February 12, 2026      5:17 PM

Over the objections of DPS and counties, Texas DMV moves forward with Abbott plan to block undocumented people from registering vehicles

Urban counties argue this is an unfunded mandate and will enable more ID theft; DPS pointed to multiple problems including complications for first time applicants, increased risk of false affidavits, increased operation of unregistered vehicles and unlicensed drivers, and more

Over the objections of local governments and multiple concerns of the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is moving forward with a controversial proposal to prohibit undocumented people from registering their cars and trucks.

Critics argue this move amounts to an unfunded mandate and risks emboldening fraudsters who engage in identity theft, among other things. But Gov. Greg Abbott is insisting DMV move forward. That’s probably because it’ll look tough on immigration during an election year but most of the plan doesn’t take effect until next year when the election is over.

How about that?

By Scott Braddock

Copyright February 12, 2026, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved