How long are a buyer's temporary cardboard tags valid after a vehicle purchase?

When purchasing a vehicle, the buyer is typically issued temporary cardboard tags which allow them to operate the vehicle while they wait for permanent registration. In Texas, these temporary tags are valid for 21 days following the date of purchase. This duration provides the buyer a reasonable time frame to complete the registration process and receive the permanent license plates without being penalized for operating an unregistered vehicle.

The temporary tags serve as a temporary registration solution and ensure that law enforcement can identify the vehicle, while also allowing the buyer to take care of the necessary paperwork. This specific period of 21 days is designed to balance convenience for the buyer with regulatory compliance, ensuring that vehicles are properly registered without undue delay.