Question 7: Why is the expiration date a month behind?

If, for instance, you registered your vehicle in August, the registration would expire in July.  Why?  Because by Texas law (Transportation Code Sec. 502.044), a vehicle registration period is 12 consecutive months and any portion thereof. Registration is not prorated. 

Registration begins on the first day of the month. In the event you renew after the first day of the month, the registration becomes effective on the day it is purchased and that month becomes the first month of registration. It expires on the last day of the previous month.