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

As of August 2024, the Texas Department of State Health Services no longer allows gender identity amendments to birth certificates. 

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

August 2024 Update: The Texas Department of Public Safety has issued a new policy indicating that it will no longer update the gender marker on Texas driver’s licenses or state IDs. 

You can select what gender marker (F, M, or X) appears on your US passport or passport card.

The gender you select for your passport or passport card does not need to match the gender on your vital documents or state-issued photo IDs.

You do not need to provide medical documentation to change your passport’s gender marker.

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VoteRiders is here to help! Texas accepts US passports and passport cards as voter ID.
Contact us if you need free help to get a passport card.