Texans Fight Absurd ID Wait Times in DPS Dystopia

Oh, the joy of being a Texan! Not only do you get to live in a state that believes in politicizing basic human rights, but you also get the privilege of waiting months and driving to another city just to get a state ID or driver's license. State Rep. Erin Zwiener recently shared her struggle, unable to find an appointment closer than Seguin before January. Social media erupted with fellow Central Texans sharing their own tales of woe, with some driving as far as Cuero or Corpus Christi.

And the cherry on top? This is an election year. You know, because Texas loves making voting as convenient as possible with their photo ID requirements. But fear not, comrades! There's a way to vote even if you can't get your hands on a photo ID.

What forms of ID are accepted for voting in Texas?

Texas will graciously accept any of the following forms of ID at the polls:

• Texas driver's license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
• Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
• State ID card issued by DPS
• Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
• U.S. Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
• U.S. Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
• U.S. passport (book or card)

Wow, so inclusive!

Can I register to vote if I don't have an ID?

Yes, you can! On the voter registration form, you can put your driver's license/state ID number OR the last four digits of your Social Security number. Revolutionary, isn't it?

What if my ID is expired?

You can still vote with any of the IDs listed above for up to four years after the expiration date, if you are 69 or younger. Voters over 70 can vote with an expired ID, regardless of how long it has been expired. Because, you know, Texas cares.

What if my ID shows an old address?

Fear not! You can still vote with a Texas ID showing a previous address. The purpose of showing ID at the polls is to establish your identity, not prove your residency. How thoughtful!

OK, but what if I can't get a Texas ID before the election?

You can still vote! You just have to jump through a few more hoops. Ask for the "Reasonable Impediment Declaration" form when you check in at the voting site. On the form — see what it looks like here — you'll check off a box explaining why you don't have a photo ID.

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." Your best bet is your voter registration certificate. Or bring any one of the following:

• Your birth certificate
• A recent utility bill or bank statement with your name on it
• A government check or a paycheck, or
• Another government document with your name and address on it

What if I can't find my voter registration certificate?

Don't worry! Just contact your local voter registrar's office and ask for a replacement. Here's how:

• In Travis County, call the Tax Collector and Voter Registrar's Office at 512-854-9473 or email tax_voters@traviscountytx.gov
• In Williamson County, call 512-943-1630 or email VoterRegistration@wilco.org
• In Hays County, call 512-393-7310 or email elections@co.hays.tx.us
• In Bastrop County, call 512-581-7160 or email elections@co.bastrop.tx.us
• Look up the contact information here for other county elections offices in Texas

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. Once you cast your regular ballot, it will count. Hallelujah!

What if I have a photo ID but I forget to bring it to the polls?

You'll cast a provisional ballot. To make it count, return to your county elections office within six days and present your photo ID. Simple, right?

What if I run into difficulty at the polls?

Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683), a hotline administered by nonpartisan voting advocates, to speak with a trained volunteer who can explain the law and your options.

Apart from voting, I still need a Texas ID. How do I get one?

Schedule an appointment with the Department of Public Safety at public.txdpsscheduler.com. But brace yourself: the next available appointment might be months and miles away. Some strategies that can help:

• Check the public.txdpsscheduler.com website around 7:30 a.m. any weekday and keep refreshing.
• Look for appointments in other towns. They might have openings sooner if you're willing to make the drive.
• Try a third-party scheduling app, such as DriveIt, which might help you find new appointments sooner.
• If all else fails, show up to the DPS office in person, but come early. People start lining up before 5 a.m. for the few same-day appointments that are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, a limited number of people will be offered the chance to wait at the office on a standby list that will be served by the end of that day.

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 to reduce office wait times. But the pandemic backlog and recent influx of new residents have increased demand while DPS struggles to hire staff.

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

Some Central Texas lawmakers are finally looking at solutions. Zwiener has suggested boosting pay for DPS staffers in Central Texas. State Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, said on social media that these 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.