Free Texas License Plate Lookup

Why Run a Texas License Plate Lookup?

Using a Texas license plate lookup is like using X-ray vision on a car. It uncovers the vehicle’s hidden history—from accident records to odometer rollbacks—and helps ensure you’re not buying trouble on wheels.

Spot Flood-Damaged Vehicles in Texas

Texas is no stranger to hurricanes and flash floods, especially along the Gulf Coast. Flood-damaged vehicles often reappear on the market with:

• Corroded electronics
• Mold or mildew in carpets and vents
• Engine or transmission failure

A Texas license plate search can help detect red flags like salvage titles or insurance loss records, saving you from expensive repairs and safety risks.

Learn more how to spot flood-damaged cars here.

Navigate Texas’s Massive Used Car Market with Confidence

IBISWorld reports that Texas has a used car market worth over $22 billion (2025) Thinking about shopping at a Houston dealership? Or maybe buying from someone in San Antonio? A  license plate lookup Texas tool arms you with crucial data:

• Vehicle age and mileage
• Reported accidents and damage
• Open recalls and repair history
• Prior sales date and transfers

Use this tool to negotiate fairly and avoid hidden problems. Want to learn more? Check out our Texas vehicle title lookup guide.

Comply with DMV Rules and Avoid Title Issues

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) requires accurate records for legal registration. A free TX plate search helps you:

• Verify that the title is clean and lien-free
• Confirm vehicle historical timeline
• Ensure the vehicle meets TX registration requirements

This is especially helpful when dealing with out-of-state vehicles or salvaged cars. For official title checks, visit our free title check by VIN page.

Protect Yourself from Texas Title Fraud

Unfortunately, title washing is a real issue in Texas. Sellers may hide accident damage or flood exposure by transferring the vehicle across states. A Texas license plate lookup reveals:

• Title brands like “salvage” or “rebuilt”
• Ownership changes that don’t match claims
• Inconsistent mileage reports

Avoid buying a lemon. Always verify a vehicle’s title history before closing the deal.

Benefits of a Texas License Plate Lookup

What Information Does a Texas License Plate Lookup Provide?

VinCheckPro’s Texas license plate lookup gives you quick access to essential vehicle history—whether you’re buying, selling, or verifying. Our free TX plate search helps protect you from scams, bad deals, and hidden issues.

With our Texas license plate lookup service, you’ll receive a detailed report quickly, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your vehicle purchase. Experience the efficiency and reliability of our service—order your report today and receive it within minutes!

How Can Texas License Plate Lookup Help Me?

A Texas plate lookup isn’t just a tool—it’s your backstage pass to uncovering a vehicle’s story. Whether you’re a savvy buyer or a detail-hungry pro, it’s got the answers you need.

✅ Run a free Texas license plate lookup now with VinCheckPro and get peace of mind before you buy or sell.

Explaining Texas License Plates

A Texas license plate is a metal tag that the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) gives out for registered vehicles. You’ll find it on both the front and back of registered vehicles.

The latest design, “Texas Classic,” features black text on a white background, a double security thread, and “The Lone Star State” slogan. Each plate also comes with a sticker showing the registration expiration date. To avoid fines, make sure your registration is current.

From antique rides to college pride, find the perfect plate to match your vehicle and personality.

• Antique, Classic & Custom Vehicle | Street Rod: Plates for vintage or uniquely modified vehicles, including classic cars and street rods.
• Businesses: Plates featuring company logos or branding for commercial use or promotion.
• Charities | Organizations: Plates supporting nonprofit groups and causes, often with proceeds benefiting the organization.
• Colleges | Universities: Show school spirit with plates branded with Texas college and university logos.
• Fraternities | Sororities: Plates representing Greek life affiliations from recognized organizations.
• High Schools: Celebrate local high school pride with school-specific plate designs.
• Lone Star Colors: Bold Texas-themed plates in state flag colors or variations with Lone Star appeal.
• Military & Veterans: Honor military service with branch-specific or veteran recognition plates.
• Occupational: Profession-based plates for fields like firefighting, law enforcement, or healthcare.
• Pre-Order Specials: New plate designs available for early supporters before official release.
• Premium Embossed: High-quality plates with raised characters for a refined, classic look.
• Sports | Outdoors: Plates highlighting Texas sports teams, hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities.
• Texas Themes: Plates celebrating Texas culture, icons, and regional pride.
• Other Vehicle Types: Specialty plates for trailers, motorcycles, and non-standard vehicles.

How to Get a Texas License Plate, Vehicle Registration, and Title

If you’re a new Texas resident, you have 30 days to register your vehicle and obtain valid Texas license plates. This makes your car legal to drive and ensures it’s properly titled, insured, and inspected.

Steps to Register Your Vehicle and Get Texas License Plates:

1. Get auto insurance that meets Texas minimum liability requirements:
   
   • • $30,000 for each injured person
     • $60,000 total per accident
     • $25,000 for property damage
       
2. Get a vehicle inspection at an official Texas DPS-certified inspection station. Safety inspections are required annually, and emissions tests may be required in certain counties (like Dallas, Harris, Travis, etc.).
   
