To vote in person in Texas, you need one of 7 approved photo IDs, such as a Texas driver's license or a U.S. passport. Your ID can be expired up to 4 years (any length of time if you're 70 or older). No approved photo ID? You can still vote by signing a simple form and showing another document, like a utility bill or bank statement.
Last updated: October 2026 · Early voting: October 19 to 30 · Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
The 7 photo IDs Texas accepts
Bring one of these when you vote in person:
- 1Texas driver's license
- 2Texas Election Identification Certificate (EIC)
- 3Texas personal ID card
- 4Texas handgun license
- 5U.S. military ID card with your photo
- 6U.S. Citizenship Certificate with your photo
- 7U.S. passport (book or card)
Can I use an expired ID?
Yes, in many cases.
- Ages 18 to 69: your ID can be expired for up to 4 years.
- Ages 70 and older: your ID can be expired for any length of time.
What if I don't have an approved photo ID?
You can still vote. At the polls, tell the poll worker you don't have an approved ID and ask for a Reasonable Impediment Declaration. You'll sign it and show one of these documents:
- Your voter registration certificate
- A current utility bill
- A bank statement
- A government check
- A paycheck
- A certified birth certificate
- Any other government document with your name and address
Common reasons people use this form include no transportation to get an ID, a lost or stolen ID, an ID you've applied for but haven't received yet, work schedule conflicts, family responsibilities, or illness or disability.
My name on my ID doesn't exactly match my voter registration. Can I still vote?
Yes. Your name only needs to be "substantially similar", so small differences are fine, such as a middle name, an initial, a hyphen, or a different spelling of a transliterated name. You may be asked to initial a short statement confirming you are the same person. This is common, and it doesn't stop you from voting.
How do I get a free ID to vote?
If you don't have any of the 7 IDs, you can get a free Texas Election Identification Certificate (EIC) at any Texas DPS driver's license office. Bring documents that prove your U.S. citizenship and identity.
Do I need ID to vote by mail?
You don't show a photo ID, but you do need to write an ID number on both your mail ballot application and your ballot envelope:
- Your Texas driver's license, state ID or EIC number, or
- The last 4 digits of your Social Security number
The number must match your voter registration record. A federal appeals court restored this requirement in August 2026, so double-check it before you send anything. Mail ballot applications must be received (not postmarked) by October 23, 2026.
Are there any exemptions?
- Disability: voters with documented disabilities can apply for a permanent exemption through their county voter registrar.
- Religious objection or natural disaster: you can vote a provisional ballot and sign an affidavit afterward.
Quick checklist before you go
- One of the 7 photo IDs, or a supporting document from the list above
- Know your polling place and hours (Election Day polls are open 7 am to 7 pm)
- Check your registration and see your ballot in our Civic Center
Call the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline
More on your rights at the polls: our Election Protection page →
Frequently asked questions
Can I vote in Texas without a photo ID?
Yes. Sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polls and show a supporting document, such as a utility bill, bank statement or your voter registration certificate.
Can I use my voter registration card as ID?
Not on its own, but it counts as a supporting document if you sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
Is a foreign passport accepted?
No. Only a U.S. passport (book or card) is on the approved list.
Can I use an expired driver's license?
Yes, if it expired no more than 4 years ago. If you're 70 or older, any expiration date is accepted.
Where can I check the official rules?
Visit VoteTexas.gov, the Texas Secretary of State's voter information site.
This post is general voter information from SAAVETX EF, a nonpartisan organization, and is not legal advice.