by Texas Abandons Temporary Paper License Plates
Starting next week, Texas will cease using temporary paper license plates. Instead, exclusively metal plates will be used, each of which will be tied to a specific name and address. Legislators believe this measure will simplify driver monitoring.
Temporary paper plates, although convenient for car dealerships, are often forged by criminals. This is why, starting July 1, 2025, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles will no longer issue paper plates. They are being replaced by four types of metal plates:
Drivers who obtained legitimate paper plates before July 1 can continue to use them. When a car is sold between private individuals, the plates remain with the seller, or the seller and buyer can together complete a re-registration at the DMV.
“Given the complexity of the changes in the process, unique operational issues may arise after implementation. However, the systems are designed with flexibility in mind, which will allow for quick resolution of any problems,” the DMV stated.
The new system is intended to make life harder for criminals who previously could easily forge paper plates. Now each plate will be clearly tied to a specific individual, which will ease the work of law enforcement. The transition to metal plates has been prepared for several years, and officials hope for a smooth implementation, although they do not rule out temporary difficulties.
Interestingly, dealers will have special forms to process sales in case of electronic system failures. It is also noted that trading cars between private individuals or through dealers will now require greater attention to documentation to avoid confusion with license plates.
