New rule takes effect for Texas drivers: How to protect your plates from theft

Texas eliminates paper license plates as House Bill 718 takes effect, requiring permanent metal plates for new vehicles.
KHOU, By Jaime E. Galvan, June 30, 2025

HOUSTON — Starting Tuesday, July 1, paper license plates will officially become a thing of the past in Texas. That’s when House Bill 718, a law passed two years ago and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in June 2023, finally goes into effect.

What’s changing?
Under the new law, when drivers purchase a vehicle in Texas, they’ll leave the lot with permanent metal plates already installed, eliminating the need for temporary paper plates. Dealerships will now keep metal tags on hand for immediate installation at the time of sale.

Why is this happening?
The change comes after years of concern over criminals exploiting paper tags. A tragic example came in August 2021, when a New Orleans police officer visiting Houston was shot and killed near The Galleria. The suspect’s getaway car was using fake paper tags, a loophole tied to fraudulent car dealerships printing and selling temporary plates.

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