Texas, due to its size and high population, is a relatively easy state to obtain early license plates. Texas started relatively late, issuing its first official plates in 1917. This first issue was a simple undated, white on black steel license plate.
What made Texas somewhat unusual was the supplemental use of radiator seals. These seals validated the first issue plate from 1917-1922. In 1923, Texas issued its second baseplate, which was then txlidated in 1924 with another seal. From 1925 onwards, Texas then issued annual plates.
The metal shortage caused by World War 2 forced many states to use alternative materials - Texas used tabs for 1943 and 1944.
In 1953 and 1954, Texas issued both aluminum and steel plates. Both types are shown below, although they appear identical in photos.
After 1994, Texas stopped using plates stickers in favor of windshield stickers to cut down on sticker theft. After 1994, I have shown a plate of each major sub-style - notice how the flag position changes.