New ID restrictions that went into effect on Nov. 18 could make it more difficult for undocumented residents to legally own vehicles.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DVM) is implementing more stringent photo identification requirements for all vehicle registrations and renewals.
Current photo identification, such as a state driver’s license or passport, must be presented when new vehicle registrations or renewals are made, according to the new policy. The DMV said it informed county tax offices on Nov. 18 of the new requirement, which went into effect immediately.
Licensed vehicle dealers in the state also were notified by the DMV on Nov. 19 that a customer’s approved photo identification must be presented during sales. A DMV spokesperson said the new guidance is “intended to ensure the validity of identification documents required as part of the state’s vehicle registration process.”
The DMV’s list of approved identification sent to dealers and counties includes: a Texas driver’s license; an unexpired U.S. passport; Texas License To Carry identification; and IDs issued by the U.S. military, Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services and Department of State.
According to State Rep. Brian Harrison, the new policy could prevent many undocumented immigrants from registering vehicles, which is what the policy is intended to do. Harrison repeatedly criticized the DMV and Gov. Greg Abbott about the lax policies and failing to enforce the law. He also sent a letter to both the DMV and Abbott’s office demanding action be taken in the days before the new policy was announced.
Harrison alleged undocumented immigrants in the state had driven up car insurance premiums and increased danger on the roads. An estimated 1.7 million undocumented immigrants live in Texas.
Immigration advocates said the policy will add a burden on undocumented individuals and families who live and work in car-centric Texas. The change has also created confusion within the community.
Emily Heger, Texas A&M law professor and director of the university’s Immigrant Rights Clinic, pointed to concerns for various groups of people, including asylum applicants and lapsed DACA recipients.