The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has introduced new photo identification requirements for all vehicle registrations and renewals.
The policy went into effect immediately and could affect residents without approved identification.
Under the new rules, individuals must present a state driver’s license, passport, or other approved photo identification when registering or renewing a vehicle. The DMV informed county tax offices of the change on Nov. 18, and licensed vehicle dealers were notified on Nov. 19.
A DMV spokesperson said the policy is “intended to ensure the validity of identification documents required as part of the state’s vehicle registration process.”
The DMV’s list of accepted IDs includes a Texas driver’s license, an unexpired U.S. passport, Texas License To Carry identification, and IDs issued by the U.S. military, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Department of State.
Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian, said the new rules could prevent undocumented residents from registering vehicles. Harrison previously criticized the DMV’s registration policy and sent a letter to the DMV and Gov. Greg Abbott’s office asking for changes.
Texas is home to an estimated 1.7 million undocumented immigrants. Harrison said he believed undocumented residents had affected car insurance premiums and road safety.