   
3. Complete the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U).
   
   
4. Provide proof of ownership – acceptable documents include:
   
   • • Vehicle title (from your previous state)
     • Manufacturer’s certificate of origin (for new vehicles)
     • Bill of sale with title assignment
       
5. Show proof of identity (valid Texas driver’s license or state-issued ID).
   
   
6. Pay all required fees, which may include:
   • • Base Registration Fee: $50.75
     • TexasSure Insurance Verification Fee: $1.00
     • Processing and Handling Fee: $4.75
     • Local County Fees: Vary by county, ranging from $0 to $31.50

7. Submit all forms, ID, and payment in person at your county tax assessor-collector’s office.

Once approved, you’ll receive:

• • One or two Texas license plates
  • A registration sticker to place on your windshield (upper-left corner)

📌 Tip: Buying a used car? Run a free Texas plate lookup before registering to check for issues like title problems, theft records, or odometer fraud.

How to Transfer a Texas License Plate to Another Vehicle

Need to move your Texas license plate to a different vehicle? Here’s what to do:

Collect Required Docs:

• Current vehicle title: This is essential to prove ownership.
• Proof of insurance: Texas law requires all vehicles to have liability insurance.
• Completed Form VTR-904 (License Plate Transfer Form): This form is specifically for transferring plates.
• Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U): This form is generally required for any title or registration transaction, including when transferring plates to a new vehicle.
• Lien release (if applicable): If there’s a lien on the new vehicle, you’ll need the lien release from the lender.
• Vehicle inspection report: Your vehicle must have a current passing Texas safety inspection.
• Identification: Bring a valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license).

Visit Your County Tax Office:

• Submit all documents in person. The county tax assessor-collector’s office handles these transactions.

Process the Transfer:

• Pay any applicable fees and finalize the application with the help of office staff.
• Fee Clarification: There is generally no fee to transfer license plates themselves, but you will pay the registration fee for the new vehicle (which includes the cost of the standard license plates). Other fees, such as local county fees, sales tax (if it’s a new purchase), and potentially a new resident tax (if applicable), will also apply.
• Sales Tax: If you are purchasing a vehicle, motor vehicle sales tax (6.25% of the purchase price or Standard Presumptive Value, whichever is greater) is due.
• Late Penalties: Be aware that penalties can apply if you don’t title and register the vehicle within 30 days of purchase.

Receive New Registration:

• Your transferred plate will be linked to the new vehicle, and you will receive a new registration sticker.

Install the Plate Properly:

• Attach it as required by Texas law (front and rear plates for most vehicles, rear plate only for motorcycles and trailers).

Cancel Old Registration (If Needed):

• If you’re no longer using the old vehicle, it’s a good idea to file a Vehicle Transfer Notification with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) within 30 days of sale. This helps protect you from liability for tickets or violations committed by the new owner. You can also dispose of old plates by defacing them to prevent fraudulent use if you are not transferring them.

Plate Transfers from Out-of-State Vehicles

If you recently moved to Texas, you cannot transfer your old state license plates. Texas issues new plates upon registration. However, you must still provide:

• Proof of ownership (previous title)
• Proof of insurance
• Texas vehicle inspection report (VIR)

Contact the Texas DMV for Full Details:

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV)
📍 4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, TX 78731
📞 (512) 465-3000
📠 (512) 465-4129
🌐 https://www.txdmv.gov

Important Notes on Specialty Plates:

1. Transferability: Generally, specialty plates can be transferred between vehicles if the vehicle is titled or leased in the owner’s name and meets the vehicle classification requirements for that specific plate. For example, Antique and Classic plates can be transferred to eligible antique/classic vehicles. Disabled Veteran plates can be moved to personal-use vehicles under 18,000 lbs., including motorhomes. 

2. Form VTR-420-UT (Application for Transfer of Military Specialty License Plates) is specifically for transferring military specialty plates. It’s always best to check the specific requirements for your type of specialty plate on the TxDMV website or with your county tax office.

Want to see if a used car is clean before transferring plates? Run a Texas license plate search first to view its history.

Where VinCheckPro.com Gets Vehicle Report Data

At VinCheckPro, we offer a free Texas license plate lookup backed by reliable sources. Here’s how we deliver accurate, detailed reports:

• NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System)
  Government-run database tracking title history nationwide.

• DMV Agencies
  Provide current and historical vehicle registration, title, and ownership data.

• Insurance Companies
  Report claims data like accidents, total loss events, and repairs.

• Salvage Auctions & Junk Yards
  Contribute insights into damaged or decommissioned vehicles.

• Auto Recyclers
  Help confirm whether a car has been dismantled for parts.

Texas License Plate Lookup and DMV FAQs

Additional Resources:

Texas VIN Check
VIN Decoder
TxDMV website
Texas by Texas (TxT) website
Vehicle Registration in Texas
Order a Specialty License Plate