If you live in Central Texas, you’ve probably seen cars driving around with paper license plates. But that’s about to change. Starting July 1, 2025, paper license tags will be a thing of the past, thanks to a new Texas law. So, what will replace them? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Why Are Paper License Plates Being Removed?
The big reason for this change is fraud. According to the Austin American-Statesman, fake paper tags have cost the state millions of dollars. One major example came from the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA), which lost a shocking $69 million due to counterfeit paper tags.
To fix this problem, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 718 (HB 718) into law in 2023. The new rule states that metal plates will now be used instead of paper ones. This step is being taken to make Texas roads safer and stop people from using fake tags to avoid paying tolls or hiding stolen vehicles.
What’s Changing with the New Metal Plates?
It’s not just that paper plates are going away. The new metal license plates will come with color codes to show their specific use. This way, it will be easier for police and officials to spot different types of temporary plates. Here are the new colors and what they mean:
- Blue: For dealer temporary tags
- Green: For out-of-state buyers
- Purple: For provisional buyer tags
- Red: For limited use plates
All of these new color-coded metal plates will begin being used from July 1, 2025.
How Much Will the New Plates Cost?
Getting one of these metal plates will cost just $10, as reported by the Statesman. This is a small price to pay for a safer and more secure system.
Will Dealers Have Enough Plates?
Yes. One concern many had was whether car dealers would have enough license plates to keep doing business without delays. But don’t worry—HB 718 guarantees that dealers can get a good supply of the new metal plates in advance. This means they can continue selling cars without facing plate shortages or long waiting times.