Overview
- Immigrants without lawful status or valid visas are now effectively unable to register or renew vehicles under the clarified Texas rules.
- The Nov. 18 TxDMV bulletin took effect upon issuance and was distributed to county tax offices with instructions to tighten identity verification.
- For most registrations, acceptable ID is limited to a Real ID–compliant state license or ID, a U.S. passport, or a foreign passport with DHS entry evidence plus a valid visa or green card, or a Texas license to carry.
- Expired foreign passports are no longer accepted, reversing prior flexibility that in some offices extended up to 12 months, according to Bexar County’s tax adviser.
- The directive also details IDs for special permits and follows pressure from Rep. Brian Harrison, aligning with earlier DPS limits on commercial driver’s licenses for some non-citizens.