Ever noticed those sleek black license plates cruising Texas highways? They’re not just eye-catching—they’re officially the most popular specialty plates in the state. Since 2016, the Classic Black design has topped the charts, with over 14,000 Texans choosing this style in 2024 alone. If you’re thinking about joining the trend, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about getting your own black Texas license plates.
Why Black Texas License Plates Are So Popular
Black license plates have become a status symbol on Texas roads—and for good reason. These plates offer a timeless look that enhances virtually any vehicle color. The sleek black background with contrasting white or silver lettering provides a clean, sophisticated aesthetic that harkens back to mid-20th century Texas when full black backgrounds were standard.
The numbers don’t lie. Black and white designs accounted for nearly half of all specialty plates sold in 2021, generating millions in revenue for the state. The Classic Black design alone has contributed more than $3.7 million in sales.
Available Black License Plate Options in Texas
Texas offers several black plate designs through the My Plates program. Here are your top options:
Classic Black
This minimalist design features a solid black background with white lettering. It’s the quintessential black plate that started the trend and remains the bestseller.
Classic Black Silver
Similar to the Classic Black but with reflective silver sheeting trim for added visibility and style. This option allows personalization up to seven characters.
Lone Star Black
A Texas favorite since its 2008 debut, this design has sold over 111,000 plates and contributed more than $16 million to the Texas General Revenue Fund. It features the iconic lone star symbol on a black background.
Small Star Black
A more subtle variation with a smaller star emblem, perfect for those who want Texas pride without the larger star design.
Carbon Fiber
For those seeking a modern, sporty look, the carbon fiber pattern provides texture and dimension on a black background.
Black & Gold Premium Embossed
A premium option featuring raised lettering with gold accents on a black background, offering a luxury appearance.
Lone Star Black Silver
A crossover design that combines the lone star emblem with reflective silver trim elements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering Black Texas License Plates
Step 1: Choose Your Plate Type
Before ordering, decide whether you want:
- Personalized plates: Custom letters/numbers (6-7 characters depending on design)
- Background only: State-assigned random letters/numbers on your chosen black background
This decision affects both price and availability, so consider what matters most to you—having a specific message or simply getting the black aesthetic.
Step 2: Place Your Order Online
Since approximately 2015, Texas has privatized specialty plate ordering. You must order through myplates.com, the state’s official specialty plate vendor, rather than directly through the DMV.
To order online:
- Visit myplates.com and browse the black plate designs
- Select your preferred design
- Choose personalization (if desired) or select background only
- Enter your county information for shipping
- Complete payment for your chosen term length
The website offers a preview feature so you can see exactly how your plate will look before finalizing your order.
Step 3: Understand the Pricing Structure
Black Texas license plates vary in price based on design, personalization, and term length:
| Plate Type | 1-Year Term | 3-Year Term | 5-Year Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Background Only (Classic Black) | $50 | $130 | $175 |
| Personalized (Classic Black) | $150 | $395 | $450 |
| Premium Embossed | $195+ | $445+ | $545+ |
Multi-year terms offer significant savings—up to 49% with 5-year personalized plates. These prices include only the specialty plate fee, not your regular registration fees, which remain separate.
Additional fees may apply at pickup to synchronize your specialty plate expiration with your vehicle registration schedule.
Step 4: County Tax Office Pickup
Unlike regular plates, specialty plates aren’t mailed to your home. Instead:
- Your plates will be shipped to your county tax assessor-collector’s office
- Expect a 3-4 week wait (4-5 weeks for embossed designs)
- You’ll receive notification when your plates are ready for pickup
When picking up your plates, bring:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or military ID)
- Your VIN or current plate number
- Proof of current liability insurance meeting Texas requirements
- Payment method for any additional registration fees
Step 5: Installation and Registration
At pickup, you’ll receive:
- Two plates for passenger vehicles (one for motorcycles and trailers)
- A new registration sticker with your specialty plate number
The county tax office will collect any additional fees to ensure your specialty plates and vehicle registration expire simultaneously. Once you’ve completed the process, you can install your new black plates and hit the road in style.
Eligibility Requirements for Black Texas License Plates
To qualify for black specialty plates in Texas, you must have:
- A properly titled and registered vehicle in Texas
- A vehicle for personal use (commercial vehicles have different requirements)
If the vehicle isn’t titled in your name, you’ll need documentation affirming legal possession and control of the vehicle.
