Texas DMV Implements New ID Requirements for Vehicle Registration

The new rules aim to ensure legal status of vehicle owners, but some counties are resisting enforcement.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has unanimously voted to pass new identification requirements for vehicle registration in the state. The new guidelines mandate proof of legal status, which was pushed for by State Rep. Brian Harrison to prevent undocumented immigrants from registering vehicles. While some counties have already begun enforcing the rule, Travis County Tax Assessor Celia Israel has said her office will not enforce it until it is properly authorized, citing concerns over increased fraud and uninsured drivers.

Why it matters

The new DMV rules are part of a broader political debate over immigration and vehicle registration in Texas. Supporters argue the changes are necessary to ensure the integrity of the registration process, while critics contend the rules will unfairly target undocumented immigrants and create additional barriers to legal vehicle ownership.

The details

The DMV's new identification requirements were passed in a unanimous vote on Thursday. A DMV spokesperson said the goal is to "ensure the validity of ID documents required as part of the registration process." The push for these guidelines began in November 2025, and Thursday's vote made them official. Some counties have already started enforcing the new rule, but Travis County Tax Assessor Celia Israel has said her office will not do so until it is properly authorized, citing concerns over increased fraud and uninsured drivers.

  • The DMV board unanimously voted to pass the new ID requirements on February 14, 2026.
  • The push for the guidelines began in November 2025.

The players

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

The state agency responsible for vehicle registration and driver's licenses in Texas.

Brian Harrison

A Republican state representative from Midlothian, Texas who started a social media campaign aimed at changing ID requirements to prevent undocumented immigrants from registering vehicles.

Celia Israel

The Travis County Tax Assessor who has said her office will not enforce the new DMV rules, citing concerns over increased fraud and uninsured drivers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I wholeheartedly disagree with this rule and will not enforce this rule until it is properly authorized.”

— Celia Israel, Travis County Tax Assessor (KXAN)

“Insane this was happening for so many years.”

— Brian Harrison, Texas State Representative (Social media)

What’s next

The Travis County Tax Assessor's office has indicated it will not enforce the new DMV rules until they are properly authorized, setting up a potential legal battle over the implementation of the new identification requirements.

The takeaway

The Texas DMV's new vehicle registration rules highlight the ongoing political debate over immigration and access to basic services. While supporters argue the changes are necessary to ensure the integrity of the registration process, critics contend the rules will unfairly target undocumented immigrants and create additional barriers to legal vehicle ownership.