How to get new car registration, inspection sticker

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A big change is happening with your vehicle. You will no longer get an inspection sticker as the state moves from two stickers to one.

Some of those appearing in person to get a registration thought they had it all figured out only to learn the one sticker program still takes two steps.

Clearly not everyone is ready for one sticker.

At the Harris County Tax Office we found people who thought they were doing the right thing, only to be told their vehicles needed an inspection prior to getting it registered.

"So will I have to go through the line all over again?" asked Tai Holiday after she failed to provide proof of her vehicle inspection when registering her car at the Harris County Tax Office.

Even those who think they know what the rules are don't seem too sure.

Chria McCall's registration expires in July, her inspection is good until November. So what does she need to do?

"You just go on ahead and get it then (November)? Or can you wait?" asked McCall.

According to the state of Texas, McCall's inspection should be fine until she registers her car again next year because the inspection will be valid when her car's up for registration.

The folks over at the Harris County Tax Office know you will have questions.

"We've had to train our own employees. With over 200 hundred employees in 17 branches it was important to make sure they could answer questions and properly transact the renewals," said Harris County Tax Assessor Mike Sullivan.

One question many people have, "will I get a ticket if the stickers are expired?' Yes, if both are expired. But if one is valid the Sheriff's Department will NOT give you a ticket.

"One of the most important things for us is to educate you on the next step the things that you need to do to make sure, 1, that your vehicle is registered and also it has been inspected," said Harris County Sheriff Chief Deputy Marlon Sewell.

And a lot of people want to know if they are going to get pulled over if they don't have the inspection sticker. The answer is maybe. That's why you have to keep the printed report of your inspection in your car with you.

Local law enforcement agencies will attend a training session with the Tax assessor's office in a few days to learn the new routine going forward.

For more details, just log onto twostepsonesticker.com.