Please review the following information and distribute as appropriate.
The latest update to the Motor Vehicle Registration Manual (attached) is now available via Registration and Title System (RTS) workstations and at www.txdmv.gov.
We welcome your feedback and encourage you to email any comments or suggestions to VTR_Title_Reg-Manual-Update@txdmv.gov (please note the underscores between VTR and Title and between Title and Reg). This mailbox is not monitored for questions and is only intended for feedback, comments, and suggestions.
Updates for this release are marked with red change bars in the text. HB 718 related changes will not reflect in the manual until the January 2026 revision.
Several chapters within the manual were updated to remove the word “inspection” and/or replace “inspection” with “commercial and/or emissions inspection.”
Chapter 5 – Emissions
Section 5.4, “Emissions Inspection Exemptions and Affidavit Reasons,” is a new section created to explain when a vehicle owner may be exempt from the emissions inspection requirements.
Chapter 6 – Exempt License Plates
Section 6.3, “Regular Exempt License Plates,” is updated to explain that a vehicle owned and operated by a nonprofit food bank and used for food bank purposes is exempt from the taxes imposed on the purchase, use, or rental of the motor vehicle.
Chapter 14 – Application for Registration
Section 14.2, “Application for Registration and Certain Permits,” section was updated to specify the emissions description that will display on the renewal notice when an emissions inspection is required.
Chapter 16 – Temporary Permits
Multiple sections of the chapter were updated to remove inspection information due to the elimination of the safety inspection program effective January 1, 2025.
Chapter 21 – Miscellaneous Specialty License Plates
Section 21.2, “Classic Motor Vehicles and Travel Trailer; Custom Vehicles; Street Rods,” was updated to specify that once a vehicle is approved for Custom Vehicle or Street Rod license plates, the vehicle is exempt from the Texas vehicle emissions inspection.
Chapter 22 – Inspection Verification
Multiple sections of the chapter were updated to address changes in inspection requirements due to the elimination of the safety inspection program effective January 1, 2025. Updates include information on when an emissions inspection will or will not be required, when the Inspection Replacement Fee and Emissions Inspection Fee will be collected, renewal notice verbiage related to inspections, and removal of the trailer and self-certification of trailer sections since trailers no longer need to obtain a passing safety inspection.
Thank you,
Annette Quintero, Director
Vehicle Titles and Registration Division
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Motor Vehicle Registration Manual – October 2025.pdf
If you have any questions concerning this communication, please contact your local Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Regional Service Center.
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