Can DACA Recipients Obtain Temporary Vehicle Registration in Texas?
Yes, DACA recipients may obtain temporary vehicle registration in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, applicants who are not U.S. citizens, but live in Texas, can apply for a temporary vehicle registration permit. DACA recipients must provide the following documents: proof of identity, proof of liability insurance, and proof of vehicle ownership.
What Is Temporary Vehicle Registration, and Why Would DACA Recipients Need It in Texas?
Temporary Vehicle Registration is a form of vehicle registration issued in Texas for a period of up to 180 days. It is used for people who need to operate a vehicle but do not have a permanent vehicle registration, such as tourists or people from out of state who are visiting. This form of vehicle registration is also available to DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients in Texas. DACA recipients may need Temporary Vehicle Registration because they are not eligible for a standard vehicle registration. The Temporary Vehicle Registration allows them to lawfully operate their vehicles on the roads in Texas.
Is There a Time Limit for How Long DACA Recipients Can Use Temporary Registration in Texas?
No, there is no time limit for how long DACA recipients can use temporary registration in Texas. However, their temporary registration will expire if the individual stopped receiving DACA protection or their stay in the United States ends.
What Documents Are Required for DACA Recipients to Apply for Temporary Vehicle Registration in Texas?
In order to apply for a temporary vehicle registration in Texas, DACA recipients must submit the following documents: Proof of Identity (e.g. valid passport, driver’s license, or state-issued ID card); Proof of lawful presence in the United States (e.g. DACA approval letter or Employment Authorization Document); Proof of Texas residency (e.g., utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 90 days); and a completed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U).
Are There Different Requirements for New and Used Vehicles for DACA Recipients in Texas?
Yes, there are different requirements for new and used vehicles for DACA recipients in Texas. For new vehicles, a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and proof of residency in Texas are required. For used vehicles, a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, proof of residency in Texas, and a vehicle safety inspection certificate are all required. Additionally, used vehicles must be less than 10 years old.
How Much Does Temporary Vehicle Registration Cost for DACA Recipients in Texas?
The cost for temporary vehicle registration for DACA recipients in Texas is $25.
Can DACA Recipients Renew Temporary Vehicle Registration if Needed in Texas?
Yes, DACA recipients can renew their temporary vehicle registration in Texas. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) does not ask for immigration status when registering a vehicle. However, in order to apply for a vehicle registration, you must provide proof of identity, residency and vehicle ownership. Acceptable documents can be found on the TxDMV website.
Is Temporary Vehicle Registration Transferable if DACA Recipients Purchase a Different Car in Texas?
No. Temporary vehicle registration is not transferable if DACA recipients purchase a different car in Texas. Once the original vehicle is sold, the temporary registration must be surrendered to the local county tax assessor-collector.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Types of Vehicles That Can Have Temporary Registration for DACA Recipients in Texas?
Yes, according to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), there are certain restrictions on the types of vehicles that can have temporary registration for DACA recipients in Texas. These include the following:
1. The vehicle must be a passenger car, truck, van, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, or trailer with a gross weight of 7,500 lbs. or less.
2. The vehicle must have valid liability insurance in accordance with state laws.
3. The vehicle must meet all safety requirements set by the TxDMV.
4. The vehicle must meet all emission standards set by the TxDMV.
5. The vehicle must not be used for commercial purposes.
6. The vehicle must be registered to a DACA recipient who lives in Texas and has a valid Texas Driver’s license or identification card.
Can DACA Recipients Drive Out of State with Temporary Registration in Texas?
Yes, DACA recipients can drive out of state with a temporary registration in Texas. However, they must meet certain requirements before they can obtain a temporary registration. These requirements include providing proof of identity, proof of residency in Texas, and proof that they have the financial resources to cover the cost of a temporary registration.
What Happens if Temporary Vehicle Registration Expires for DACA Recipients in Texas?
If a Temporary Vehicle Registration expires for DACA recipients in Texas, they will be unable to renew their registration. This is because Texas does not allow DACA recipients to obtain a driver’s license, which is required to register a vehicle. As a result, they must rely on short-term or temporary vehicle registrations, which must be renewed every 30 days. If the Temporary Vehicle Registration expires, they will have to obtain a new one before they can drive the car legally again.
Can DACA Recipients Obtain Temporary Registration for Salvaged or Rebuilt Vehicles in Texas?
Yes, DACA recipients who are legally present in the United States can obtain temporary registration for salvaged or rebuilt vehicles in Texas. They must provide proof of valid identification and Texas residency, a copy of their DACA approval letter, and the required fees in order to register their vehicle.
Are There Penalties for Driving Without Temporary Registration for DACA Recipients in Texas?
Yes, driving without a valid registration is a violation of Texas traffic law and can result in a fine. DACA recipients in Texas are eligible to apply for temporary permits. If the applicant has all the necessary documents, a temporary permit can usually be obtained within two weeks.
Can DACA Recipients Apply for Temporary Registration Online or in Person in Texas?
Yes, DACA recipients are eligible to apply for Texas temporary registration online or in person. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, DACA recipients must provide proof of lawful presence in the United States and a valid social security number in order to apply. Forms may be obtained from an authorized vehicle registration office or online at www.txdmv.gov.
Is There a Waiting Period for DACA Recipients to Receive Temporary Registration in Texas?
At this time, there is no waiting period for DACA recipients to receive temporary registration in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, DACA recipients may qualify for a temporary registration permit if they meet certain requirements. To be eligible for a temporary registration permit, an individual must be a resident of the state and have proof of identity and proof of Texas residency.
Can DACA Recipients Use Temporary Registration to Access Government Services in Texas?
Yes, DACA recipients in Texas are eligible to apply for and receive Temporary Visitor Driver’s Licenses (TVDLs). TVDLs are accepted as proof of identity and residency to access certain government services. However, TVDLs are not accepted as proof of identity for matters related to voting or public benefits.
What Should DACA Recipients Do if They Sell a Vehicle with Temporary Registration in Texas?
If a DACA recipient sells a vehicle with temporary registration in Texas, they must submit the required paperwork to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to transfer the title and registration of the vehicle. That paperwork includes the signed title from the previous owner, a valid form of identification, proof of insurance, and payment for all applicable taxes and fees. The recipient must also submit a form to release their interest in the vehicle.
Can DACA Recipients Transfer Temporary Registration to a Family Member in Texas?
No, DACA recipients cannot transfer their temporary registration to a family member in Texas. If a family member wants to apply for DACA, they will need to submit a separate application.
Is Temporary Vehicle Registration Affected by DACA Status Changes or Renewals in Texas?
No, temporary vehicle registration in Texas is not affected by DACA status changes or renewals. All individuals who are legally present in Texas, regardless of their immigration status, may obtain temporary vehicle registration in Texas.
Are There Advocacy Groups or Legal Services That Assist DACA Recipients with Temporary Registration Issues in Texas?
Yes, there are advocacy groups and legal services that assist DACA recipients with temporary registration issues in Texas. The American Immigration Council is a national non-profit that provides legal assistance to immigrants, including DACA recipients, and is based in Texas. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) is also a national non-profit that provides legal assistance to immigrants, including DACA recipients, with an office in Texas. Additionally, the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) is a Texas-based non-profit that provides legal representation for immigrants and refugees. Finally, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) is a national civil rights organization with an office in Texas that provides legal representation to immigrants, including DACA recipients.