In Texas, voters are required to present an acceptable form of photo identification when voting in person. This webpage outlines the types of IDs required, how to obtain them, and what to do if you cannot get an ID in time.
To vote in Texas, you must present one of the following forms of photo identification:
1. Texas driver’s license
– Must be current or expired for no more than four years.
Worth clarifying, for voters aged 18-69, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired no more than four years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. For voters aged 70 or older, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired for any length of time if the identification is otherwise valid. Only exception to this rule is the citizenship certificate, which does not expire.
2.Texas personal identification card
– Issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
3. Texas Election Identification Certificate
– Available for free at DPS offices.
4. U.S. Military identification card
– Must include a photograph.
5. U.S. Passport
– Must be Valid.
6. Texas handgun license
7. U.S. citizenship certificate
– Must include a photograph.
How to Get an ID
**Texas driver’s license or personal identification card**
Visit a local DPS office. Bring necessary documents such as proof of identity, residency, and social security number.
**Election Identification Certificate**
Obtainable at any DPS office. You will need to fill out an application and provide proof of identity.
**U.S. Passport or Military ID**
Apply through the respective federal agencies. Check their websites for application processes.
**Texas handgun license**
Texas Handgun License issued by DPS.
What to Do If You Can’t Get the ID in Time
Here is a list of the supporting forms of ID that can be presented if the voter does not possess one of the forms of acceptable photo ID and cannot reasonably obtain one:
- copy or original of a government document that shows the voter’s name and an address, including the voter’s voter registration certificate;
- copy of or original current utility bill;
- copy of or original bank statement;
- copy of or original government check;
- copy of or original paycheck; or
- copy of or original of (a) a certified domestic (from a U.S. state or territory) birth certificate or (b) a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter’s identity (which may include a foreign birth document).
After presenting one of the forms of supporting ID listed above, the voter must execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
If you are unable to obtain an acceptable form of ID before election day, you may still vote by providing a signed declaration stating that you are a registered voter and that you have a reasonable impediment to obtaining the required ID.
Acceptable forms of evidence for the declaration include:
- a utility bill
- bank statement
- government check
- paycheck
- any other government document with your name and address