License plates can be damaged through regular exposure to dirt, dust, rain, and other elements as you're driving your vehicle on Texas roads. To keep your license plates in good condition, Texas requires that all drivers get a new set every seven years. This means a new rear license plate and a new front license plate.

If it's time for you to replace your license plates, this information will be listed on your registration renewal notice. There are no additional fees for the replacement plates in this circumstance, because the cost is built into the rest of the registration fee schedule.

However, if your license plates have been lost or damaged apart from the seven-year replacement schedule, the fee for replacement plates is $5.30 for drivers who live in counties with fewer than 50,000 residents or $6.30 for drivers who live in counties with 50,000 or more residents. Visit your county tax office and ask to complete Form VTR-60 to receive your replacement license plates.

Replacement License Plate Stickers

Lost or damaged stickers don't require you to request a new set of license plates. Simply visit your TX county tax office with proof of current vehicle registration and pay the fee of $5.30 for drivers who live in counties with less than 50,000 residents or $6.30 for drivers who live in counties with 50,000 or more residents.

Preventing License Plate Fraud

License plate fraud is something many Texas drivers fail to consider, but the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reports that this is an ongoing problem.

When you sell or trade in your vehicle, you should take your license plates to transfer them to your new car or truck. If you are replacing damaged license plates, remember to destroy the old plates in order to prevent fraudulent use.