License plates are an unassuming part of motor vehicles in Texas, but they serve a primary purpose: They, along with the relevant stickers, indicate active vehicle registration.
In Texas, license plates are undoubtedly part of state pride, and their history is unique. Today, a license plate must display the word Texas (and all other words) without being obscured, and the plate must be illuminated at night.
Texas drivers registered their motor vehicles for the first time in 1907 and provided their unique plates.
The Beginning of a Proud System
For the next 10 years, drivers used their creative license to ‘label’ their cars, using shingles, house numbers, and even leather. State-issued plates were finally introduced in 1917.
These plates were base pairs with no date. They had white letters printed on a dark blue background. Texas used these plates for five years until it introduced black plates with white letters in 1923.
License plate dates were only introduced in 1925, marking the radiator seal’s phasing out.
In 1931, drivers were not thinking of license plates. This is because Texas was two years into the Great Depression, and things were as bad as ever. However, in 1933, the prison system was legally allowed to manufacture plates. The state issued these plates for the first time in 1935.
During the 1940s, the state scrapped the pre-1941 plates because of the demand for scrap metal. The 1943 and 1944 plates were small, and in 1945 and 1946, drivers only had single plates at the rear end of their vehicles. It was only in 1947 that Texas issued pair plates again.
The word ‘HemisFair’ was introduced on Texas license plates in 1968. It was included to celebrate the World’s Fair. Today’s use of reflective license plate paint became standard in 1969.
In the mid-70s, Texas issued plates for the first time that it would use for many years. These plates included inspection and registration stickers.
Developments During the 20th Century
When the automotive boom hit Texas, the state introduced standardized plates. They incorporated colors and symbols that highlighted the pride of the Lone Star State. Towards the end of the 20th Century, Texas license plates included personalized and special edition plates.
The state released special plates in 2017 to commemorate the first time it used license plates. The first 100 drivers to buy the plate received a special plate pattern. The plates also started with 100, followed by AAA.
There are other specialty plates to choose from, including conservation plates. These plates feature endangered wildlife or promote clean air initiatives. Money paid for conservation plates goes towards funding conservation efforts in Texas.
Texas Military License Plates
Texas also designs military plates that honor veterans and active-duty personnel. The state has a long and proud military history, and its military license plates allow military members to showcase their commitment to defending the U.S.
The Military Meritorious Service Plate
The Military Meritorious Service Plate is reserved for veterans, servicemen, and women with specific military decorations. Below the plate number, you’ll have the phrase ‘meritorious service medal.’ Furthermore, an image of the relevant medal is to the left, and a star is to the right.
Other qualifying decorations include the Congressional Medal of Honor, Air Force Cross, and Distinguished Service Cross. You can also have these plates if you have received a Navy Cross, Silver Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, or Purple Heart.
The Purple Heart, in particular, is restricted to veterans who sustained wounds in combat. Those who qualify for these plates do not have to pay annual registration fees for one vehicle.
Military license plates go beyond identifying vehicles. They also symbolize utter respect, recognition, and gratitude for those who serve their country.
Regulations Regarding Texas License Plates
Over more than 100 years, the regulations and laws regarding Texas license plates have changed several times.
Today, the rules state that vehicles registered in Texas must display two license plates: front and back. The same goes for all plates, including specialty plates.
All motor vehicles in Texas must be registered with the DMV. Drivers get renewal notices; if they fail to act, they will be fined or penalized.
If someone steals your license plate, the driver must notify the DMV and get a replacement. Moreover, if a driver operates their vehicle without license plates, their car may be impounded. The same goes for driving with altered plates.
Exemptions for Cars With Military License Plates
As of January 1, 2022, only those with a disabled person license plate or placard featuring ISA can park in an accessible parking space.
However, disabled veteran license plates currently do not have the ISA (International Symbol of Access). So, if a disabled person wants to use accessible parking spaces, they must apply for a new license plate featuring the ISA.
However, the veteran must first meet all the eligibility requirements. Not all disabilities allow disabled veterans to get a license plate with the ISA.
Moreover, cars with military plates, such as the Air Force Cross, Airman’s Medal, Coast Guard Medal, and Pearl Harbor Survivor, can park without paying at a parking meter operated by a government authority.
When and How to Replace Texas License Plates
When you register your car in Texas for the first time, the DMV will issue a set of license plates for it. Today, replacing your license plates after seven years is no longer necessary.
Before November 1, 2016, the state required the automatic replacement of license plates after seven years. However, you can get replacement plates at your local County Tax Assessor’s office if they have reached the point of being unreadable or for cosmetic reasons.
The Future of the Texas License Plate
After June 30, 2025, the practice of giving out paper license plates when buying a new car in Texas will end. The DMV will issue metal plates that dealers hand over to customers when buying a car. This is an advancement for dealers and law enforcement because it eliminates fraudulent paper plates.
More advancements will likely happen in the next couple of years, overhauling Texas license plates again.