TX

Does Texas Require Proof of Citizenship to Vote? No (2026)

No. Texas does not currently require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. Below: which documents count, Texas voter ID rules, registration deadlines, and how to order a Texas birth certificate.

No proof-of-citizenship requirementPhoto ID requiredChecked Sep 10, 2026 · re-check due
Interactive map of the United States showing proof-of-citizenship law status by state
Active Proof-of-Citizenship Law
Law on Books (Not Enforced)
No Requirement

Does Texas require proof of citizenship to vote?

No. