The Texas VTR-850 form is an application designed for vehicle owners seeking to obtain classic license plates in Texas. It catifies the specific criteria and fees associated with registering a passenger car, motorcycle, or light commercial motor vehicle that is 25 or more years old for classic plates. For those wanting to personalize their classic license plates, the form also outlines instructions and the additional costs involved.
Click the button below to learn more about filling out the Texas VTR-850 form and adding a piece of history to your vehicle.
The Texas VTR-850 form serves as an application for individuals aiming to obtain classic license plates for their vehicles, a distinctive marker signifying the vehicle's age and historical value. Intended for passenger cars, motorcycles, or light commercial motor vehicles that are 25 years old or more, these plates not only highlight the vehicle's classic status but also adhere to specific regulations regarding plate design and usage. The form delineates different fees for classic vs. personalized classic plates, with standard classic plates costing $15 and personalized options at $55, integrating both the base and the personalized plate fee. The application process involves detailing owner information, vehicle specifics, and the desired personalized license plate number, adhering to restrictions on offensive or inappropriate content. Applicants must ensure their vehicles meet the outlined qualifications, including an inspection process for using original plates from the vehicle’s model year if opting instead of the department-issued plates. Additionally, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) requires evidence of ownership for vehicles not registered in Texas within the last five years. Upon approval, the classic or personalized classic plates will be produced and sent to the applicant's County Tax Assessor-Collector, necessitating the surrender of current plates and stickers, and potentially adjusting the vehicle's registration period to match the new plates' validity. This process underscores the state's dedication to recognizing and preserving the legacy of classic vehicles through a regulated yet accessible system.
VTR-850 (Rev. 3/2003) DHT #158495
APPLICATION FOR CLASSIC
LICENSE PLATES
***FOR DEPARTMENT USE ONLY***
Applicant’s Approved “Old”
Dept. Issued
Texas Plate Number_______________________ Tab Sticker________________________
Plate Number____________________
Fee $___________________________________ Approved by Dept:___________________________________________________
OfficeNameDate
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name of Owner ___________________________________________________ Daytime Phone (_______)_____________________
(as shown on current registration receipt)Area Code
Mailing Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________________________________State _______ Zip Code ________________________
Texas County of Residence ____________________________________________________________________________________
Year Of Vehicle__________Make Of Vehicle__________Vehicle Identification Number_____________________________________
Body Style__________Current Texas License Plate_____________Mfg. Rated Carrying Capacity (1 Ton or Less Truck)___________
Classic Auto
Fee:
$15.00
Classic Auto (Personalized)
$55.00 ($15.00 plus $40.00 personalized plate fee)
Classic Truck
Classic Truck (Personalized)
Classic Motorcycle
Classic Motorcycle (Personalized)
CLASSIC AUTO
PERSONALIZED CLASSIC AUTO
CLASSIC TRUCK
PERSONALIZED CLASSIC TRUCK
CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE
PERSONALIZED CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE
I, the undersigned, state that I am the owner of the above described vehicle which is 25 or more years old, and it is a passenger or light commercial motor vehicle having a manufacturer’s rated carrying capacity of one ton or less. I further state that if the vehicle described ceases to be my property or is junked, destroyed, or ceases to exist during the registration year, the registration receipt and plates will be returned to this department for cancellation.
CLASSIC AUTO, CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE, OR CLASSIC TRUCK PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATE SELECTION – Limit six (6) alpha or numeric characters or less per choice. Please refer to the reverse side for additional instructions on punctuation symbols, a silhouette of Texas, or blank spaces.
1st
**A license number that has already been issued or is deemed to be offensive or inappropriate will not be approved.**
2nd
3rd
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT:___________________________________________DATE:_______________________
THE MAILING OF CASH IS DISCOURAGED. Please remit payment in the form of CASHIER’S CHECK, MONEY ORDER, or CHECK payable to the Texas Department of Transportation.
FORWARD APPLICATION AND FEE TO: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE TITLES AND REGISTRATION DIVISION (SPB) AUSTIN TX 78779-0001
Questions regarding your application should be directed to the Special Plates Branch at (512) 374-5010.
(Over)
INSTRUCTIONS
CLASSIC LICENSE PLATES
The Classic License Plate fee is $15.00 in addition to the regular registration fee prescribed by law.
Qualifications for Classic License Plates are as follows:
(a)Owner of a passenger car, motorcycle, or light commercial motor vehicle having a manufacturer’s rated carrying capacity of one ton or less and is twenty-five (25) or more years old.
