The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation voted on April 9, 2025, to adopt new rules affecting the UAPR program. The rules go into effect on May 1, 2025.
The rules impose certain requirements pertaining to catalytic converters in order to implement the Deputy Darren Almendarez Act (Senate Bill 224: 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023).
TDLR may examine any catalytic converters in the UAPRs possession. When a UAPR sells a catalytic converter, the UAPR must make a record of the transaction and must remove registration stickers from vehicles. The record must be maintained for a period of two years and be furnished to TDLR, the Department of Public Safety, or any peace officer, upon request, during regular business hours.
The transaction record is required to contain:
- A description of the quantity of the items sold;
- The name of the person to whom the catalytic converters are sold or transferred; and
- The date of the transaction.
Other new requirements, effective May 1:
- Upon receiving a vehicle, in addition to removing the license plates, the UAPR must remove any registration stickers
- UAPRs must notify the Department within 30 days of any change in contact information, including phone number, mailing address, or email address.
Further information about the adopted rules may be viewed at: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/laws-rules/rulemaking/