The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has announced updated identification requirements for all new vehicle registrations and renewals, directing dealers across the state to begin following the revised rules immediately.
Under the new guidance, buyers must present a valid, unexpired form of photo identification at the time of sale. The department made it clear that expired passports or expired IDs "cannot be accepted under any circumstances."
The announcement follows a public push from Texas Representative Brian Harrison (R), who recently called for stricter ID rules in the vehicle registration system.
"The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles recently confirmed that they are and have been issuing vehicle registrations to illegal aliens. This is unacceptable," said Rep. Brian Harrison in a social media post. "Therefore, please consider this letter my formal request that you direct your appointees to immediately issue any and all rules necessary to ensure that illegal aliens are no longer allowed to register vehicles in the state of Texas."
🚨UPDATE (BAD): The Texas DMV confirmed to me that they ARE ISSUING VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS TO ILLEGAL ALIENS!
Unacceptable!
I'm now demanding Gov @GregAbbott_TX take action!
Since he appoints the DMV Board, I am asking him to instruct his appointees to immediately issue rules… pic.twitter.com/k93O0s96ve
— Brian Harrison (@brianeharrison) November 17, 2025
Harrison urged both Governor Greg Abbott (R) and the DMV to adopt immediate reforms.
The DMV has not said whether Harrison's comments influenced the updated requirements, and did not offer additional explanation in its notice. The DMV has also not responded to questions about the timing of the change.
Following the adoption of the reforms, Harrison took to social media to celebrate the change, noting that he and his supporters had caused the reform.
"We forced the Texas DMV to issue new rules to stop illegal aliens from getting vehicle registrations!" said Harrison.
🚨🚨HUGE WIN: We forced the Texas DMV to issue new rules to stop illegal aliens from getting vehicle registrations!
I've confirmed that the new policy to verify lawful status before issuing registrations was distributed to county tax offices late last night.
Another massive victory… https://t.co/FH7WVixpE3
— Brian Harrison (@brianeharrison) November 19, 2025
For now, the state's updated requirements establish a stricter verification process for dealers and clearly define the permissible forms of identification at the point of sale.
