The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is implementing more stringent photo identification requirements for all vehicle registrations and renewals in an abrupt shift 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 DMV said it informed county tax offices on Nov. 18 of the new requirement, which went into effect immediately. The San Antonio Express-News first reported about the policy change.

Licensed vehicle dealers in the state also were notified by the DMV on Nov. 19 that a customer’s approved photo identification must be presented during sales. A DMV spokesperson said the new guidance

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