NEWS
New license plates rules go in July 1
Texans will soon experience a more streamlined process for receiving metal license plates when they purchase a car from a dealer, thanks to a new state law. Under House Bill 718, passed by the 88th Legislature in 2023, starting July 1, 2025, motor vehicle dealers will begin issuing metal license plates directly to buyers of new and used vehicles.
- Buying from a Dealer: Consumers purchasing a vehicle from a Texas dealer will receive metal license plates instead of paper temporary tags, driving off the lot with their plates already in place. Until their registration sticker arrives from their county office, customers must keep their buyer’s plate receipt in the vehicle to be able to verify the purchase and pending registration to law enforcement.
- Trading In a Vehicle: When consumers sell or trade in a vehicle with general issue plates, dealers may transfer the plates to another vehicle sold within 10 days, if the plates match the appropriate vehicle type, per Senate Bill 1902, passed by the 89th Legislature this year. Consumers with specialty license plates will keep their plates.
- Buying/Selling a Vehicle in a Private Sale: The private party sales process remains unchanged:
- Sellers should remove their license plates and registration sticker from the vehicle when they deliver the vehicle to the buyer.
- The seller can request to transfer the plates to another vehicle they own—if appropriate for the vehicle type—by visiting their county tax assessor-collector’s office.
- Sellers should submit a Vehicle Transfer Notification to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of the sale of the vehicle.
- Buyers must submit a title and registration application at their county tax assessor-collector’s office and obtain new plates to register the vehicle in their name within 30 days of purchase.
To learn more about these changes and their impact on consumers, dealers, tax assessor-collectors, and law enforcement, visit TxDMV.gov/HB718.
NEWS
Wednesday car fire has no injuries
A Wednesday morning rollover on State Highway 59caused a vehicle to catch fire but had no injuries.
Montague County Public Information Officer Sgt. Aaron Randle said the call came in around 7:30 a.m. at the intersection of SH 59 and Nobile Road. When Montague Volunteer Fire Department firefighters arrived, the 2008 Chevy pickup had rolled over and was fully enguled in flames. The17-year-old adult driver was out of the vehicle.
Brandle said the fire was under control at 8:06 a.m. Bowie Emergency Medical Services was also on the scene.
NEWS
City of Nocona receives Opportunity Zone nomination
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
The City of Nocona has been nominated as a rural Opportunity Zone by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Mayor Christopher Nunneley said they will begin “pitching” this federal tax angle to potential businesses.”
At a Tuesday afternoon press conference Nunneley, Donna Culpepper, executive director for the Nocona Economic Development Corporation and Michelle Page of the Nocona Chamber of Commerce announced the nomination and offered a brief overview of the federal tax incentives that can become available.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.

NEWS
Patriot Day
Remember Sept. 11 2001, 25 years later
While history will remember Sept. 11, 2001 among the darkest days in America’s history, it also is a day marked not only by tremendous heroism and bravery by first responders, but also every day Americans from all walks of life who showed the world our country would not be intimidated by terrorism.
There were 2,996 people killed during the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 including 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 New York city police officers and 37 Port Authority police officers. Tens of thousands more suffered in the aftermath due to exposure to chemicals and industrial debris.
The Bowie News editor asked some local lawmen, firefighters, a pilot and two retired FBI agents their memories of this tragic day and how their jobs were impacted by the events. We thank them for sharing their reflections.
Read the full feature in your Thursday Bowie News.
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