Texas License Plate Replacement allows registered vehicle owners to obtain a new license plate when the original plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or no longer readable. The replacement keeps the vehicle properly identified and helps maintain accurate registration records with the appropriate county office. A damaged or missing plate can make vehicle identification difficult during routine traffic stops or registration verification. Replacing the plate as soon as possible helps avoid unnecessary issues and keeps the vehicle in compliance with Texas registration requirements. The replacement process is available for eligible passenger vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, and many other registered vehicle types. Vehicle owners can request a replacement through approved methods after meeting the applicable requirements.
A replacement may be needed if one or both license plates are missing, stolen, bent, cracked, faded, or have become unreadable over time. Most requests are completed through the county tax office using the required application and supporting information. Depending on the situation, vehicle owners may request a replacement in person or by mail where available. The following sections explain when a replacement is required, who may submit a request, the documents that may be needed, available replacement options, processing times, and common situations that can delay a request. This information helps vehicle owners complete the replacement process correctly and receive a new registration plate without unnecessary delays.
How to Replace a License Plate
A vehicle owner can replace a Texas license plate when it is lost, stolen, damaged, faded, or no longer readable. The replacement request is submitted through the appropriate County Tax Assessor-Collector Office using the required application and supporting documents. The process is generally the same regardless of why the plate needs to be replaced, although additional steps may apply if the plate was stolen. Completing the application with accurate vehicle information helps the county office process the request without unnecessary delays. The following sections explain the available application methods and what to do for different replacement situations.
Apply In Person
Applying in person is the most common way to request a replacement license plate. County staff review the application, verify the vehicle information, and process the request after confirming the required details.
Steps
- Visit the County Tax Assessor-Collector Office where the vehicle is registered.
- Complete Form VTR-60 (Application for Replacement License Plate(s) and/or Registration Sticker).
- Present a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Provide the requested vehicle registration information.
- Submit the completed application for review.
- Follow the county office’s instructions for receiving the replacement plate.
Verification
County staff may verify:
- Registered owner’s information
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Current registration record
- License plate number, if available
- Information provided on Form VTR-60
Apply by Mail
Many counties accept replacement requests by mail for eligible applicants. Before mailing the application, the registered owner should confirm the county’s mailing address and review all instructions carefully. Missing information or incomplete documents may delay the request.
Mailing Application
Include:
Open link : https://prod-origin.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/form_files/VTR-60.pdf
- Completed Form VTR-60
- Copy of a valid photo ID
- Current vehicle registration information
- Any additional documents requested by the county office
Mail the completed application to the appropriate County Tax Assessor-Collector Office.
Processing
After receiving the application, county staff review the information and supporting documents. If the request is approved, the replacement plate is prepared and issued according to county procedures.
Replacement for Lost Plates
A Texas Lost License Plate should be replaced after confirming that it cannot be located. Prompt action helps keep vehicle registration records accurate and reduces the risk of unauthorized use if the missing plate is found by someone else.
Reporting the Loss
Texas does not require a police report for every lost plate. Still, some owners choose to report the loss if they believe the plate could be misused.
Replacement Request
Submit Form VTR-60 to the County Tax Assessor-Collector Office. If only one plate is missing, keep the remaining plate until replacement instructions are provided.
Replacement for Stolen Plates
A Texas Stolen License Plate should be addressed as soon as theft is discovered. Replacing the stolen plate helps restore proper vehicle identification and creates a new plate assignment for the registered vehicle.
Reporting the Theft
Vehicle owners are encouraged to report the theft to their local law enforcement agency. Keeping a copy of the police report may be helpful for future reference.
Replacement Request
After reporting the theft, submit Form VTR-60 to the County Tax Assessor-Collector Office to request a replacement plate.
Replacement for Damaged Plates
A Texas Damaged License Plate should be replaced if it becomes bent, cracked, broken, faded, peeling, or difficult to read. A clear and legible plate helps maintain proper vehicle identification.
Returning Damaged Plates
If the damaged plate is still available, it should be surrendered to the County Tax Assessor-Collector Office when the replacement request is submitted.
Receiving Replacements
After the application has been approved, the county office issues a replacement plate for the registered vehicle. The new plate becomes the official license plate assigned to that vehicle and should be installed once received.
When Is a Replacement Required?
