Goodbye Paper License Tags, Hello Metal Tags In Central Texas

Many in Central Texas have seen paper license plates on cars. However soon, paper license plates will be no more. But what will replace the paper tags we see around the state?

Why Are Paper License Plates Going Away In Central Texas?

Per the Austin American-Statesman, back in 2023, Governor Greg Abbott put his signature on House Bill 718. This bill pertained to one thing, making metal license plates the new normal in the state, while paper tags would become a part of the past.

But why are paper tags going away? Well, it has to do with fraud. An example given by the Statesman was from the North Texas Tollway Authority. The NTTA suffered a massive loss of $69 million in toll money due to tags that were created falsely.

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But with paper tags going away, the changes will also happen with the metal tags too.

What Parts Of Metal Tags Are Changing In Central Texas?

As revealed by the Statesman, four metal plates will have different colors. Here's what they mean:

Blue: Dealer temporary
Green: Out-of-state buyer
Purple: Buyer provisional
Red: Limited use plate

All of the previously mentioned tags will go into effect on July 1st, 2025. When getting a metal plate, the Statesman report that it will cost a person $10. But for those worried about supply, HB 718 "guarantees that dealers can secure an adequate supply of license plates in advance, allowing them to sell vehicles without significant business interruptions caused by plate shortages."

Be ready for a change soon Texas.