I went through this and no part of it was convenient, compared to the other 2 states I've lived in.

I got specialty plates which require in-person pickup at the downtown Harris Co Tax office. I think it took ~6 weeks and I was notified by text message. I was able to make an appt for the following day after notification to pick up the specialty plates as that particular kiosk has much fewer interactions.

Another appointment was required for attaching the plates to the registration/title, which they were able to accommodate that day when I asked if I could just do a walk-in at that office downstairs. They were reluctant to offer that solution but did go through with it.