A Latest administrative update in Texas Reconfigure Vehicle registration requirements It opened a new chapter in the debate on Migrants’ access to basic procedures In the Lone Star State. This action originated as a regulatory clarification by the Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).
he Stream TxDMV bulletin From November 18th For 2025, to be specific Documents that the applicant must submit when starting or renewing registration.
Although it is presented as a “clarification” of the existing framework under Transportation Law, Chapter 502This ruling marked a turning point: since its entry into force, Every person seeking to register a vehicle must prove their identity through photographic proof of identification Accepted by the agency.
The document explained that, to Initial registrations and renewals These will need to be linked to special permits Documents that allow accurate verification of identity Which meets federal standards, which can be considered An obstacle for immigrants who do not have US papers or valid visas.
Includes permits that are considered “special.” Temporary licenses, agricultural transport licenses, international licenses and short-term permits.
For all of them, the TxDMV explains that the applicant must provide one of the following identification cards:
For the rest of the procedures, which include the most common registrations, the TxDMV file The list of accepted documents has been reducedHowever, he maintained the requirement to identify the applicant Official and current tool.
Citizens must present a driver’s license recognized under the standards of the Real ID Act of 2005, a valid U.S. or foreign passport, or a weapons license issued by the State of Texas.
Meanwhile, Any foreign document must be accompanied by a valid visa or permanent resident cardIn addition to the legal entry stamp granted by the security authorities in the United States. This means that a passport from another country will not be sufficient in itself.
The organization added that Renewals can be verified through the Texas-by-Texas platforma digital system that automatically checks if an applicant has an active Texas license.
but, Those who do not have an uploaded ID In that database they should Come in person or send your documents by mail To the county tax collector or licensed dealer.
Weeks before TxDMV issued this bulletin, the controversy had already gained momentum. As mentioned Belize Media, State Representative Brian Harrison He sent a formal letter to the agency on November 4 requesting an investigation, next His office has received reports that immigrants without legal status have been able to register vehicles in Texas.
“To my surprise, after investigation, we confirmed that these reports are true,” Harrison wrote in his letter, quoted by the Newsweek website. Belize Media.
The legislator explained this Power it Texas transportation law given to the body could have been used very widely.
In his letter, Harrison restated the state’s ruling that any application “must be accompanied by personal identification as determined by departmental rule” and He questioned whether the TxDMV has implemented controls to determine whether vehicle owners are legally present in the North American country. Before approving the records. According to their position, the agency should verify immigration status, even if the law does not explicitly provide for this step.
The Republican lawmaker warned that if the ministry did not move quickly, He will promote a bill that would require verification of legal status before any vehicle is allowed to be registered.
Furthermore, he asserted that the TxDMV has sufficient powers to “do the right thing” without the need for an additional legislative session, which will not be held until 2027, barring an extraordinary call.