As Texans, we’re all familiar with the process of renewing our vehicle registration. You renew your inspection, pay a fee, and get your new sticker – simple stuff.
However, the process will look a little different in 2025. House Bill 3297 has changed the process by eliminating the need to get your car inspected.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming registration changes in Texas.
You Still Have to Pay the Fee
If the first thing you thought was, “Cool, that saves me some money!” think again. Most Texans will still be required to pay the $7.50 fee, regardless of whether you get the inspection or not.
The newly coined Inspection Program Replacement Fee will be deposited into three separate funds.
- $3.50 to the Texas Mobility Fund
- $2.00 to the General Revenue Fund
- $2.00 to the Clean Air Account
For new vehicles, or vehicles that haven’t been previously registered, there will be a fee of $16.75 to cover the current and following year.
You Still Need a New Registration Sticker
Aside from skipping the trip to the auto shop, the registration process won’t change much. Once you get the notice that it’s time for renewal, you’ll need to collect the renewal notice, proof of insurance, and money for the fees. This includes:
- The registration fee, typically $50.75
- The Inspection Program Replacement Fee, now $7.50
- Local fees (these vary by county)
If you choose to renew online or by mail, your registration sticker will be shipped to you. You can also renew in-person at your local tax office and receive your new sticker on-site.
It Does Not Apply to All Texas Counties
Residents of larger counties in Texas will still be required to get an annual emissions test.
These are Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, El Paso, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis and Williamson counties.
The emissions test fee ranges throughout different counties, costing anywhere from $11-$27. However, this new bill could potentially influence a set rate at a higher cost.
What Texans Are Saying
Many people are celebrating the new bill. It eliminates a step in the process of renewing your registration and may be more convenient. However, other residents are concerned about the potential risks.
Without a required inspection, there’s less accountability for drivers with unsafe vehicles. A safety inspection typically involves checking the lights, brakes, steering, mirrors, windows, wipers, seat belts, air bags, and much more. So, there’s a reasonable concern that unsafe vehicles could result in more accidents on Texas roads. With the potential risk rising, it’s likely that car insurance rates will rise, as well.
Rising risks and costs are not the only concerns, though. Many mechanics are worried they’ll go out of business. Inspections are all that some shops do, so with the new bill, many will have to shut down. This puts hundreds of Texas employees out of a job and could make it more difficult to snag an appointment for an emissions test.
Regardless, House Bill 3297 takes effect January 1, 2025. Remember, though it may no longer be required, it’s still a good idea to have your vehicle inspected. This guarantees that your vehicle is functioning properly and reduces your risk of causing an accident.