(b)Applicants that have license plates which are the same year as the classic vehicle may use those plates in lieu of Classic License Plates issued by this department. The applicant must have the license plates examined at one of the VTR Regional Offices or participating county tax office before submitting the application. The license plates must be the same year as the year model of the classic vehicle, be in good readable condition, and have the correct color scheme.
(c)If the applicant has not previously registered the vehicle in Texas within the last five years, copies of evidence of ownership must be attached to each application.
PERSONALIZED CLASSIC LICENSE PLATES INSTRUCTIONS
The Personalized Classic License Plate fee is $55.00 ($15.00 plus $40.00 personalized plate fee)
in addition to the regular registration fee prescribed by law.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELECTING YOUR PERSONALIZED CLASSIC LICENSE PLATE NUMBER
A Personalized License Plate selection may consist of six (6) alpha or numeric characters or less. Choices should be shown exactly as you wish them to appear on the license plate. Each square of a choice block may be used to represent one (1) alpha or numeric character, punctuation symbol, or space. A license number which has already been issued or is deemed to be offensive or inappropriate will not be approved.
PUNCTUATION SYMBOLS WHICH MAY BE USED ARE PERIODS, DASHES, OR BLANK SPACES. Small letters cannot be used. Selections with six (6) alpha or numeric characters are limited to two (2) spaces for punctuation symbols or a maximum of two (2) silhouettes of Texas. Use an asterisk (*) to indicate the Texas Silhouette.
If approved, the special license plates will be manufactured and mailed to your County Tax Assessor-Collector; and you will be notified accordingly.
To obtain the special license plates, you are to surrender your current windshield/license plate validation sticker and license plates to the County Tax Assessor – Collector. The regular registration fee must be paid for the period in which the special license plates are valid. If your vehicle is currently registered at the time the license plates are issued, your vehicle registration expiration date will be adjusted to correspond with the expiration of the special license plates. Additional fees will be collected or credit will be issued to make this adjustment.
The process of applying for classic license plates in Texas involves a detailed form known as the VTR 850. Completing this form accurately is crucial to ensure that your application is processed efficiently and without delays. The form caters to owners of vehicles that are 25 or more years old, providing an opportunity to obtain plates that reflect the classic status of their vehicle. Below are comprehensive steps to guide you through filling out the form, including the necessary fees and choices for personalized plate options.
After submitting your application, the department will review your choices for personalized plates to ensure they are not already issued or deemed offensive. Once approved, the special license plates will be manufactured and sent to your County Tax Assessor-Collector. You will be notified when they are ready for pick-up, at which point you must surrender your current license plates and windshield validation sticker. The regular registration fee for the period the special plates are valid must be paid, and your vehicle’s registration expiration date will be adjusted to match the new plates'. Additional fees may be collected or a credit issued during this adjustment process.
The Texas VTR-850 form is an application for Classic License Plates. This form is used by vehicle owners who want to register their passenger car, motorcycle, or light commercial vehicle, which is 25 years or older, for classic license plates. This special type of license plate signifies the vehicle's status as a classic or vintage model.
The fees for Texas Classic License Plates vary based on whether the plates are standard or personalized:
Yes, applicants who possess license plates from the same year as their classic vehicle may use those plates instead of obtaining new Classic License Plates from the department. However, before submitting an application, these plates must be examined at one of the VTR Regional Offices or a participating county tax office. The plates must be in good, readable condition with the correct color scheme and match the vehicle's year model.
To qualify for Classic License Plates in Texas, the applicant must be the owner of a passenger car, motorcycle, or light commercial motor vehicle that:
When applying for a personalized Classic License Plate, you can choose up to six (6) alpha or numeric characters for the plate number. The form allows for punctuation symbols, such as periods or dashes, and also blank spaces or silhouettes of Texas (indicated with an asterisk *) to be included. It's important to note that:
When applying for Classic License Plates in Texas using the VTR-850 form, applicants often make several common mistakes. Recognizing and avoiding these errors can streamline the process, ensuring a smoother transaction with the Texas Department of Transportation. Here are four key areas where applicants can improve:
To avoid these common mistakes, carefully review all application instructions and double-check all information before submission. Keep in mind the importance of:
By paying careful attention to these details, you can help ensure your application for Classic License Plates in Texas is approved without unnecessary delays.