A vehicle owner should replace a Texas license plate whenever the existing plate can no longer properly identify the registered vehicle. A replacement helps maintain accurate registration records and keeps the license plate clear, secure, and easy to read. Plates may require replacement after being lost, stolen, damaged, or worn over time. Taking action soon after the problem is noticed helps prevent unnecessary complications during vehicle identification or registration verification.
Lost License Plate
A replacement is needed when one or both license plates are lost and cannot be recovered. The owner should confirm that the plate has not simply become loose or detached before requesting a replacement. Once the loss is confirmed, a replacement request should be submitted through the appropriate county office.
Stolen License Plate
A replacement should be requested if a license plate has been stolen. Reporting the theft to local law enforcement can help create an official record of the incident, especially if the stolen plate is later used without authorization. A new plate helps restore the vehicle’s official identification.
Damaged License Plate
Physical damage can make a plate difficult to use or identify. Replacement is appropriate if the plate becomes:
- Bent
- Cracked
- Broken
- Warped
- Peeling
A replacement plate restores proper visibility and durability.
Faded or Unreadable Plate
Years of exposure to sunlight, weather, road debris, and regular use may cause the plate’s reflective coating or printed characters to fade. If the registration number or state name cannot be read clearly from a reasonable distance, the plate should be replaced.
Missing One Plate
Texas requires most passenger vehicles to display both a front and rear license plate. If only one plate is missing, the remaining plate should stay on the vehicle until replacement instructions are received from the county office.
Missing Two Plates
If both license plates are missing, the registered owner should request replacements as soon as possible. Replacing both plates helps restore proper vehicle identification and keeps the registration record current. Prompt action reduces the risk of unauthorized use if the missing plates cannot be recovered. This section focuses only on when a replacement is necessary. Details about the application process, required documents, fees, and processing times are covered in separate sections of this page to avoid unnecessary duplication.
Who Can Request a Replacement?
A Replacement License Plate Texas request may be submitted by the person or entity responsible for the vehicle’s registration. The applicant must have the legal authority to act on behalf of the registered vehicle. The county office reviews the ownership or registration record before processing the request to confirm that the replacement is being issued to the correct party.
Registered Owner
The registered owner has the primary authority to request a replacement license plate. This applies when the vehicle is registered in one person’s name and the existing plate has been lost, stolen, damaged, faded, or become unreadable.
Joint Owner
If the vehicle registration lists more than one owner, either owner may be permitted to request a replacement, provided the request complies with county procedures and the vehicle’s registration records.
Authorized Representative
A replacement request may be submitted by an authorized representative acting on behalf of the registered owner when permitted by the county office. The representative must have authorization to complete the request for the vehicle owner.
Business Vehicle
For vehicles registered to a business, company, partnership, or organization, an authorized business representative may request a replacement plate. The request must relate to a vehicle registered under the business name.
Leased Vehicle
A leased vehicle may qualify for a replacement plate through the leasing company or another party authorized to manage the vehicle’s registration. The replacement request should follow the registration records associated with the leased vehicle, and if a License Plate Transfer is involved, the transfer must comply with the applicable registration requirements. Only a person or organization with legal authority over the vehicle’s registration can request a replacement license plate. This helps protect registration records and prevents replacement plates from being issued to unauthorized parties.
Documents Needed
The Texas License Plate Replacement Application requires supporting documents that allow the county office to verify the vehicle’s registration record before issuing a replacement license plate. The required paperwork may vary depending on the reason for the replacement, though most requests include identification, current registration information, and the official replacement application. Providing complete and accurate documents helps the county office review the request more efficiently.
Identification
A valid government-issued photo identification is typically required to verify the identity of the person submitting the replacement request.
Examples include:
- Texas Driver License
- Texas Identification Card
- Another government-issued photo identification accepted by the county office
The identification should contain current and legible information.
Vehicle Registration Record
Current registration information helps confirm the vehicle assigned to the replacement request. A registration receipt or registration record is commonly used to match the vehicle with its existing license plate record.
The registration record may be used to verify:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- License plate number
- Registration status
- Vehicle description
Application Form
Most replacement requests require Form VTR-60 (Application for Replacement License Plate(s) and/or Registration Sticker). The form records the vehicle information and identifies the reason a replacement plate is being requested. Every section should be completed accurately before submission.
