What Is The Texas Inspection Sticker Grace Period?

Over the past five years, the Texas car inspection and registration process have been streamlined. Rather than being asked to keep track of multiple stickers and different deadlines, you now receive one sticker for both the inspection and registration process.

Still, life can get busy, and if your car isn’t having any issues, it’s easy to forget about car inspections and registration. That’s why the Texas inspection sticker grace period exists.

To help explain this grace period, here’s a brief timeline of inspection and registration events. We’ve included key considerations and steps you should take along the way to ensure a smooth registration process, especially if you’re in the Sugar Land and Stafford areas.

90 days before your car’s inspection/registration sticker expires

• Around the 90-day mark, you should receive a notice from the state reminding you to renew your registration and to have your car inspected.
• In order to complete your registration, your car will need to pass the Texas state inspection. We recommend that you get out your calendar and mark a time to have your car inspected . If you live in the Sugar Land or Stafford locations, you can call Colony One Auto Center at 281-667-0804 , stop by the shop, or request service online .
  
• Keep in mind, however, inspections completed more than 90 days before your registration renewal cannot be used.

90 to 0 days before your car’s inspection/registration sticker expires

• Bring your car to a DPS-certified inspection station like Colony One Auto Center. Make sure you have your proof of insurance and identification on hand. Inspection fees will vary according to location and the make, model, and year of the vehicle.
  
• Have your car inspected (and, if applicable, have your emissions tested, as well).
  • If you don’t pass, fix any issues within 15 days to avoid paying fees again.
  • If you do pass, collect your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).
    
  • ID
  • Proof of insurance
  • Proof of ownership
  • Passing VIR
  • Payment (the standard vehicle registration fee is $51.75)
    

  0 – 5 days after your car’s inspection/registration sticker expires

  • At this point, your registration has expired, and you have now entered the Texas inspection sticker grace period. This means you have five business days to have your car inspected and registered.
    
  • Remember, if you drive around with an expired registration, you run the risk of incurring a $200 fine.

  Avoid the Texas inspection sticker grace period with Colony One Auto Center

  For over 25 years, Colony One Auto Center of Sugar Land and Stafford has offered fast, efficient, and thorough state inspections. We address any car issues that may arise during your inspection, and our helpful reminders make sure you stay on top of preventative car maintenance.

  If it’s time to have your car inspected, trust the car inspection experts of Sugar Land and Stafford. Call Colony One Auto Center at 281-667-0804 , stop by our shop, or request service online .

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