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Texas License Plate Display Law — 2025 Guide

Front + Rear Required
Quick Answer

Texas requires both front and rear license plates. Fine for missing front plate is $200.

The Law at a Glance

Statute
Texas Transportation Code §504.943
Mounting
Front + Rear Required
Plate Format
ABC-1234
Penalty
$200 fine (reinstated September 2013).
Plate Design
White background, 'Texas' across top, 'The Lone Star State' at bottom.

Recent Changes

In 2025, Texas switched from paper to metal temporary license plates to reduce fraud. Texas leads the nation with 360 specialty plate designs.

State-Specific Notes

Texas issues flat (digitally printed) plates by default but offers embossed plates for an extra fee.

Plate Design Details

First Issued
July 2012
Plate Style
Screened serial; reflective sheeting
Full Design
Black on white with 5-point star in top-left corner — 'The Lone Star State'
Current Format
ABC-1234 — three letters, four digits

Letter Exclusions

A, E, I, O, Q, and U are not used (no vowels + Q).

Historical Plates Still Valid

Earlier 2009–2012 plates with Davis Mountains background (AB1-C234) remain valid.

Notable Facts

Texas issues flat (digitally printed) plates by default but offers traditional embossed plates for an extra fee. Texas places the county name only on the windshield registration sticker, not on the plate itself. Texas leads the nation in specialty plate designs with 360 different options. Texas reinstated the $200 fine for missing front plate in September 2013 after a 2012 legislative gap.

How atroq Frames Stay Compliant in Texas

atroq frames in Texas are engineered to comply with all display requirements. The frame's recessed sticker windows keep renewal stickers visible. The frame's thickness does not obscure the alphanumeric serial, state name, or the issuing jurisdiction. atroq's universal mounting fits Texas's standard 6 × 12 inch passenger plates. Since Texas requires both plates, customers typically order frames in pairs.

Design your Texas-compliant frame

Premium custom license plate frames built for Texas's display requirements. MOQ 500. From $1.30 / frame.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a front license plate required in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires both a front and rear license plate on all registered passenger vehicles. Texas requires both front and rear license plates. Fine for missing front plate is $200.
What is the Texas license plate format?
Texas uses the format ABC-1234 for standard passenger plates.
Are there any recent Texas license plate law changes?
In 2025, Texas switched from paper to metal temporary license plates to reduce fraud. Texas leads the nation with 360 specialty plate designs.
Are decorative license plate frames legal in Texas?
Yes. Decorative frames are legal in Texas as long as they do not obscure the alphanumeric serial, the state name, or any registration sticker. atroq frames are designed to comply with Texas display requirements.
What size are Texas license plates?
Texas issues plates in the U.S. standard 6 × 12 inches (150 × 300 mm) for passenger vehicles, matching the 1956 SAE / Automobile Manufacturers Association dimensional agreement.

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