How to Get Temporary License Plate in Texas

In the Lone Star State, when you purchase a vehicle, you might not immediately receive your official license plate. However, Texas has a solution to keep you on the road legally while you wait. Welcome to the world of temporary license plates, often referred to as “temporary tags.”

It’s critical to know that the “temp tag” you get depends on how you bought the car. The tag from a dealer is different from a private sale permit. This guide explains all scenarios.

Situation 1: You Bought a Car from a Texas Dealer

This is the simplest scenario. You do not need to do any paperwork for your tag.

By law, the dealership is required to handle all your title and registration paperwork.

• What You Get: The dealer will issue you a paper “e-Tag” (the official temporary license plate) and mount it on your vehicle.
• How Long Is It Valid? This temporary tag is typically valid for 60 days.
• Your Only Job: Your dealer will complete and file all applications for your permanent (metal) license plates and registration. You just need to wait for them to arrive at your home address. You do not need to go to the DMV or Tax Office.

Situation 2: You Bought a Car from a Private Seller

This is the “how-to” guide you are looking for. When you buy from a private individual (like on Facebook Marketplace or from a neighbor), you are 100% responsible for the tag and registration.

CRITICAL: You cannot legally drive the car using the seller’s old license plates. You must get your own permit. You have three legal options.

Option 1: The Online “Buyer’s Temporary Tag” (Best Option)

This is the modern, official way to get a 30-day tag without leaving your home.

• What It Is: A 30-day temporary tag you can buy and print online after the sale is complete. This gives you plenty of time to get a vehicle inspection and go to the tax office for your permanent plates.
• How to Get It:
  1. Go to the official TxDMV “Buyer’s Temporary Tag” online portal.
  2. You will need the vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), the date of sale, and the seller’s name and address.
  3. Pay the $25 fee online with a credit card.
  4. The system will generate a PDF of your temporary tag. You must print this out and tape it to the inside of your rear window.

Option 2: The In-Person “Vehicle Transit Permit” (One-Trip Permit)

This is the cheap, old-school method to just get the car home.

• What It Is: A $5 permit that allows you to legally drive the car in one trip (e.g., from the seller’s location to your home, or from your home to the County Tax Office). It is typically valid for 48 to 72 hours.
• How to Get It: You must go in person to your local County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office to apply for this permit. You will need proof of insurance and your driver’s license.

Option 3: The “Same-Day Title Transfer” (Pro-Tip)

This is the safest and fastest method—it lets you skip temporary tags entirely.

1. Ask the seller to meet you at your local County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office.
2. Bring the signed title, proof of Texas insurance, and your vehicle inspection report (if you got one).
3. You and the seller will complete the Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U) together in front of the clerk.
4. You will pay the sales tax and registration fees on the spot.
5. You will walk out of the office with your permanent, metal license plates and registration sticker that same day.

A Critical Texas Rule: DPS vs. DMV

It is essential to know that “DMV” services in Texas are split between two different agencies.

1. Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety): This office is for your person. You must go here for your Driver’s License, ID Card, and driving tests. All visits are by appointment only, and you can learn how to schedule a Texas DPS appointment here.
2. Texas DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles): This office is for your car. It oversees titles and registration, which are handled in person at your County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office.

All temporary tags, license plates, and vehicle registrations are handled by the DMV/County Tax Office, not the DPS.

What About Other “Special” Permits? (72-Hour, 144-Hour, 30-Day Timed)

You may see these permits listed, but they are not for regular in-state car purchases. These are special permits (using Form VTR-66) for niche situations:

• 30-Day Timed Permit ($25): This is for a new Texas resident who buys a car out-of-state and needs to drive it into Texas to be inspected and registered. This permit gives you time to get your vehicle tasks done. (You will also need to transfer your out-of-state license to Texas at the DPS, which is a separate process).
• 72/144-Hour Permits ($25/$50): These are for commercial vehicles (trucks, truck-tractors) and are not intended for regular passenger cars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Getting a temporary tag in Texas is simple once you identify your situation. 99% of the time, your path is clear:

• If you bought from a DEALER: You’re done. The dealer will provide your temporary e-Tag.
• If you bought from a PRIVATE SELLER: Your safest bet is to meet the seller at the County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office to transfer the title and get your permanent plates instantly. If you can’t, get a $5 Vehicle Transit Permit to drive it home legally.
• If you have a special case (like an out-of-state purchase): You will need to visit the tax office for a 30-Day Timed Permit (Form VTR-66).