Texas is eliminating most temporary paper license plates and replacing them with new color-coded metal ones. The change started July 1st, 2025
The current system for obtaining the permanent blue sticker registration is extremely inconsistent as some people receive it within a week, while others wait for months. If you want your car to be ready for rental immediately after purchasing from a dealer, you will need to:
- Gather the required documents:
- Vehicle title or bill of sale
- Proof of insurance (Texas liability insurance)
- Valid photo ID of the buyer
- Power of attorney if applying for someone else
- Print and fill out this form
- Apply online through TxDMV here or visit your county tax office.
- Pay the fee and receive your 30-day permit receipt and red temporary license plate
- Install the red temporary plate on your vehicle. Remove the black and white plates and store them in your trunk
- Place both the 30-day registration receipt and the buyer's copy in the glovebox. Renters will need these documents for ride-share approval
- Mark the expiration date (30 days from issue). Before expiration, you'll need to either obtain another temporary plate or coordinate with your renter to install the permanent blue sticker and reinstall the black and white plates, disposing of the temporary red ones