Travis County Tax OfficeJanuary 20, 2026
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) will hold a public hearing on proposed rule changes to vehicle registration identification requitements on Wednesday, January 21. In November 2025, TxDMV directed the implementation of this rule without any prior notice to the public and without proper consideration by the TxDMV Board.
These proposed rules would require more stringent documentation and proof of legal status as part of the vehicle registration process, making it more difficult for everyone to drive safely and legally. The proposed rule will cause confusion, fewer customers to be able to complete vehicle registration transactions online, and more customers to visit Tax Offices in-person, many of whom will need to visit Tax Offices multiple 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,” said Celia Israel, Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector. “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.”
Hundreds of pages of comments have already been submitted to TxDMV, from policymakers to businesses to concerned Texans. Israel plans to attend the upcoming hearing to share concerns.
WHAT: Public hearing on TxDMV proposed ID requirements (Chapter 217, Texas Administration Code)
WHERE:TxDMV Headquarters
4000 Jackson Ave
Building 1, Lone Star Conference Room
Austin, TX 78731
WHEN: Wednesday, January 21 at 9:00 a.m.