Starting July 1, 2025, motor vehicle dealers will face a significant change with Texas House Bill 718: the end of temporary paper tags! That’s right—metal license plates will now be issued at the point of sale. This change marks a significant move toward streamlining dealer operations while improving security and reducing fraud. This isn’t just a new rule; it’s a game-changer transforming how dealers handle vehicle titling and registration.

What This Means for Texas Dealers

Here’s what you need to know to stay informed and competitive—and why you must act NOW to avoid costly penalties. As of July 1, the eTAG system will no longer support:

  • Buyer Tags
  • Internet Down Tags
  • Vehicle-Specific Tags
  • Agent-Specific Tags
  • Vehicle Inspections

Instead, dealers must process all title and registration applications through the Texas online system, webDEALER. Miss the deadline, and you could face delays, penalties, and major disruptions to your sales process. This shift isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your dealership by making vehicle registration safer and cracking down on fraudulent tags—but only if you're prepared.

Get ahead of the game. A seamless transition starts with finding a low-cost solution for vehicle titling and motor vehicle record access, as well as training and familiarizing your team with the new system and processes. Ensure your team is trained, your inventory is managed, and your dealership is ready for a smooth transition.

Adopting early helps avoid last-minute hiccups and ensures your dealership is ready to roll when changes hit.

How Dealer Services Network Can Help

Navigating these changes can be complex, but Dealer Services Network is here to guide you every step of the way. We simplify vehicle titling and registration with solutions built specifically for Texas dealerships. Our seamless integration with TxDMV and webDEALER ensures full DMS compatibility, along with unlimited webDEALER imports and exports. With our expert team managing the details, you’ll stay ahead of compliance requirements, accelerate title turnarounds, and lighten the load on your back-office administration.

More reasons to choose Dealer Services Network. Take the hassle out of every step, ensuring your car dealership stays compliant and running smoothly.

  • TitlePro. Reduce liability through secure vehicle titling workflows.
  • DealTracker. Instant updates on vehicle titling work ensures nothing gets missed.
  • Texas-specific Tools: Seamless DMS integration simplifies your every step.
  • DocuPro. Safeguard, digitize and protect your dealership’s documents.

We provide personalized consulting to ensure your dealership remains compliant and avoids potential setbacks. By offering a combination of technology solutions and hands-on guidance, we help dealers maximize efficiency while staying ahead of regulatory changes.

Vehicle Inspections Overhauled

Changes to vehicle inspections are in addition to the new temporary tag rules. Non-commercial vehicles will no longer require a safety inspection before registration. However, emissions testing is still mandatory in designated emissions counties. And to offset the loss of safety inspection revenue, a $7.50 Inspection Program Replacement Fee will be collected during vehicle registration.

For commercial vehicles, safety inspections remain, but the replacement fee is waived. Make sure your sales team is aware of these changes so they can guide customers smoothly through the process.

Important Dates to Watch

January 1, 2025

  • Non-commercial vehicle safety inspections were eliminated.
  • All licensed dealers must begin using webDEALER to process titles and registrations.
  • County Tax Assessor-Collector offices and Regional Service Centers begin issuing Temporary Registration metal plates for 30-day and One-Trip Permits.

April, 2025

  • Dealers can begin ordering metal plate inventory.
  • Dealers must complete webDEALER training by April 30, 2025.

July 1, 2025

  • Metal plates officially replace temporary tags.
  • The use of webDEALER becomes mandatory for all vehicle titling and registration transactions.

Get Prepared Now. Stay Informed. Keep Compliant.

Time is running out to secure a fast and seamless solution before the deadline hits. With Dealer Services Network, you’ll sync effortlessly with your DMS, TxDMV and webDEALER ensuring quick data exports and uploads, saving time every step of the way. Proactive preparation will keep operations running smoothly and build trust with customers by demonstrating efficiency with a commitment to compliance and transparency.