When submitting an application for Classic License Plates in Texas using the VTR-850 form, various other documents and forms might be required or beneficial to include, ensuring the process goes smoothly. Here is a concise list of such documents, each briefly described for better understanding:
Collecting and preparing these documents in conjunction with the Texas VTR 850 form can simplify and expedite the process of obtaining Classic License Plates. It ensures that all legal requirements are met and helps avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
The Texas VTR-850 form, used for applying for classic license plates, shares similarities with various other vehicle-related documents. Each of these documents plays a crucial role in the vehicle registration and customization process, ensuring vehicles meet specific requirements and owners obtain the proper authorization for their vehicles.
One similar document is the Application for Personalized License Plates, often found in many states. Like the VTR-850, this form allows vehicle owners to customize their license plates, albeit without the classic vehicle restriction. Vehicle owners can select unique combinations of letters and numbers to express personality or brand identity on their plates.
The Application for Disabled Parking Placards is another form that, while serving a different audience, operates similarly to the VTR-850 by requiring personal and vehicle information to process a request for special designation. In this instance, the designation provides parking privileges rather than a classic vehicle marker.
The Title Application is also akin to the VTR-850. It is used to establish ownership of a vehicle, requiring detailed information about the vehicle and owner. Though its purpose is to document ownership rather than permit a special license plate, both forms are essential in the vehicle registration process.
The Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice, which vehicle owners receive to renew their registration, shares the formality of updating vehicle records with the VTR-850 form. While one is for renewing registration and the other is for applying for special license plates, both require current vehicle information and appropriate fees.
The Application for Vehicle Transfer Notification is related in the sense that it, too, deals with the administrative side of vehicle ownership. When ownership is officially transferred, this document, like the VTR-850 form, ensures the state’s vehicle records accurately reflect current ownership and status.
Custom Vehicle and Street Rod Application forms resemble the VTR-850 by targeting vehicles that fall into specific categories, requiring certification for special types of vehicles. Owners of custom-built or modified vehicles use this form to legally identify their vehicles as such, similar to how the VTR-850 is used for classic vehicles.
Finally, the Request for Hearing on a Suspended License, although primarily focused on driver's license issues, involves detailed personal and vehicle information akin to the VTR-850. It's part of the broader spectrum of documents ensuring the rights and responsibilities of vehicle owners and operators are duly recorded and acknowledged.
Filling out the Texas VTR-850 form, which is an application for classic license plates, requires attention to detail and an understanding of the specific requirements. Here are some key dos and don'ts to help ensure the process goes smoothly:
By following these guidelines, applicants can streamline the process of obtaining classic license plates in Texas, ensuring their application is completed accurately and efficiently.
There are several misconceptions about the Texas VTR-850 form, specifically designed for the application of classic license plates in Texas. Understanding these can help applicants navigate the process more effectively.
Only vehicles that are 25 years or older and qualify as passenger cars, motorcycles, or light commercial vehicles with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of one ton or less are eligible for classic license plates.
In addition to the $15 fee for classic plates, there's a regular registration fee prescribed by law. For personalized classic plates, an additional $40 is required, totaling $55 plus the regular registration fee.
Personalized plate selections are limited to six characters or less and cannot include small letters. Only periods, dashes, or blank spaces are allowed as punctuation symbols, with certain limitations imposed on the number of symbols or silhouettes of Texas.
The form is applicable for both standard and personalized classic plate applications. It covers classic autos, trucks, and motorcycles, each with an option for personalization.
License plate numbers that have been previously issued or deemed offensive or inappropriate will not be approved. The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the right to reject any application based on these criteria.
If the described vehicle ceases to be the property of the owner or is junked, destroyed, or ceases to exist, the registration receipt and plates must be returned to the department for cancellation.
Upon approval of the special license plates, whether standard classic or personalized, the applicant must surrender their current windshield/license plate validation sticker and license plates to the County Tax Assessor-Collector.
Applicants who own license plates the same year as their classic vehicle may use those plates instead of the new classic plates issued by the department. However, these old plates must be examined and approved at one of the VTR Regional Offices or participating county tax office for readability and correctness of the color scheme.
Understanding these nuances can make the application process for classic license plates smoother and help ensure compliance with Texas Department of Transportation regulations.
When considering the application for classic license plates in Texas through the VTR-850 form, it's crucial to understand several key takeaways to ensure a smooth process:
By following these guidelines, applicants can enhance their experience of owning a classic or antique vehicle in Texas, showcasing a piece of automotive history with pride. It's essential to complete the VTR-850 application accurately and adhere to the specified requirements to enjoy the full benefits of classic vehicle registration.
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