(a) An application for initial registration is not acceptable unless the applicant presents a current photo identification of the owner containing a unique identification number and expiration date. The identification document must be a:
  (1) driver's license or state identification certificate issued by a state or territory of the United States;
  (2) United States or foreign passport;
  (3) United States military identification card;
  (4) North Atlantic Treaty Organization identification or identification issued under a Status of Forces Agreement;
  (5) United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or United States Department of State identification document; or
  (6) concealed handgun license or license to carry a handgun issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety under Government Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter H.
(b) If the motor vehicle is titled in:
  (1) more than one name, then the identification of one owner must be presented;
  (2) the name of a leasing company, then:
    (A) proof of the Federal Employer Identification Number/Employee Identification Number (FEIN/EIN) of the leasing company must be submitted, written on the application, and can be entered into the department's titling system. The number must correspond to the name of the leasing company in which the vehicle is being titled; and
    (B) the leasing company may submit:
      (i) a government issued photo identification, required under this section, of the lessee listed as the registrant; or
      (ii) a government issued photo identification, required under this section, of the employee or authorized agent who signed the application for the leasing company, and the employee's or authorized agent's employee identification, letter of authorization written on the lessor's letterhead, or a printed business card. The printed business card, employee identification, or letter of authorization written on the lessor's letterhead must contain the name of the lessor, and the employee's or authorized agent's name must match the name on the government issued photo identification;
  (3) the name of a trust, then a government issued photo identification, required under this section, of a trustee must be presented; or
  (4) the name of a business, government entity, or organization, then:
    (A) proof of the Federal Employer Identification Number/Employee Identification Number (FEIN/EIN) of the business, government entity, or organization must be submitted, written on the application, and can be entered into the department's titling system. The number must correspond to the name of the business, government entity, or organization in which the vehicle is being titled;
    (B) the employee or authorized agent must present a government issued photo identification, required under this section; and
    (C) the employee's or authorized agent's employee identification; letter of authorization written on the business', government entity's, or organization's letterhead; or a printed business card. The printed business card, employee identification, or letter of authorization written on the business', government entity's, or organization's letterhead must contain the name of the business, governmental entity, or organization, and the employee's or authorized agent's name must match the name on the government issued photo identification.
(c) Within this section, "current" is defined as not to exceed 12 months after the expiration date, except that a state-issued personal identification certificate issued to a qualifying person is considered current if the identification states that it has no expiration.
(d) Within this section, an identification document such as a printed business card, letter of authorization, or power of attorney, may be an original or photocopy.
(e) A person who holds a general distinguishing number issued under Transportation Code, Chapter 503 or Occupations Code, Chapter 2301, is exempt from submitting to the county tax assessor-collector, but must retain:
  (1) the owner's identification, as required under this section; and
  (2) authorization to sign, as required under this section.
(f) A person who holds a general distinguishing number issued under Transportation Code, Chapter 503 or Occupations Code, Chapter 2301, is not required to submit photo identification or authorization for an employee or agent signing a title assignment with a secure power of attorney.
(g) This section does not apply to non-titled vehicles.

Source Note: The provisions of this §217.26 adopted to be effective March 12, 2015, 40 TexReg 1096; amended to be effective August 8, 2016, 41 TexReg 5766