The Special Registration Branch of the Texas Department of Transportation has confirmed that Texas amateur radio license plates ("Radio Operator") will now have a combined registration and special plate renewal notice beginning with March 2008 renewals.

Licensed amateur radio operators will no longer have to send in the $1.00 special plate renewal annually and then process a separate registration renewal. This should also resolve the confusion of multiple vehicles bearing the same call sign which resulted in only registration for one vehicle being sent. Now, everything will be handled as a single renewal/registration for each vehicle.

The Special Registration Branch began sending the combined notices for March renewals with only two weeks prior to expiration. April and May renewals should have at least 3 weeks notice prior to expiration and by June the system should be on track with at least a month's notice prior to expiration.

Texas amateur radio operators who would like to obtain Radio Operator plates (the application fee is only $2.00 plus the vehicle registration) can find more information plus an application form at http://rts.texasonline.state.tx.us/NASApp/txdotrts/SpecialPlateOrderServlet?grpid=80&pltid=132

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ARRL West Gulf Division
Director: Coy Day, N5OK
n5ok@arrl.org
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