Matricula Cards: Are They Acceptable ID?

• By: Amber Hackett Crosby
• On: 05/31/2018 10:20:06
• In: Texas Posts
• Comments: 0

The answer is that a matricula consular identity card is not acceptable identification to purchase a motor vehicle in Texas. In order for someone whose only photo identification is a matricula consular to purchase a vehicle, a second person who holds proper ID must also be listed as a registered owner on the vehicle title.  
 
As of 2013, Texas law requires that a person applying for a vehicle title present an acceptable form of photo identification. Those forms are:

• A driver's license or state identification certificate issued by a state or territory of the United States.
• United States or foreign passport.
• U.S. military identification card.
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security identification document.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services identification document.
• U.S. Department of State identification document.
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) identification.
• Identification issued under a Status of Forces Agreement.

Only one person whose name will appear on the title must have an acceptable form of identification. Thus, if a potential customer has a matricula consular and also has a spouse (or someone else they trust to jointly own their car) with ID listed above, then that customer could purchase a vehicle. In such a scenario, a dealership could accurately claim that they will sell a vehicle to a customer with a matricula consular. As with many things, however, there is more to the story than meets the eye.

LINK: No Driver's License? Can a Customer Still Buy a Car?