Note: These procedures are for Renewal Only. If you are a new resident and want to register in Texas, refer to the New Resident Procedures for instructions.

Documents Needed

1. Registration Renewal Form: (if received by mail)

   The renewal is sent out by the state as a courtesy reminder and is not required to register in person, by mail, or online. However, the current renewal form will be required if registering at a Collin County grocery store.

2. Current Insurance:

   Must have current insurance for the vehicle to be registered and meet Texas minimums. Current Texas minimum insurance requirements are 30/60/25.

   Insurance coverage must be current as of the date of postmark or the day you register online or in person.

3. Vehicle Inspection Report:

   A passing Vehicle Inspection Report is currently required in order to register a motor vehicle. The State of Texas no longer issues Inspection Stickers at the time of inspection. However, you will receive a Vehicle Inspection Report in lieu of the Inspection Sticker. All vehicles (including trailers, travel trailers and motorhomes, grossing more than 7,500 lbs.) require proof of inspection.
   
   Effective January 1, 2025, House Bill 3297 will eliminate the requirement for non-commercial vehicles to obtain Safety inspections. This bill does not eliminate emissions inspections on non-commercial vehicles.
   

   • Emissions inspections are still required in these Texas Counties
   • Dallas-Fort Worth Program Area:  Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall and Tarrant Counties.
   • Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Program Area: Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris and Montgomery Counties.
   • Austin Area: Travis and Williamson Counties
   • El Paso:  El Paso County
     
     
   • The bill does not eliminate safety inspections on commercial vehicles.
     
   
        Please refer to the Department of Public Safety Website for further details.
   
   

4. Plate Number: (or an old receipt)

   If you did not receive a renewal reminder or have last year's receipt, please write down the plate number or VIN and renew in office. A motor vehicle record can only be pulled by Plate or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which can be found on the Vehicle Inspection Report or Insurance.
   

5. Heavy Use Tax Proof: (if applicable)

   Heavy use tax is paid to the IRS annually if the vehicle has a gross weight of 55,000 or more. Proof of payment is required to register your vehicle if this applies.

6. Tow Truck Certificate: (if applicable)

   If you are wanting to register a tow truck plate, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation issued certificate in your name must be verified by the tax clerk.

7. Payments Options:

   Payment accepted for motor vehicle registration must be made by cash, credit card, cashiers check, money order, traveler's check, or personal check if you meet office policy requirements. To accept a personal check for motor vehicle services, your pre-printed check, driver's license and motor vehicle record must reflect your current Collin County address for acceptance at the counter. If the information isn't current and match all records, you can choose to pay via credit card, cash or receive your sticker in the mail.
   

   Note: There is a service charge of 2.10% of the transaction amount (minimum $1.00) if paying by credit card. We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express cards.

For information about Reistration Fees for the State of Texas, visit the DMV website: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles: Registration Fees

8. Penalties:

   For expired registration, contact the office for fees and requirements. A 20% penalty may apply.

Renewal Messages

Important! The bottom portion of the renewal notice may include a "Renewal Notice Message." Registration at the grocery store is not allowed if the notice contains any messages. Area grocery stores do not carry plates.

Renewal Options

You may register in person at any of the Tax Assessor Office Locations or any participating grocery store or other subcontractor locations.

You may also register by mail at PO Box 8006 McKinney, Texas 75070-8006 or online through our Internet Vehicle Registration Renewal System.

For online registration, credit cards are accepted for a $2.00 convenience fee. See the Internet Vehicle Registration Renewal System website for other requirements. (Both online registration and registration by mail requires us to send the sticker back to you.)