Following a unanimous vote on Feb. 12, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) now requires proof of legal status to register or renew vehicle registration.
According to the DMV, the new guidance is designed to ensure the “validity of ID documents required as part of the registration process.”
Following the enactment of the policy on Nov. 18, 2025, some counties began implementing the new rule ahead of the official vote, however, enforcement has been inconsistent.
Applicable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or valid, non-expired foreign passport with a U.S. Visa/I-94.
Without these documents, residents risk being unable to legally register or renew their vehicles.
Following a unanimous vote on Feb. 12, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) now requires proof of legal status to register or renew vehicle registration.
Brooke Hill, Lamar County Tax Assessor-Collector, said the Paris office will be closed March 15, 2026, while staff attend a regional meeting to discuss new ID requirements following the Feb. 12 board meeting in Austin.
