigned by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, rather than the general name “temporary tag.” Metal license plates replaced paper tags for most classes issued by dealers and counties as of July 1, 2025, according to House Bill 718.

Permit issuance is distributed by transaction type: licensed Texas dealers issue general license plates, buyer’s temporary tags, and out-of-state buyer’s tags at the point of sale through webDEALER and the ePLATE system; TxDMV issues dealer temporary tags to licensed dealers through eLICENSING; county tax assessor-collectors and TxDMV regional service centers issue temporary registration tags; and TxDMV issues vehicle transit permits, 72-hour permits, 144-hour permits, factory delivery permits, and temporary registration emblems.

Metal license plates are the physical form for classes issued by dealers and counties/RSCs. Paper remains only for vehicle transit permits, 72-hour and 144-hour commercial permits, factory delivery permits, and temporary registration emblems for specialty plates.

What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Texas?

TxDMV does not publish a renewal or reissuance procedure for metal plates issued by dealers; the buyer’s temporary tag automatically expires 7 days after the assignment of a permanent plate, with no renewal option.

When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Texas?

• A licensed Texas dealer selling a vehicle to a Texas resident buyer must issue a general license plate at the point of sale via webDEALER; no buyer action is required, and permanent registration is completed later through the county tax assessor-collector. Texas Transportation Code § 503.063(a) governs.
• A Texas dealer selling to an out-of-state buyer issues an out-of-state buyer’s tag at the point of sale; the out-of-state buyer handles title and registers the vehicle in their home state per § 503.063(i).
• A dealer moving an unregistered vehicle for test drives, loaner use, transport to auction, or dealer-to-dealer transfer must have a dealer temporary tag ordered through eLICENSING; personal use is prohibited. Texas Transportation Code § 503.062 governs.
• A buyer in a private sale where the seller leaves Texas plates must obtain a vehicle transit permit at permit.txdmv.gov for one trip to register the vehicle; only passenger cars and light trucks qualify.
• A commercial vehicle or bus operating unregistered or overweight in Texas must have a 72-hour or 144-hour permit; proof of minimum Texas liability insurance is required, except for trailers and semitrailers. TxDMV temporary permits govern compliance.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Texas?

1. Gather documents: bill of sale or manufacturer’s certificate of origin, proof of liability insurance meeting Texas minimums of $30,000/$60,000/$25,000, government-issued photo ID, and (for dealers) TxDMV dealer license number.
2. Choose a path: licensed Texas dealer via webDEALER/ePLATE for general, buyer’s temporary, and out-of-state buyer’s tags; TxDMV eLICENSING for dealer temporary tags; TxDMV online portal for vehicle transit permits and 72-/144-hour permits; county tax assessor-collector or TxDMV regional service center for temporary registration tags.
3. Submit request at point of sale (dealer-issued), online at permit.txdmv.gov (vehicle transit permit), online at TxDMV temporary permits portal (72-/144-hour), or in person at the appropriate office.
4. Pay the fee for the applicable class (see next section); personal checks are not accepted at TxDMV regional service centers.
5. Receive credential: dealer-issued metal plates are affixed at the dealership before vehicle delivery; vehicle transit permits and 72-/144-hour permits print immediately after online payment; temporary registration tags are issued at the county counter or RSC window.

Form VTR-66 covers applications for 30-day and one-trip permits at county offices and RSCs; TxDMV form VTR-66 is available on the TxDMV website.

How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Texas?

The fee for dealer temporary tags is set by Texas Transportation Code § 503.008 at $10 per tag; prices for temporary registration tags in dealer and county channels differ only in that county offices may accept credit cards, whereas RSCs require certified check, money order, escrow, or cash.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Texas?

Online issuance is available only for two classes: vehicle transit permit and 72-hour and 144-hour commercial permits.

The vehicle transit permit is fully self-service at permit.txdmv.gov; applicants enter the VIN, confirm eligibility, and print the permit immediately at no cost. 72-hour and 144-hour permits are available on the TxDMV temporary permits portal; payment is made via MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express, and the permit prints immediately after payment.

General, buyer’s temporary, and out-of-state buyer’s tags are issued by dealers at the point of sale via webDEALER and ePLATE; the buyer receives metal plates before leaving the dealership, with no portal interaction required by the buyer.

For temporary registration tags, visit the county tax assessor-collector’s office or TxDMV regional service center in person; no mail or online channel exists for this class. If a vehicle transit permit covers your situation, use permit.txdmv.gov; otherwise, the dealer channel is the primary path for vehicle acquisition.

How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Texas?

Operating a vehicle after the fifth working day following the expiration of registration is a separate offense under Texas Transportation Code § 502.407, subject to a fine of up to $200; charges may be dismissed if the defect is remedied within 20 working days of the offense date.