TxDMV ID Rule Update

TIADA Engagement to Date

As this process has moved forward, TIADA has taken several steps on behalf of the membership, including:

· Submitting formal comments into the rulemaking record

· Participating in the public hearing held on January 21

· Coordinating with other Texas vehicle industry stakeholders

· Engaging with the Governor’s Office, as well as members of the Texas House and Senate, to ensure dealer operations and practical impacts are understood

This engagement is ongoing and focused on clarity, consistency, and workable compliance for independent dealers.

High-Level Summary of TIADA’s Submitted Comments

In its submitted comments, TIADA focused on several practical implementation and business considerations raised by dealers, including:

· The need for transition relief to avoid impairing existing dealer-financed loans and registrations

· Concerns that certain renewal requirements would increase delays, rework, and identity-theft risk, particularly for mail-in renewals

· The lack of clear standards around document “verification,” which could lead to inconsistent application across counties

· The risk that conditioning acceptable identification on REAL ID compliance would increase transaction friction and shift titling and registration activity out of Texas

· The need for a more comprehensive economic and operational impact analysis before statewide adoption

These comments were intended to document real-world operational impacts and offer practical alternatives to reduce disruption if the proposal proceeds.

Process Update and Timeline

· Public hearing: Held Yesterday, January 21, 2026

· TxDMV Board consideration: February 12, 2026

TxDMV has indicated the adjusted timeline is intended to allow additional time to review public comments and stakeholder input before Board consideration.

TIADA will continue representing dealer interests through the appropriate channels as this process continues and will share updates as additional information becomes available.

TIADA Engagement Continues

TIADA has been actively engaged throughout the TxDMV ID rulemaking process, including submitting formal comments, participating in the public hearing, and engaging with regulators. Recent media coverage reflects the broader discussion and practical considerations raised by the vehicle industry.

Additional coverage of the public hearing and stakeholder input is available from Texas Tribune and KVUE.

TIADA will continue working through the appropriate channels and will share updates as additional information becomes available.