(a) An application for the renewal of each certificate of number shall be prepared by the department and mailed to the owner of the vessel, or sent electronically to the owner if the owner has agreed to receive department communications electronically, during the period of the last 90 days before the expiration date of the certificate. The same number shall be issued on renewal.
(b) The completed application for renewal may be returned to the department, to any county tax assessor-collector, or if permitted by the department, to an agent of the department.
(c) A completed application not received during the 90-day period shall be treated in the same manner as an original application.
(d) The department, an authorized agent, or a county tax assessor-collector may not issue a renewal certificate of number unless the tax due on the vessel under Chapter 160, Tax Code, is paid.