Voter ID in Texas

Texas is a non-strict voter ID state.

You will be asked to show an acceptable photo ID to confirm your identity when voting in person.

If you do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain an acceptable form of ID, you can cast a regular ballot if you complete the Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present a supporting form of ID.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!

Only certain voters are eligible to vote absentee in Texas.

You must include certain identifying information twice — when you apply for your early voting ballot and when you mail it back.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!


Changing Your Legal Name

You must file a formal request with your county court to change your name in Texas.

You will need to be fingerprinted as part of the name-change process.

If the court approves your name change, you will receive a court order that can be used to update the name on your ID documents.

Submit a request to the Texas Vital Statistics office to amend your birth certificate.

To change the name on your Texas birth certificate, you will need to provide:

  • completed amendment form (PDF)
  • signed and notarized application
  • photocopy of acceptable ID
  • required supporting documentation
  • payment for applicable fees

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

You must inform the Texas Department of Public Safety within thirty (30) days of changing your legal name.

You may visit a driver’s license office in person after completing an online application to update your ID.

You will need to provide a legal document (original or certified copy) demonstration your name change. Examples include an amended birth certificate or name-change court order.


Updating Gender Markers

Texas does not have a specific statute that covers amending your birth certificate’s gender marker.

You may submit a request to the Texas Vital Statistics office to amend your birth certificate. Granting or denying your request appears to be at the discretion of the Department of State Health Services.

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

To apply for an updated Texas birth certificate, you will need to provide:

  • completed amendment form (PDF)
  • signed and notarized application
  • required supporting documentation or court order*
  • photocopy of acceptable ID
  • payment for applicable fees

* Not every county or judge will approve and issue the required court order. You may be able to use another state’s court order, but it must specify “sex change.”

If your application is approved, the Texas Vital Statistics office will issue a new birth certificate with updated gender marker. Additional fees apply to receive a certified copy.

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

Texas does not have an official procedure for updating the gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID.

You may submit a court order that certifies your gender transition and legal name change.

The process to obtain this court order depends on the county where you file your petition. Different counties have different requirements.

  • Proof of gender affirmation surgery is not required but some courts may require a physician’s letter confirming you meet specific medical requirements.
  • Some judges may not grant a court order to amend your gender marker.

 

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