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by Will LeHardy
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday to discuss potential rule changes to vehicle registration identification requirements.
The hearing comes after TxDMV directed the implementation of the rule changes last November without notifying the public nor receiving consideration by the department board.
The proposed rules would change the vehicle registration process, requiring more stringent documentation and proof of legal status, a move that could shut out undocumented residents from legally owning vehicles. Current photo identification, such as a state driver’s license or passport, must be presented when new vehicle registrations or renewals are made, according to the new policy.
The move has been criticized by the Travis County Tax Office, which says that the proposed rule will make it more difficult for drivers to drive their cars legally. The Tax Office argues that the proposed rule will cause confusion and make it more difficult for customers to complete registration online, requiring them to visit the Tax Office in-person and numerous times.
"The Travis County Tax Office has and always will comply with the law, but I wholeheartedly disagree with this rule and will not enforce this until it is properly authorized,” Celia Israel, Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector, said. “Residents must use their cars to go to work, go to the grocery store, and provide for their families. My main worry is that people will seek other ways to circumvent this rule, especially through illegal means, or increase the number of uninsured and unregistered motorists.”
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The Tax Office says that hundreds of comments have already been submitted to TxDMV, "from policymakers to businesses to concerned Texans."
The hearing is set for Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the TxDMV headquarters, located at 4000 Jackson Ave, in the Lone Star Conference Room in Building 1.
Israel says that she plans to attend the hearing to share concerns.
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