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Reminder: Select Driver License Offices Open Saturdays To Issue Election Identification Certificates
Certificates also available at mobile stations, select county locations
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding Texans in advance of the upcoming General Election that Election Identification Certificates (EIC), which people may use for voting purposes, are available year-round at all Texas driver license offices. In an ongoing effort to ensure Texans have access to EICs, DPS is offering Saturday hours on Oct. 22 and Oct. 29 at select driver license offices to issue EICs. Also, EIC mobile stations are in various locations across the state, and alternate approved sites are issuing EICs in select counties.
On August 10, 2016, identification requirements for voting in Texas changed. For information regarding required identification for voting in person, please visit http://www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/need-id.
The 2016 General Election is Nov. 8, and early voting starts Oct. 24 and continues through Nov. 4.
Texans can obtain an EIC at:
Any of the more than 220 Texas driver license offices during regular business hours throughout the year
Select driver license offices on Saturday, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (EIC transactions only)
EIC mobile station locations (EIC transactions only)
Alternate approved sites issuing only EICs in select counties
One form of identification that voters may use for voting purposes is an EIC. You may apply for an EIC at no charge. However, if you already have any of the following forms of identification, you are not eligible for an EIC:
Texas driver license – unexpired
Texas personal identification card – unexpired
Concealed Handgun License (CHL) or License to Carry (LTC) – unexpired
U.S. passport book or card – unexpired
U.S. Military identification with photo – unexpired
U.S. Citizenship Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization with photo
To apply for an EIC, applicants must visit one of the locations listed above and complete an application for a Texas Election Identification Certificate (DL-14C). (For the Spanish language version of the EIC application, see http://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/forms/DL-14CS.pdf).
To qualify for an EIC, an applicant must:
Bring documentation to verify U.S. citizenship and Identity
Be eligible to vote in Texas (Bring a valid voter registration card or submit a voter registration application through the Texas Department of Public Safety)
Be a Texas resident
Be 17 years and ten months or older
To avoid delays or complications, DPS urges potential applicants to make sure they have the necessary documentation before arriving at the office, mobile station or alternate approved location.
The EIC receipt an individual receives will include their photo and can be used for voting purposes until the permanent card is delivered by mail.
The EIC is free of charge to qualifying applicants and is valid for six years. There is no expiration date for an EIC for citizens 70 years of age or older. The EIC can only be used for voting purposes and not as personal identification.
For more information on the requirements and process for obtaining an EIC, please visit http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/electionID.htm.
For more information on voting in Texas, visit the Secretary of State’s website: www.votetexas.gov.