Paper tags disappear under HB 718 as state cracks down on fraud.
Starting July 1, 2025, the familiar paper temporary tag becomes history in Texas. House Bill 718 demands that all vehicles—whether newly purchased, in transit, or on a test drive—carry metal license plates that can’t be faked with a home printer. Motorists, dealers, and county offices all have work to do before the deadline hits.
First things first: every driver will need a permanent set of metal plates, and every dealer must hand them over at the point of sale. Miss the deadline and you risk fines or even an impounded vehicle. So, who needs to act right now? Anyone still rolling on a paper tag.
What every Texas driver must know about the July 1 license plate change
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) will oversee the statewide swap‑out. After July 1, officers can ticket a car sporting a paper tag—even if the tag hasn’t technically expired. Consequently, drivers buying vehicles in late June should confirm that the dealer issues the new plates on the spot, not a leftover slip of paper.
New metal plate categories replace all former temporary paper tags in Texas
Below is a quick reference to the five metal alternatives that take over on July 1:
| Metal plate type | Typical user | Validity period | Key restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| General issue | Retail buyer (Texas resident) | Until permanent registration | Must keep sales receipt in car |
| Dealer temporary | Licensed dealer fleet | Test drives & transfers | No personal use; sticker shows expiry |
| Out‑of‑state buyer | Non‑Texas purchaser | Up to 60 days | Rear plate only |
| Temporary plate | Issued by county/TxDMV | 30‑day trips & single moves | Sticker lists end date |
| Provisional buyer | Special‑case vehicles | 7 days | Used while waiting for correct plate |
So, which one fits your situation? Check the third column and act accordingly.
Dealers, county offices, and law enforcement move to webDEALER and IMS tools
Every licensed dealer must handle sales through the online webDEALER portal; the old eTAG system shuts down the same day the paper tags do. Meanwhile, a new Inventory Management System (IMS) tracks every metal plate from factory floor to showroom. On the other hand, county tax offices remain the go‑to spot for one‑off 30‑day permits or transit plates between private sellers.
Important grace periods and penalties for drivers keeping old paper tags past July 1
Paper tags printed before the cutoff remain valid until they expire—for example, a buyer’s tag dated June 30 rides legally until August 29. After that, it’s metal or nothing. Authorities warn that driving with an out‑of‑date paper tag could lead to a citation of up to $200, and repeat offenders might see their cars towed. Why risk it?
Texas is betting that sturdier, trackable metal plates will slam the door on counterfeit tags and boost road safety. Drivers should verify their plate status today, dealers must register for webDEALER, and everyone should keep proof of purchase handy. Need a final checklist? Make sure you have metal plates installed, the correct expiration sticker displayed, and your sales paperwork in the glove box—then hit the road with confidence.