As of July 1st, 2025 paper plates will no longer be given to vehicles sold in Texas. You will instead get one of five new metal plates instead. Here's what they mean.

 House Bill 718 Officially Goes Into Effect in Texas

Back in 2023, the Texas House of Representatives passed a bill that would end the use of temporary paper plates in Texas. That policy is now officially in effect and the last round of paper plates are set to expire in September of this year. Now if you go purchase a vehicle in Texas, you're required to have one of these five plates.

General Issue License Plate

"Issued by Texas dealers to buyers at the time of sale as a replacement for paper Buyer's Temporary Tags, general issue plates must be properly secured on the front and rear of the vehicle. Buyers must keep their Buyer's Receipt in the vehicle until registration is complete and the windshield sticker is received and affixed" (Info from Texas DMV)

Buyer Provisional Plate

"For short-term use if dealers lack the required plate type for the vehicle in their inventory."(Info from Texas DMV)

Dealer Temporary Plate

"For dealers’ business-related uses, such as test drives, loaner vehicles, or transporting the vehicle. Personal use of vehicles with these plates is prohibited. Dealer temporary plates should not be used to deliver vehicles to buyers."(Info from Texas DMV)

Out of State Buyer Plate

"For vehicles sold to out-of-state buyers."(Info from Texas DMV)

Temporary Registration Plate

"For temporary registration, replacing one-trip and 30-day permits (issued by county tax offices and TxDMV regional service centers)."(Info from Texas DMV)

Be Sure You're Not Driving Around with a Paper Plate Past September

The reason the state of Texas passed this bill is because of crime. People were using paper plates to evade tolls and commit crimes in vehicles in what would be called a ghost car. Although we will never know how many illegal paper plates were in Texas. After this September, it will be quick for officers to notice and pull you over. So don't get caught without the new metal plates.