Texans' ID Meltdown: How to Vote and Drive Without Losing Your Mind

Buckle up, Texans! Getting an appointment for a state ID or driver's license from the Department of Public Safety has become a wild goose chase. State Rep. Erin Zwiener recently spilled the tea to the Statesman, saying, “I couldn’t find anything closer than Seguin before January,” and the floodgates opened. Central Texans flocked to social media, sharing horror stories of driving out to Cuero or Corpus Christi for their IDs.

Now, in an election year, this fiasco gets even more chaotic. Texas requires voters to show a government-issued photo ID at the polls. But fear not, patriots! There's a way to cast your vote even if you can't get a photo ID in time. Here's the lowdown.

What IDs are Accepted for Voting in Texas?

Registered voters can flash any of these IDs at the polls:

• Texas driver's license or Election ID from DPS
• State ID card from DPS
• Texas Handgun License from DPS
• U.S. Military ID with a photo
• U.S. Citizenship Certificate with a photo
• U.S. passbook (book or card)

Can I Register to Vote Without an ID?

You betcha! On the voter registration form, you have the option to use your driver's license/state ID number OR the last four digits of your Social Security number. Pick the latter.

What if My ID is Expired?

No worries! You can still vote with any ID listed above up to four years after the expiration date if you are 69 or younger. Voters over 70 can vote with an expired ID, no matter how long it's been expired.

What if My ID Shows an Old Address?

You're good to go! A Texas ID with a previous address is still acceptable. The point of showing ID at the polls is to confirm who you are, not where you live.

OK, But What if I Can't Get a Texas ID Before the Election?

Hold your horses! You can still vote! Just bring an extra piece of documentation and fill out a form at the polling place. Ask for the "Reasonable Impediment Declaration" form when you check in.

On the form — see what it looks like here — you'll check off the box explaining why you don't have a photo ID. Options include lack of transportation, lost or stolen ID, or work/family obligations. No available ID appointments near you? Transportation issues or work can be a legit reason.

No ID? No problem: How to vote in the 2024 election without a photo ID in Texas

What Documentation Do You Need with a 'Reasonable Impediment' Form?

Bring a "supporting form of ID." Here are your best bets:

• Your voter registration certificate (it looks like this)
• Birth certificate
• Recent utility bill or bank statement with your name on it
• Government check or paycheck
• Any other government document with your name and address on it

What if I Can't Find My Voter Registration Certificate?

No sweat! Get a new one mailed to you. Contact your local voter registrar's office and request a replacement.

• Travis County: Call 512-854-9473; email tax_voters@traviscountytx.gov; or visit 2433 Ridgepoint Drive.
• Williamson County: Call 512-943-1630 or email VoterRegistration@wilco.org.
• Hays County: Call 512-393-7310 or email elections@co.hays.tx.us.
• Bastrop County: Call 512-581-7160 or email elections@co.bastrop.tx.us.
• Find contact information for other Texas county elections offices here.

What Kind of Ballot Do I Get After Filling Out the 'Reasonable Impediment' Form?

You will vote on a regular ballot, not a provisional ballot. Your vote will count, no further hassle needed.

What if I Have a Photo ID but Forget to Bring It to the Polls?

You'll cast a provisional ballot. To have it count, you must return to your county elections office within six days and present your photo ID.

What if I Run Into Difficulty at the Polls?

Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to speak with a trained volunteer who can explain the law and your options.

Need a Texas ID? Here's How to Get One

Schedule an appointment with the Department of Public Safety at public.txdpsscheduler.com. But be warned, appointments might be months away and miles away. Try these hacks:

• Check public.txdpsscheduler.com around 7:30 a.m. any weekday and keep refreshing for same-day cancellations.
• Look for appointments in other towns; they might have sooner openings if you can make the drive.
• Use third-party scheduling apps, like DriveIt, developed by Frisco teen Sowmya Nandyala.
• If all else fails, show up at the DPS office early—people line up before 5 a.m. for same-day appointments.

Renewing Your License or ID?

Most Texans can renew up to two years before expiration. In many cases, licenses can be renewed online. Check your eligibility here.

DPS notifies Texans by mail when their license or ID is set to expire in six months. If you're not eligible for online renewal, start looking for a DPS appointment ASAP.

Extra Appointment You Don't Need?

Cancel it on public.txdpsscheduler.com. In June 2024, 27% of scheduled appointments were no-shows—173,417 appointments statewide.

Why is it So Hard to Get a Texas Driver's License Appointment?

The Texas Department of Public Safety launched an online scheduling system in May 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic created a backlog. The influx of new residents added to the demand while DPS struggles to hire staff.

Sheridan Nolen, DPS press secretary, said, “In the current job climate, we face challenges finding qualified applicants to fill open positions at (driver’s license) offices around the state.”

Some Central Texas lawmakers are looking into solutions. Zwiener suggested boosting pay for DPS staffers. State Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, said on social media that the long waits are “unacceptable” and need to be addressed before the next session.

Questions or comments? Contact Metro columnist Bridget Grumet at bgrumet@statesman.com.