The move could sideline thousands of undocumented drivers and increase uninsured motorists
- Texas now requires legal ID for all vehicle registrations and renewals.
- County offices and drivers received no advance notice of the change.
- Critics warn of economic and safety impacts across the entire state.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has introduced a sweeping policy shift that ties vehicle registration to legal immigration status, a move that could reshape who gets to drive legally, and how safely, across the state.
As of mid-November, only those with current proof of lawful presence can register or renew a car in Texas. Supporters argue the change could lead to safer roads and lower premiums. Detractors say the opposite might be true, warning that it could increase risks for all drivers while hitting vulnerable communities hardest.
What’s Changing?
On November 18, the state’s DMV issued a bulletin to county tax offices. In short, it said that beginning on that day, only those with the ability to prove their ongoing legal presence in the state could register or renew a vehicle. This wasn’t a slow rollout; it was a dramatic shift in the form of an email.
Read: Texas Is Finally Getting Rid Of Paper License Plates
According to the San Antonio Express, it came a day after Republican state Rep. Brian Harrison called out the Governor and the DMV for “issuing vehicle registrations to illegal aliens.”
The state already requires proof of legal residency for driver’s licenses. “It’s going to be a big change,” said Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector Albert Uresti. “There’s still a lot more information that needs to come out… It’s gonna be a learning curve.”
The Push Behind the Rule
Per reporting by the Texas Tribune, Rep. Harrison maintains that undocumented drivers raise insurance rates and make Texas roads more dangerous. That line of argument has been central to recent pushes for immigration-related policy changes across multiple state agencies.
Critics of the policy say the change could increase the number of uninsured and unregistered vehicles on the road. Previously, undocumented residents were sometimes able to legally register their vehicles and maintain insurance coverage. Without the ability to register, they may now be unable to obtain insurance.
Monica Rodriguez, who runs a title and insurance agency in Austin, says the situation is more complex on the ground. “This is blocking survival,” she said. “Families without legal status can’t legally drive to work or get groceries if their registration has expired, so everyday life just becomes unsafe and stressful.”
Her words highlight an untenable reality: if these drivers remain on the roads, the absence of insurance could increase risk for all motorists. For now, the practical and legal effects of the rule change are still unfolding.
Credit: Texas DMV
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