Rep. Muñoz introduces bill in Texas House to update ID requirements

A new bill authored by State Rep. Muñoz seeks to update the Texas Transportation Code by modifying required information on driver’s licenses and personal identification certificates, according to the Texas Legislature website.

The bill on Education category, introduced as HB 298 during the 89(1) legislative session on Monday, Aug. 11, was formally listed with the short title: ’Relating to the implementation of an instructionally supportive assessment program and the adoption and administration of assessment instruments in public schools’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends the Texas Transportation Code to modify the required content on driver’s licenses and personal identification certificates. It mandates that these forms of identification include a distinguishing number, a full-face photograph, the holder’s full name and date of birth, a brief personal description, and the license holder’s residence address. For certain federal or state judicial officers, their address can be listed as the courthouse where they serve. Additionally, for license holders who are U.S. citizens, their citizenship status must be indicated. The changes apply to licenses or certificates issued or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2026, and the act will take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.

Sergio Munoz Jr., a member of the House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock, proposed another five bills during the 89(1) legislative session. He is also a member of the House Committee on Ways & Means.

Bills in Texas go through a multi-step legislative process, including committee review, debates, and votes in both chambers before reaching a final decision. Each session, there are typically thousands of bills introduced, but only a portion successfully navigate the process to become law.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.