HOUSTON – This coming July will mark the end of temporary paper tags on Texas vehicles.
KPRC 2′s series of investigations into the problem back in 2021 pushed lawmakers to tackle the issue. Investigative reporter Amy Davis explains the next big step in solving the paper tag problem.
July 1 is the date when car dealers will stop printing and handing out temporary paper plates.
Back in 2021, KPRC 2 showed how big the problem had grown when fake temporary paper tags were popping up on getaway vehicles of suspects all the way up in New York. Criminals in Texas have been using these tags to evade law enforcement.
Some may wonder what dealers will provide when they buy a new car if they aren’t issuing paper tags. Dealers will have a stash of metal plates assigned to new vehicles they sell.
New law does away with paper license plates
The bill to eliminate paper tags was passed in the Texas Legislature in 2023. This legislation stated that license plates would stay with the car, even when sold.
However, just this month, a different bill passed the state Senate to change that. This new bill will require that metal license plates stay linked to the person, not the vehicle.
Senator Robert Nichols explained Senate Bill 1902, which has already passed the Senate and is awaiting approval by the House.
“So if you go trade in your car and you buy a new car, it doesn’t matter if it’s a used car or a later model used car. You take the plate off the car and put it in the new car, literally. DMV has both information, the owner and where you live and those kinds of things,” Nichols said.
Car dealers support this change because fewer plates to store is more efficient. Regardless of whether Senate Bill 1902 passes, dealers will no longer print paper tags beginning July 1. If you have one on your car, it will eventually be suspect to law enforcement.
What about a private sale?
In private sales, the buyer will keep the license plates and register the vehicle in their name with their county tax assessor-collector’s office.
Sellers of Texas-titled vehicles should submit a Vehicle Transfer Notification (VTN) within 30 days of the sale to update their motor vehicle record.
The DMV has a list of FAQ for drivers.
RELATED: KPRC 2 Investigates: Texas’ temporary paper license plate influx persists
