Two Stepping in Texas with One Sticker
The view from the driver’s seat may look a little different next year across the highways and byways of Texas. As of March 1, 2015, vehicles registered in Texas will no longer need separate vehicle inspection and registration stickers. The new “Two Steps, One Sticker” process will free up some much needed windshield space for Texas drivers and will end up saving taxpayers money and time with only one date to remember when it comes time to renew.
Better yet, the process will literally only take two steps:
Step 1: Get and pass a vehicle inspection.
Step 2: Renew the vehicle registration.
Although it seems simple (and it is), the new program has raised a lot of questions. Here are a few things Texas drivers need to know about the new program:
- Once the program kicks off, drivers will be required to pass an inspection no more than 90 days prior to the date the registration expires. After that initial inspection, the station will update the inspection record electronically and issue each driver a vehicle inspection report (VIR).
- Drivers can still register their vehicles online, in person, or by mail.
- Although inspection requirements will remain the same, drivers will need to ensure they receive the proper inspection for the vehicle type and the county in which the vehicle is registered.
- The new inspection or registration combination will not cost more than it does today; however, drivers will need to pay the inspection station their portion of the fee at the time of inspection, with the state’s portion of the fee collected during the actual registration.
For more information, visit www.txdmv.gov/motorists/register-your-vehicle/two-steps-one-sticker.
