The state of Texas has recently stopped issuing inspection stickers and transitioned to a “Two Steps, One Sticker” vehicle inspection and registration program as a result of a new state law. Beginning March 1, 2015, vehicles are no longer being issued an inspection sticker. Your registration sticker will serve as a combined proof of registration and inspection.
Why You’ll Love “Two Steps, One Sticker”:
- One sticker, one date: Are you one of the millions of Texans whose inspection sticker and registration sticker expire in different months? With “Two Steps, One Sticker” you will just have one sticker with one expiration date.
- Less clutter, better view: Who wants multiple stickers in their view while behind the wheel? With “Two Steps, One Sticker” you will just have the familiar blue-bordered registration sticker in the corner of your windshield.
- Safer streets, cleaner air: Because a passing vehicle inspection will be a requirement to renew your registration, more Texans will comply with the safety and emissions testing laws. So with “Two Steps, One Sticker” there will be safer and more environmentally sound cars on the road.
- Fraud prevention: With inspection stickers no longer needed under “Two Steps, One Sticker,” this change will eliminate the risk of inspection sticker fraud and theft.
Step 1: From March 1, 2015 through February 29, 2016, you may renew your registration if your vehicle has a current, passing inspection. However, if your inspection and registration stickers both expire in the same month your vehicle will need to pass inspection prior to registration renewal. To find your nearest inspection station, please visit the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) website.
Step 2: Renew your annual registration online, by mail, or in-person at your county tax office. At the time of registration, your inspection status will be verified electronically. A current, passing inspection is required for registration renewal.
Starting March 1, 2016, you will have a convenient 90-day window to complete both your inspection and registration. Remember, your registration is valid through the last day of the registration expiration month.
| INSPECTION TYPE | COUNTIES | STATE PORTION |
|---|---|---|
| One-Year Safety | Counties except the emission counties listed below and vehicles 25 years and older | $7.50 |
| Safety-only (vehicles 25 years or older) | Statewide | $7.50 |
| Two-Year Safety (new vehicles) | Statewide | $16.75 |
| Commercial | Statewide | $22.00 |
| Trailer/Motorcycle | Statewide | $7.50 |
| Safety Emissions (TSI/OBD) | El Paso | $8.25 |
| Safety Emissions (TSI/OBD) | Travis, Williamson | $10.25 |
| Emission (ASM) for vehicles model-year 1995 and older | Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall and Tarrant | $8.25 |
| Emission (OBD) for vehicles model-year 1996 and newer | Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall and Tarrant | $14.25 |
| Emission-Test Only | El Paso | $2.75 |
| Emission-Test Only | Travis, Williamson | $2.75 |
| Emission-Test Only | Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall and Tarrant | $2.75 |
For more information, visit the new “Two Steps, One Sticker” website.
