Texas issues new license plate design


HOUSTON – July 9, 2009 – Harris County Tax Assessor – Collector Leo Vasquez has alerted vehicle owners that a new, more colorful license plate will be available soon.

“We’re getting low on the old-style plates and have distributed the new plates to our 16 branches, the only places you can buy them in Harris County. When a branch runs out of the old-style plates – some time in the next few days – it will begin selling the new plates,” Vasquez explained.

“They are pretty but, more important, the new plates have seven numbers and/or letters, compared to six on the general issue plates that are being phased out. The Texas Department of Transportation estimates the seven-character pattern has enough unique combinations to be sufficient for 35 years.

“If your plates are seven years old or older when you renew your registration, the new plates are free. If your plates are newer but you want to buy the new plates, there is a charge of $6.30 in addition to any registration fee.”

Many new plates were displayed at a presentation in the Tax Office’s Distribution Center. There, Vasquez highlighted the several convenient ways to renew vehicle registration if you are not buying plates. He pointed out that vehicle owners can “renew your vehicle registration by mail, online at www.hcauto.net or at nearly 200 participating grocery stores. You can find the nearest grocery store through our Web site.” To renew by mail, mail your renewal notice with a copy of your insurance card and your check made out to Leo Vasquez. Send them to the Harris County Tax Office P.O. Box 4089, Houston, TX 77210-4089. It’s even easier online.

Another time-saving option is to buy a registration sticker that is good for 23 months, so you avoid an annual purchase. The 23-month sticker is available only at the Tax Office locations.

Vasquez stressed, “I know your time is valuable; choose the option that’s best for you.”

For more information regarding Harris County vehicle registration, please call 713-368-2000. Visit www.hcauto.net to find a Tax Office branch or participating grocery store near you.

For more information on the new seven-character license plates, please go to http://www.txdot.gov/drivers_vehicles/license_plates/default.htm.