All Texas specialty plates are street-legal and meet state requirements for visibility and law enforcement identification.
Alternative Application Methods
While myplates.com handles most specialty black plates, you have other options:
TxDMV Direct Applications
Certain qualifying black designs may be available through traditional TxDMV applications using Form VTR-999. These state-sponsored plates typically cost $30-40 annually plus regular registration fees.
Military Veteran Options
Military veterans may qualify for special disabled veteran black plate designs at reduced rates. These plates honor service while providing the desired black aesthetic.
Organization-Sponsored Plates
Organizations can propose new black specialty plate designs through TxDMV’s specialty plate sponsorship program. This process requires an $8,000 deposit and typically takes 12 months for approval.
Important Considerations Before Ordering
Renewal Requirements
Specialty plates must be renewed according to their term length (1, 3, or 5 years). Failure to renew within 60 days of expiration results in automatic cancellation, making your design available for others to purchase.
Plate Transfers
One advantage of specialty plates: they remain with you when selling a vehicle. You can transfer them to another vehicle for free, maintaining your investment.
Temporary Tag Changes
Texas eliminated paper temporary tags effective July 1, 2025, transitioning to metal license plates for enhanced security. This affects the timing for new vehicle registrations but doesn’t impact specialty plate ordering procedures.
New Vehicle Purchases
For new vehicle purchases, you can order specialty plates before or after registration. If ordering before registration, the plates will be held at the county office until your vehicle registration is completed.
Black Texas License Plates: Investment vs. Expense
Consider black Texas license plates as both a style choice and a potential investment. Popular personalized combinations on black backgrounds can become sought-after, especially if you select a term that’s about to be discontinued.
The multi-year pricing structure rewards commitment—a 5-year term delivers the best value per year. For example, a 5-year personalized Classic Black plate costs $450, averaging $90 per year instead of $150 for annual renewals.
The Black Plate Community
Joining the black plate trend connects you with a community of like-minded Texas drivers. You’ll notice other black plate owners giving approving nods in parking lots or at traffic lights. It’s a subtle way to show you care about your vehicle’s appearance down to the details.
YouTube videos showcasing these designs have garnered thousands of views, with comment sections full of Texans discussing their plate choices and experiences.
Making the Most of Your Black Texas License Plate
To maximize the impact of your black plate:
- Consider your vehicle’s color—black plates create striking contrast against light-colored vehicles
- Keep plates clean and well-maintained to preserve their sleek appearance
- If personalizing, choose meaningful combinations that complement the black background
- Take advantage of the reflective properties of designs like Classic Black Silver for enhanced nighttime visibility
The History Behind Black Texas Plates
The current black specialty plates aren’t Texas’s first black plates. In the mid-20th century, Texas issued standard plates with black backgrounds. Today’s designs pay homage to this history while incorporating modern materials and security features.
The Texas DPS Officers Association notes that this connection to Texas heritage has contributed significantly to the black plates’ popularity.
Comparing Standard vs. Black Specialty Plates
Standard Texas plates feature white backgrounds with the state’s scenic elements. Here’s how they compare to black specialty plates:
| Feature | Standard Texas Plates | Black Specialty Plates |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Base registration fee only | Additional $50-$195+ annually |
| Aesthetics | White background, colorful design | Sleek black background |
| Personalization | Available for additional fee | Integrated into many designs |
| Status | Standard issue | Premium option |
| Availability | Immediate at registration | 3-5 week wait time |
The premium price of black plates represents not just a different look but an upgraded experience and expression of personal style.
Black Plates for Different Vehicle Types
Black license plate options exist for various vehicle types:
- Passenger vehicles: Complete range of black plate designs
- Motorcycles: Smaller versions of most black designs
- Trailers: Specialized black plate options with appropriate mounting
- Commercial vehicles: Limited black plate options with specific requirements
Each vehicle type has tailored designs that maintain the black aesthetic while meeting specific vehicle requirements.
Black Texas license plates offer more than just unique identification—they’re a statement of style and attention to detail that sets your vehicle apart on Texas roads. Whether you choose the bestselling Classic Black or one of the premium embossed options, you’ll be joining thousands of Texans who’ve decided that standard plates just don’t cut it anymore.
