11/22/2022
TX DMV Changes to Temporary Tags Issued
The temporary tags issued by dealers and converters are being redesigned to provide new security features. The redesigned tags will assist with the validation of legitimate tags and be available on December 9, 2022, as part of an upcoming eTAG/webDEALER software release. Both the eTAG and webDEALER systems will be unavailable starting at 10 p.m. CST on December 8, 2022, for approximately four hours, in preparation for the release.
The redesign will affect dealer (including Buyer, Agent, and Vehicle Specific) and Converter Tags. The same vehicle information is on the tags including the tag type, model year and make (to include up to 15 characters instead of an abbreviation), vehicle identification number, dealer or converter name, and tag expiration date. However, the redesigned tags will provide additional information for law enforcement.
The redesign has a vertical stripe on the right-hand side that provides the date of sale or creation date, and four characters of a unique code for use by law enforcement. The date of sale/creation date is represented by the first six digits of the vertical stripe, starting with the number at the top.
The last four digits in the vertical stripe are the ending characters of a unique alpha numeric code generated when the tag is created in the eTAG system. The unique code will be stored in the motor vehicle database and shared via the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS) for tag verification by law enforcement.
A Quick Response (QR) code in the upper right corner replaces the barcode on the current tag. The QR code increases the amount of information available about the vehicle and dealer. A department-generated geometric emblem created specifically for the new tags is located at the bottom center and makes duplication more difficult. There is also a watermark of a billowing Texas flag in the background.
Law enforcement has been notified that both the current and new versions of the dealer and converter tags will be seen on vehicles for approximately two months after the redesign goes live on December 9, 2022.
