Expired Registration in Texas

Vehicle registration is mandatory for all motor vehicles operated on public roadways throughout Texas. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) administers all vehicle registration programs and procedures statewide, while county tax assessor-collectors process registration applications and renewals. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) enforces the laws on the road, ensuring compliance with inspections, insurance, and proper registration.

State Code Provisions in Texas

Vehicle registration and traffic regulations in Texas are governed by Title 7 of the Texas Transportation Code with Chapter 502 specifically addressing registration procedures, renewal requirements, display of license plates, penalties for violations, and enforcement strategies.

Registration Terms and Expiration in Texas

Registration Renewal System

Texas operates an annual registration system with expiration periods designated by the TxDMV. Under Transportation Code Section 502.044, the department designates a vehicle registration year of 12 consecutive months beginning on the first day of a calendar month and ending on the last day of the final month of the registration period. Registration expiration dates are assigned based on the month designated by the department at initial registration.

Standard Vehicle Registration:

• Registrations remain valid for 12 consecutive months
• The expiration month remains consistent annually once established
• Registrations expire at midnight on the last day of the designated expiration month
• Vehicle owners may renew registration online, by mail, or in person at county tax offices
• Example: A vehicle with a July expiration date will expire at midnight on July 31 each year

Grace Period for Expired Registration

Texas provides a five-working-day grace period following registration expiration. According to Transportation Code Section 502.407, vehicle owners may operate their vehicles for up to five working days after the expiration date without violating the law. After the fifth working day, operating a vehicle with expired registration constitutes a criminal offense. The term "working day" excludes Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.

Penalties for Expired Registration in Texas

Administrative Penalties

Texas does not assess a specific late fee for registration renewal completed after the expiration date. Vehicle owners who renew within 12 months of expiration pay only the standard registration fee and any applicable local county fees. However, the absence of a late penalty for renewal does not eliminate the criminal liability for operating a vehicle with expired registration after the five-working-day grace period expires.

Traffic Violations

Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration is a criminal offense under Texas Transportation Code Section 502.407. After the fifth working day following registration expiration, a person commits an offense by:

1. Operating on a public highway a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that has a license plate from a preceding registration period; and
2. The license plate has not been validated by the attachment of a current registration insignia.

Penalty Classification and Fines:

Operating a vehicle with expired registration in Texas is classified as a Class C misdemeanor under the general Transportation Code penalty provisions. Under Texas Penal Code Section 12.23, a Class C misdemeanor is punishable by:

These penalties apply when a vehicle is operated on public highways more than five working days after registration expires. The violation is prosecuted as a criminal offense in Texas courts and results in a criminal record for the offender.

Court Dismissal Options:

Under Section 502.407(b), a justice of the peace or municipal court judge may dismiss a charge of driving with expired registration if the defendant:

1. Remedies the defect not later than the 20th working day after the date of the offense or before the defendant's first court appearance date, whichever is later; and
2. Establishes that the registration fee prescribed by Section 502.045 has been paid

When a charge is dismissed, the court may assess a reimbursement fee not to exceed $20.

Government Agencies

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
4000 Jackson Avenue
Austin, TX 78731
Phone: (888) 368-4689
Official Website: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Texas Department of Public Safety
5805 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78752
Phone: (512) 424-2000
Official Website: Texas Department of Public Safety