FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas \u2013 As the November election approaches, Texas voters should make sure they know what they need before heading to the polls.<\/p>\n
From acceptable forms of identification to what happens if you show up without the ID you normally use, here are some important voting reminders from 2 Helps You.<\/p>\n
What ID can you use to vote in Texas?<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re voting in person, Texas requires voters who have an acceptable form of photo identification to present it at the polls.<\/p>\n
The Texas Secretary of State lists seven acceptable forms of photo ID:<\/p>\n
Texas driver\u2019s license<\/p>\n
Texas Election Identification Certificate<\/p>\n
Texas personal identification card<\/p>\n
Texas handgun license<\/p>\n
U.S. military identification card containing a photo<\/p>\n
U.S. Citizenship Certificate containing a photo<\/p>\n
U.S. passport, including a passport card<\/p>\n
Here is another thing to consider regarding an expired ID. According to the Secretary of State\u2019s Office, for voters ages 18 through 69, an acceptable form of photo ID generally can be used for proof as long as it is not expired for no more than four years. Voters 70 and older may use an otherwise valid acceptable form of photo ID regardless of how long it has been expired.<\/p>\n
What if you don\u2019t have one of those forms of ID?<\/p>\n
There is another option for voters who do not possess one of the seven acceptable forms of photo ID and cannot reasonably obtain one.<\/p>\n
The Secretary of State says those voters can complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration, or RID, at the polling place and provide a supporting form of identification.<\/p>\n
Those supporting documents can include a voter registration certificate, a current utility bill, a bank statement, a government check, a paycheck or certain other government documents showing the voter\u2019s name and address.<\/p>\n
The declaration allows the voter to explain the reasonable impediment to obtaining an acceptable photo ID and attest that the information provided is true.<\/p>\n
What if you forget your ID?<\/p>\n
Maybe you leave home, get to the polling place and realize your driver\u2019s license is still sitting on the kitchen counter.<\/p>\n
You still have options.<\/p>\n
The Texas Secretary of State says a voter who possesses an acceptable photo ID but does not bring it to the polling place may either leave and return with the ID before the polls close or cast a provisional ballot.<\/p>\n
If you cast a provisional ballot because of an ID issue, you generally have six calendar days after Election Day to go to the county voter registrar and present acceptable identification or, when applicable, complete the Reasonable Impediment Declaration process.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t forget the most important step: Registering to vote<\/p>\n
Before you worry about what ID you\u2019ll take to the polls, make sure you\u2019re registered. In Texas you must register thirty days before Election Day. <\/p>\n
However this year is different and the Secretary of Sate\u2019s Office is making an exception. <\/p>\n
For the Nov. 3, 2026 general election, the deadline to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, the deadline extended to Oct. 5 as a result of the normal 30th-day deadline falling on Sunday, Oct. 4.<\/p>\n
Where can you find more voting information?<\/p>\n