• The Texas DMV is rolling out new rules for vehicle registrations.
  • Drivers will soon need REAL ID, a US passport, or other documents.
  • Change starts with new registrations, but will expand to renewals.

Texas is believed to be home to nearly two million immigrants without legal status, and they’re being targeted by a new rule from the state’s DMV. Starting on March 5, there will be new ID requirements for getting an initial registration. This will eventually expand to registration renewals on January 1, 2027.

The change was approved by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles board and will require either a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a driver’s license from a state that requires “proof of legal presence.” People can also show their U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization / Citizenship.

More: Florida Just Banned All Non-English Driver’s License Exams

Other acceptable forms of identification include a Texas License to Carry a Handgun permit or a unexpired foreign passport as well as a Form I-94, current permanent resident card, or an unexpired immigrant visa.

Which Transactions Require Full ID?

These forms of ID are required for the “standard initial registration.” Other transactions at the DMV, including titles and annual permits, can be done with less strict forms of identification.

Texas Will Demand Proof Of Lawful U.S. Presence Before You Register Your Car
Texas DMV

The changes have sparked controversy and KFOX spoke to Luis Fierro, who is the president of the El Paso Hispanic Independent Automobile Dealer Association. He said “customers are scared of the new implementation” and suggested they could “take their business to New Mexico, pay their taxes in New Mexico, and handle the registration and renewals in the state of New Mexico.”

El Paso County Tax Assessor-Collector Ruben Gonzalez expressed similar concerns as he told the station, “It’s going to be a loss of revenue because if they go to New Mexico, we can’t collect our fees.”

While that’s one possibility, drivers are already being warned about possible registration delays. This could last for a “few months” until everyone becomes versed in the new rules.

KTSM reports the change was made to reduce fraud and ensure only legal residents can drive on Texas roads. The station also spoke to officials who decried the move as a “political thing.”