How to Get a Copy of Vehicle Registration in Texas (Sticker or Receipt)

November 4, 2025
4 Min Read

Losing your Texas vehicle registration receipt or having your window sticker damaged or stolen can be a major headache. Without this proof of registration, you risk a traffic ticket.

Fortunately, getting a replacement is a simple process. The key is to know what you’re replacing. In Texas, “vehicle registration” consists of two items:

  1. The Registration Sticker: The decal that goes on the inside of your windshield.
  2. The Registration Receipt: The official paper document that you should keep in your glove box.

This guide will show you the correct, separate processes for replacing both.

Important Texas Rule: Who Handles Registration?

Before you go anywhere, you must know this: the DPS does not handle vehicle registration.

  • Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety): This is the office for your person. Go here for your Driver’s License, ID Card, and driving tests.
  • Your County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office: This is the office for your car. This is the only in-person office that handles vehicle titles, registration, and license plates.

Do not go to a Driver’s License (DPS) office for any vehicle registration or sticker issues; they will turn you away.

How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Registration Sticker

If your physical sticker on your windshield is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must get a replacement.

Method A: In-Person (Fastest Way)

  1. Fill out Form VTR-60.
  2. Bring the completed form and your ID to your local County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office.
  3. Pay the $6.50 fee. They will issue your new sticker on the spot.

Method B: By Mail

  1. Fill out Form VTR-60.
  2. Write a check or money order for $6.50, payable to your County Tax Assessor-Collector.
  3. Mail the form and payment to your local County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office.
  4. A new sticker will be mailed to your address on file.

How to Get a Copy of Your Registration Receipt

If you have your sticker but lost the paper receipt (the document for your glove box), you have two easy options.

Method A: Online (The Easiest Way)

You can print a copy of your current registration receipt for free from the TxDMV’s online portal.

  1. Visit the official TxDMV Vehicle Registration Renewal page.
  2. Click “Renew Your Registration” (even if you aren’t renewing).
  3. Enter your License Plate Number and the last 4 digits of your VIN.
  4. On the next screen, you will see your vehicle’s details and a link to “Print Registration Receipt” or “View Registration Receipt.”
  5. You can download and print this PDF for your records.

Method B: In-Person or By Mail

You can request a copy from your County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office. The fee is typically $2.00.

“Where’s My Sticker?” (Tracking a New Renewal)

This is a different problem. If you recently renewed your registration online or by mail and are just waiting for your new sticker to arrive, do not apply for a replacement.

You can track its status online.

  1. Visit the official TxDMV “Where’s My Sticker?” tracking tool: [https://www.txdmv.gov/track]
  2. Enter your License Plate Number and the last 4 digits of your VIN.
  3. Click “Go” to see if your sticker has been processed and mailed.

Note: It can take up to three weeks to receive your new sticker in the mail. Your renewal receipt (the one you printed online) is valid proof of registration for 31 days from the date of renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the Texas vehicle registration look like?

It is a single sticker that is placed on the driver’s side of your car’s windshield, from the inside. You will also receive a paper receipt to keep in your vehicle as proof of registration.

I just moved. Do I need to update my address?

Yes. You must update your address with the County Tax Office to ensure you receive your renewal notices and stickers. It is also a legal requirement to update the address on your driver’s license, which is a separate step. You can learn how to change your Texas driver’s license address online with the DPS.

Do I need an appointment at the County Tax Office?

It depends on the county. Some high-population counties (like Travis, Harris, or Dallas) may require an appointment, while many others are walk-in only. You must check your specific county’s website first.

Conclusion

Getting a copy of your Texas vehicle registration is simple once you know what you need and where to go.

  • To replace a lost STICKER: You must go in-person to your County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office with Form VTR-60 and $6.50.
  • To print a new RECEIPT: You can do it online for free through the TxDMV’s registration portal.
  • To track a RENEWAL: Use the “Where’s My Sticker?” tool on the TxDMV website.

Remember to always go to your County Tax Office for vehicle issues, not the DPS (Driver’s License) office.

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