TITLE: Relating to required proof of lawful presence in the United States for issuance of a driver's license.

SUMMARY: Relating to required proof of lawful presence in the United States for issuance of a driver's license.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to required proof of lawful presence in the United States for issuance of a driver's license. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 521.1425, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows: (e) For purposes of issuing or renewing a driver's license, the department must accept as satisfactory proof that an applicant is authorized to be in the United States under Section 521.142(a) the following documents: (1) immigration documentation with an alien number or I-94 number, including a form I-797 indicating the applicant has: (A) a pending I-485; (B) a pending application for adjustment, extension, or change of status; (C) a pending petition for nonimmigrant worker status; or (D) another pending category; (2) an employment authorization document; (3) both a valid immigrant visa presented within one year of endorsement and an unexpired foreign passport; and (4) the applicant's unexpired foreign passport presented with both a current border crossing card and an I-94 number. SECTION 2. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to a driver's license issued or renewed under Chapter 521, Transportation Code, on or after January 1, 2026. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.