Election Identification Certificate (EIC)

September 15, 2020

For general information regarding voting in Texas please see VoteTexas.gov.

On August 10, 2016, identification requirements for voting in Texas changed. For information regarding required identification for voting in person please visit the Texas Secretary of State.

Did you know you can schedule an appointment to obtain an Election Identification Certificate (EIC) at your local Driver License office? If you currently hold a Texas Driver License (DL) or Identification (ID) card, these are valid forms of ID for purposes of voting, and you do not need an EIC.

If you have never had a Texas ID, but need an EIC, please schedule an appointment. If you have ever had a DL or ID card which is now expired and need an EIC, please schedule an appointment for the type of card you currently hold. When you arrive at the DPS office, EICs are given priority. At that time, you will be able to surrender an expired card and apply for an EIC. You may also select “SERVICES NOT LISTED” to schedule an appointment period. Same day or walk in appointments are available for EIC transactions. Please see instructions and required documents below under “HOW TO APPLY” 

One form of identification that can be used for voting purposes is an Election Identification Certificate (EIC). You may apply for an EIC at no charge. However, if you already have any of the following forms of ID, you are not eligible for an EIC:

  • Texas driver license—unexpired or expired no more than four (4) years
  • Texas personal identification card—unexpired or expired no more than four (4) years
  • Concealed Handgun License (CHL) or License to Carry (LTC)—unexpired or expired no more than four (4) years
  • U.S. passport book or card—unexpired or expired no more than four (4) years
  • U.S. Military identification with photo— unexpired or expired no more than four (4) years
  • U.S. Citizenship Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization with photo

Texans can obtain an EIC at:

How to Apply

To apply for an EIC, visit a driver license office and complete an Application for Texas Election Certificate (DL-14C) (PDF) | Application for Texas Election Certificate (Spanish) (DL-14CS) (PDF).

To qualify for an EIC, you must:

  • Bring documentation to the office to verify your U.S. Citizenship
  • Bring documentation to the office to verify your Identity
  • Be eligible to vote in Texas (Bring your valid voter registration card to the office, or submit a voter registration application through the Texas Department of Public Safety at the office)
  • Be a Texas resident
  • Be 17 years and 10 months or older

The information on the documents, such as name and date of birth, must all match. If the name is different on each document, then the individual must provide documents that verify a legal name change. If other information on the document is different, speak with a License and Permit Specialist for assistance.

If you are using a name other than what is on your birth certificate, (example: married name), you will be required to show legal documentation of name change. Documents must be original or certified copy. No photocopies can be accepted.

Acceptable documents:

  1. Marriage license
  2. Divorce decree
  3. Original or certified copy of a revised birth certificate
  4. Court ordered name change
  5. Department of State Health Services marriage verification letter

Fingerprints are not taken and warrant checks are not conducted on persons applying for an EIC.

Expiration and Use

An EIC is valid for six years. There is no expiration date for certificates issued to citizens 70 years of age or older. 

Election Identification Certificates may only be used for voting purposes.  An EIC will not be accepted to verify identity when applying for a Texas driver license or ID card.

For general information regarding voting in Texas please see VoteTexas.gov.