For those heading to the polls in Texas, knowing the requirements is as crucial as knowing What Time Is It In Tx on election day. Texas law mandates that voters must present one of seven forms of approved photo identification when voting in person. However, understanding the specifics can ensure every eligible Texan can cast their vote, regardless of whether they possess these IDs. This guide will clarify the necessary identification for voting in Texas, ensuring your voice is heard.
Acceptable Forms of Photo ID in Texas
To vote in person in Texas, you generally need to present one of the following photo IDs:
- Texas Driver License, issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
- Texas Election Identification Certificate, issued by DPS.
- Texas Personal Identification Card, issued by DPS.
- Texas Handgun License, issued by DPS.
- United States Military Identification Card, which includes your photograph.
- United States Citizenship Certificate, which includes your photograph.
- United States Passport (book or card).
It’s important to note the expiration rules for these IDs. For voters between 18 and 69 years old, the photo ID can be expired for no more than four years. However, if you are 70 years or older, the ID can be expired for any length of time, provided it is otherwise valid. The U.S. Citizenship Certificate is an exception and does not expire. If you need an Election Identification Certificate, you can obtain one from DPS driver license offices during regular business hours, and information on mobile stations is also available.
What If You Don’t Have Photo ID? Supporting Forms of ID
Texas law provides options for voters who do not have and cannot reasonably obtain one of the approved photo IDs. In such cases, you can present a supporting form of ID and sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polling place. Acceptable supporting IDs include:
- A government document (original or copy) that shows your name and address, such as your voter registration certificate.
- A current utility bill (original or copy).
- A bank statement (original or copy).
- A government check (original or copy).
- A paycheck (original or copy).
- A birth certificate (original or copy), either a U.S. birth certificate or a document confirming birth admissible in court, which could include a foreign birth document.
After presenting one of these supporting IDs, you will need to complete and sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
Step-by-Step Voting Procedures in Texas
When you arrive at a polling location in Texas, you will be asked to present one of the seven acceptable photo IDs. Remember to check what time is it in TX for polling hours to ensure you arrive before closing time. For voters aged 18-69, the ID must be current or expired within the last four years. For those 70 and older, it can be expired for any length of time if otherwise valid.
If you do not have an acceptable photo ID and cannot reasonably get one, you can still vote. You will need to present a supporting ID and complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration. This declaration explains why you could not obtain photo ID and affirms your identity and eligibility to vote.
Election officials are required to verify that the name on your presented ID matches the name on the official list of registered voters (OLRV). If the names match, you will proceed with the regular voting process.
If the name on your ID is not an exact match but is “substantially similar” to the name on the OLRV, you can still vote. You will need to sign an affidavit confirming that you are the same person listed on the voter registration list.
For voters who possess an acceptable photo ID but do not have it with them at the polling place, provisional voting is an option. You will have six days after the election to present your photo ID to the county voter registrar or complete a natural disaster affidavit to ensure your ballot is counted. Alternatively, you can return to the polling place with your photo ID before the polls close on election day to vote a regular ballot.
Exemptions from Photo ID Requirements
Texas law provides exemptions in specific situations. Voters with disabilities can apply for a permanent exemption from the photo ID requirement and the Reasonable Impediment Declaration process. To qualify, you must provide documentation from the U.S. Social Security Administration or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs confirming a disability rating of at least 50 percent, and state that you do not possess a prescribed form of photo ID. Voters with this exemption can vote by presenting their voter registration certificate that reflects the exemption, without needing to sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration. Contact your county voter registrar for application details.
Additionally, voters with a consistent religious objection to being photographed or those affected by declared natural disasters who cannot meet the standard ID requirements can vote provisionally. To have their provisional ballot counted, they must visit the voter registrar’s office within six days of the election and sign an affidavit declaring their religious objection or the natural disaster affecting them. Contact your county voter registrar for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Voter ID
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What photo ID is needed to vote in person in Texas?
You must present one of these acceptable photo IDs:- Texas Driver License
- Texas Election Identification Certificate
- Texas Personal Identification Card
- Texas Handgun License
- U.S. Military Identification Card
- U.S. Citizenship Certificate
- U.S. Passport (book or card)
For voters aged 18-69, these IDs can be expired for up to four years, except for the U.S. Citizenship Certificate, which does not expire. Voters 70 and older can use an expired photo ID of any duration if it’s otherwise valid.
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Can I use an expired photo ID?
Yes, under certain conditions. For voters aged 18-69, the photo ID can be expired for no more than four years. For voters 70 and older, there is no expiration limit on acceptable photo IDs. The U.S. Citizenship Certificate has no expiration. -
What if I don’t have any of the accepted photo IDs?
If you do not have an acceptable photo ID and cannot reasonably obtain one, you can still vote a regular ballot. You need to present a supporting form of ID and sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration. Supporting IDs include:- Government document with name and address (including voter registration certificate)
- Current utility bill
- Bank statement
- Government check
- Paycheck
- Birth certificate (U.S. or admissible foreign document)
Permanent exemptions are available for voters with disabilities. Provisional ballots are available if you can obtain photo ID but don’t have it at the polling place, or for religious objections or natural disaster situations. In these cases, you must visit the voter registrar within six days to present ID or sign an affidavit.
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What constitutes a reasonable impediment?
Reasonable impediments for not obtaining photo ID include:- Lack of transportation
- Disability or illness
- Lack of necessary documents to get photo ID (like a birth certificate)
- Work schedule conflicts
- Family responsibilities
- Lost or stolen ID
- Applied for photo ID but haven’t received it
False statements on a Reasonable Impediment Declaration are subject to perjury charges.
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What if I have no ID at the polling place and no disability exemption?
You can vote provisionally. To have your ballot counted, you must visit the county voter registrar within six days and either present photo ID, complete the Reasonable Impediment Declaration process, submit a temporary affidavit (religious objection or natural disaster), or qualify for a disability exemption. You can also return to the polling place before closing time on election day with an acceptable photo ID or supporting ID to vote a regular ballot. -
What if my photo ID is lost, stolen, suspended, revoked, or expired for more than four years?
If you don’t have an acceptable photo ID due to these reasons and cannot reasonably get a replacement, you can use a supporting ID, sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration, and vote a regular ballot. -
What if my name on my ID doesn’t exactly match my voter registration?
If the name on your photo ID or supporting ID is “substantially similar” to your registered name, you can still vote. You will need to sign an affidavit confirming you are the registered voter. -
What does “substantially similar” mean?
A name is “substantially similar” if:- There are slight differences in name fields.
- A customary name variation is used (e.g., Bill for William).
- An initial, middle name, or former name is missing or different on either the ID or voter list.
- Name parts are in different fields on the ID and voter list.
Election officials will also consider if other information on your ID, like address or birth date, matches voter registration details.
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Is the DPS Election Identification Certificate still available?
Yes, the Election Identification Certificate remains available and is an accepted form of photo ID. For details, visit www.dps.texas.gov or call DPS at (512) 424-2600.
For any further questions, contact 1-800-252-VOTE (8683) or email [email protected].
