Texas DMV Implements New ID Requirements for Vehicle Registration

The new rules aim to ensure the validity of identification documents, but some officials worry they will lead to more fraud and uninsured drivers.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) board unanimously voted to pass new identification requirements for vehicle registration in the state. The new guidelines, which now require proof of legal status, were pushed for by Texas State Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian, who said the changes would prevent people who entered the country illegally from registering and renewing vehicles. However, some county officials, like Travis County Tax Assessor Celia Israel, have expressed concerns that the new rules could lead to more fraud and uninsured drivers on the roads.

Why it matters

The new DMV rules in Texas are part of a broader debate around immigration and access to public services. Proponents argue the changes are necessary to ensure the integrity of the vehicle registration process, while critics worry they will unfairly target undocumented immigrants and create additional barriers to legal transportation.

The details

The DMV's new identification requirements were officially passed on Thursday after a push that began in November 2025. The guidelines now mandate that Texans must provide proof of legal status when registering or renewing their vehicles. Some counties had already begun enforcing the new rule, but Travis County Tax Assessor Celia Israel said her office was not, as she 'wholeheartedly disagrees' with the change and is concerned it will lead to more fraud and uninsured drivers.

  • The DMV board unanimously voted to pass the new identification requirements on February 13, 2026.
  • The push for the guidelines began in November 2025.

The players

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

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 because she 'wholeheartedly disagrees' with them and is concerned they will lead to more fraud and uninsured drivers.

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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)

“Proud to have single-handedly forced this change to stop illegals from registering vehicles.”

— 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 new DMV rules in Texas highlight the ongoing debate around immigration and access to public services. While proponents argue the changes are necessary to ensure the integrity of the vehicle registration process, critics worry they will unfairly target undocumented immigrants and create additional barriers to legal transportation.