logo
Brief Publisher Logo
FACT BRIEF

Can Texans register to vote without an ID?

By Brandy Ruiz
View this fact brief on El Paso Matters
Copy link
email
Copy featured image
email
NO

In Texas, people are required to have an identification number that has been approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety – driver’s license or handgun license – or the last four digits of their Social Security number to register to vote, according to Texas Election Code.

If a person registers with just a Social Security number, the state must verify its authenticity, according to the Texas Secretary of State.

Texas does not offer online voter registration, automatic/automated voter registration, or same day registration, according to analysis by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The same analysis shows that 42 states, including Washington, D.C., have online voter registration, 24 have automated voter registration and 22 have same day registration.

Texans can only register to vote online when renewing, replacing, or updating the information on their driver’s license or other ID card issued by DPS.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
State of Texas Election Code Chapter 13
State of Texas Statement on Voter Registration ID Requirements
Vote Texas FAQ Identification Requirements for Voting
National Conference of State Legislatures State Profiles: Elections
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
El Paso Matters
El Paso Matters is a member-supported nonpartisan media organization that uses journalism to expand civic capacity in our region. We inform and engage with people in El Paso, Ciudad Juárez and neighboring communities to create solutions-driven conversations about complex issues shaping our region.
FACT BRIEF BY
Brief Publisher Logo
Latest fact briefs
facebook
twitter
email
email
About fact briefs published on Gigafact
Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.