Concerns over reports of illegal immigrants obtaining Texas vehicle registrations have prompted the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to issue new guidance intended to tighten compliance with state law. The directive, circulated by the agency’s Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, reinforces long-standing identification requirements and clarifies which documents counties and dealers must verify before approving either a new registration or a renewal.
According to the bulletin, applicants are required to present valid photo identification in order to complete the process. The updated guidance makes clear that certain documents, including expired passports, may no longer be used to establish identity. By tightening these criteria, state officials aim to ensure that only individuals with legally recognized identification are able to register vehicles in Texas.
Sources familiar with the implementation of the policy indicate that the enforcement phase is expected to be fast-moving and uncompromising. Counties and dealerships responsible for processing registrations have been instructed to consistently apply the clarified standards, and the state is preparing to monitor compliance closely.
The revised guidance comes after several weeks of public pressure from state Rep. Brian Harrison of Midlothian, who has repeatedly raised concerns about reports that illegal immigrants have successfully registered vehicles in Texas. Harrison stated that his office began receiving disturbing accounts pointing to weaknesses in the registration system. He claimed to have corroborated at least some of these incidents and urged the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to take corrective action. Harrison also published correspondence asserting that the agency had acknowledged issuing registrations to individuals without lawful presence and called on Gov. Greg Abbott to intervene.
The governor’s office has maintained that state law does not permit illegal immigrants to obtain Texas driver’s licenses or legally operate vehicles on state roadways. Registration procedures require applicants to provide several forms of documentation, including proof of identity, ownership records, and any other paperwork deemed necessary by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. State officials argue that these requirements, when properly enforced, already limit access to those with lawful authorization.
The current directive appears designed to reinforce those existing standards, reduce ambiguities, and prevent the use of expired or otherwise insufficient identification documents. By tightening the definition of acceptable proof of identity, the agency hopes to eliminate potential loopholes that may have contributed to recent complaints.
The situation is unfolding against a broader backdrop of heightened scrutiny surrounding identification requirements for non-citizens in Texas. Earlier in September, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced that it would suspend the issuance of certain commercial driver’s licenses for refugees, asylees, and participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. That announcement reflected a shift toward stricter state-level interpretations of federal identification categories, particularly in areas involving transportation and public safety.
As counties begin implementing the new TxDMV guidance, the state is preparing for increased oversight to ensure consistent practices across local offices. While it remains to be seen how widespread the alleged registration issue may have been, Texas officials are moving quickly to close any perceived gaps in the system and reassure the public that only eligible residents are permitted to register and operate vehicles within the state.
%20(1)%20(1)%20(1).png)
