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Texas Tightens Vehicle ID Rules, Requiring Proof of Lawful Status for Registration and Titles

The DMV acted after pressure from Rep. Brian Harrison, a shift advocates warn will sideline many drivers in a car‑dependent state.

Rush hour traffic passes by on I-35 through downtown Austin on the evening of Sept. 7, 2023.
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Overview

  • The Texas DMV told county tax offices on Nov. 18 that new photo ID requirements took effect immediately, then notified licensed dealers on Nov. 19.
  • Foreign passports are now accepted for titling only if they include a DHS stamp or mark confirming lawful admission to the U.S.
  • Registrations and renewals must be backed by approved identification such as a Texas driver's license, an unexpired U.S. passport, an unexpired foreign passport with a visa, or specified federal IDs.
  • Rep. Brian Harrison claimed credit for the shift after alleging undocumented residents were registering vehicles and citing safety and insurance concerns.
  • Auto dealers and immigrant‑rights groups report immediate fallout, warning of potential repossessions and more unregistered vehicles on Texas roads.