Proof of Ownership (If Required)
Some replacement requests require proof of ownership when additional verification is necessary. This situation may occur if the vehicle record cannot be confirmed through the available registration information.
Examples of acceptable records may include:
- Texas Certificate of Title
- Current vehicle title record
- Other ownership documentation requested by the county office
The county office reviews the submitted documents before processing the replacement request. Providing complete and legible paperwork helps reduce delays and allows the request to move through the verification process more efficiently.
Replacement Costs
The Texas License Plate Replacement Fee depends on the item being replaced. Standard replacement charges are established by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and are collected through the County Tax Assessor-Collector Office when a replacement request is submitted. A replacement may be requested for one license plate, both license plates, or a registration sticker if it has been lost, stolen, damaged, or requires replacement for readability reasons.
| Replacement Type | Fee |
| One standard license plate | $6.50 |
| Two standard license plates | $6.50 |
| Replacement registration sticker | $6.50 |
| License plate(s) and registration sticker replaced together | $6.50 |
Processing Time
The Replacement Processing Time varies by county and the method used to submit the request. Texas does not publish a single statewide processing standard for replacement license plates. Most county tax offices process requests after reviewing the submitted information, and the replacement plate is then prepared and mailed to the vehicle owner. Incomplete information or additional verification may extend the overall processing period.
Office Processing
Replacement requests submitted in person are reviewed by the County Tax Assessor-Collector Office during the visit. Once the request has been approved, the replacement plate is processed and mailed. Many Texas counties advise allowing up to 2–3 weeks for the replacement plate to arrive, although actual delivery times may vary depending on the county and mailing service.
Mail Delivery
For mail-in requests, processing begins after the county office receives the completed replacement request. After review and approval, the replacement plate is mailed to the address associated with the vehicle’s registration. Many county tax offices recommend allowing up to three weeks for processing and mail delivery from the date the request is received. Delivery may take longer during periods of high application volume or postal delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Replacing a Texas license plate often raises questions about replacement costs, eligibility for replacing a single plate, mail-in requests, and specialty plate replacements. The answers below address the most common concerns using official Texas replacement procedures. These FAQs are written to provide quick, accurate information without repeating topics already covered in other sections of this page, helping vehicle owners understand the replacement process before submitting a request.
How much does a Texas license plate replacement cost?
The replacement fee for a standard Texas license plate is generally $6.50, which includes the state replacement fee and the required automation fee. This amount typically applies whether one standard plate or both standard plates are being replaced. Fees for specialty or personalized plates may differ depending on the plate type. Vehicle owners should confirm the current amount with their County Tax Assessor-Collector Office before submitting a replacement request.
Can only one Texas license plate be replaced?
Yes. A replacement may be requested if only one license plate has been lost, stolen, damaged, or become unreadable. The remaining plate should stay on the vehicle unless the county office provides different instructions. Once the replacement request is approved, the new plate becomes part of the vehicle’s official registration record. Promptly replacing a missing plate helps maintain proper vehicle identification and reduces the chance of registration-related issues.
Can a stolen Texas license plate be replaced?
Yes. A stolen Texas license plate can be replaced through the County Tax Assessor-Collector Office after the theft has been identified. Vehicle owners are encouraged to report the theft to their local law enforcement agency to create an official record. Afterward, a replacement request may be submitted using the required replacement form. Receiving a replacement plate helps restore the vehicle’s official identification and reduces the possibility of unauthorized use of the stolen plate.
Can personalized Texas license plates be replaced?
Yes. Personalized Texas license plates may be replaced if they are lost, stolen, damaged, or no longer readable. The replacement request follows Texas Department of Motor Vehicles requirements for personalized plates, and the replacement retains the approved personalized configuration when eligibility requirements continue to be met. Processing times may vary depending on the plate type and manufacturing requirements. Owners should contact their county office if additional information is needed for personalized plate replacements.
Can a replacement request be submitted by mail?
Yes. Many Texas counties allow eligible replacement requests to be submitted by mail. Applicants should complete the required replacement form, include the necessary supporting documents, and send everything to the appropriate County Tax Assessor-Collector Office. Since mailing procedures may vary among counties, applicants should verify mailing instructions before sending the request. Mailing the correct documents together helps reduce delays and allows the county office to review the replacement request more efficiently.
