Yes, you can vote in Texas with an out-of-state driver's license

An out-of-state driver's license is acceptable identification for voting in Texas. Texas does not require your ID to be from Texas — it only requires that your ID be valid, current, and include your photograph. If your out-of-state license meets those requirements, you can use it at the polls.

What matters more than where your license was issued is whether you meet Texas voter registration requirements: you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, a Texas resident, and registered to vote in the county where you plan to vote. Your ID just proves you are who you say you are on voting day.

Key Takeaways

  • An out-of-state driver's license works as valid voter ID in Texas as long as it is current and has your photograph on it.
  • You must be registered to vote in Texas before Election Day, regardless of what ID you bring — registration is separate from having acceptable ID.
  • If your out-of-state license has expired, you cannot use it to vote, even if you have lived in Texas for years.
  • Texas accepts several other forms of ID if your out-of-state license is expired or you do not have one: a Texas ID card, passport, military ID, or concealed handgun license.

What counts as valid ID for voting in Texas

Texas law lists specific forms of identification that work at the polls. An out-of-state driver's license is on that list, but only if it is current — meaning it has not expired. The license must also have your photograph and your name on it.

Other acceptable forms of ID include a Texas driver's license, a Texas ID card (issued by the Department of Public Safety), a U.S. passport, a military ID card, or a concealed handgun license issued by Texas. If you do not have any of these, you can still vote, but you will need to sign an affidavit at the polling place swearing to your identity.

Registering to vote in Texas before Election Day

Having valid ID is only half the requirement. You must also be registered to vote in Texas, and registration is a separate step from showing up with ID on voting day. You can register to vote online through the Texas Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at your county voter registrar's office.

The important date to register is 30 days before Election Day. If you have recently moved to Texas from another state, you will need to register in your new Texas county, even if you were registered in your previous state. Your out-of-state registration does not transfer.

You can check whether you are registered by visiting the Texas Secretary of State voter lookup tool or by contacting your county voter registrar. The registrar's office phone number and website are available through your county's official website.

If your out-of-state license has expired

An expired out-of-state driver's license cannot be used as voter ID in Texas, even if you have lived in Texas for many years. Texas requires that your ID be valid and current at the time you vote.

If your license is expired, bring one of the other acceptable forms of ID listed above. If you do not have any acceptable ID, you can still vote by signing an affidavit at the polling place. The poll worker will ask you to sign a statement confirming your identity and may be able to access to vote.

Getting a Texas ID if you plan to stay

If you have moved to Texas permanently and plan to stay, you may want to get a Texas driver's license or ID card. This is not required to vote — your out-of-state license works as long as it is current — but it can make voting and other transactions simpler.

To get a Texas driver's license or ID card, visit a Texas Department of Public Safety office with proof of identity, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number. You can find the nearest DPS office and check wait times on the DPS website.

What to bring to the polling place

Bring your out-of-state driver's license if it is current. You do not need to bring your voter registration card — the poll worker will look up your registration using your name and address. If you have moved recently, tell the poll worker your new address so they can confirm your registration is correct.

If you do not have your license with you on voting day, bring another form of acceptable ID, or be prepared to sign an affidavit. Bring any documents that help prove your identity and residence in Texas, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address on it.

Voting by mail in Texas

If you vote by mail instead of in person, you will not need to show ID at the polling place. However, you must still be registered to vote in Texas. When you submit your mail ballot, you will need to include a copy of your ID with your ballot envelope — your out-of-state driver's license works for this purpose as long as it is current.

To request a mail ballot in Texas, you must have a may have access to reason: you will be out of the county on Election Day, you are over 65, you have a disability, or you are in jail but otherwise may be able to access. You cannot vote by mail straightforward because you prefer not to go to the polls. Contact your county clerk to request a mail ballot process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my driver's license to Texas before I can vote?

No. Your out-of-state license is acceptable as long as it is current and has your photograph on it. You do need to register to vote in Texas, but that is separate from having a Texas license.

What if I moved to Texas recently and my out-of-state license still has my old address on it?

That is fine. Your ID just needs to be current and have your photograph. Tell the poll worker your current Texas address, and they will confirm your registration is correct before you vote.

Can I vote if my out-of-state license expired last month?

No, an expired license cannot be used as voter ID in Texas. Bring another form of acceptable ID, or sign an affidavit at the polling place to vote without ID.

What happens if I show up to vote and I am not registered?

You cannot vote on Election Day if you are not registered. You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at your county voter registrar's office, but the important date is 30 days before Election Day. After that important date, you cannot register until after the election.

Do I need to bring anything else besides my out-of-state license?

No. Your license is enough. The poll worker will look up your voter registration using your name and address. If you have moved recently, bring something with your new address on it so the poll worker can confirm your registration.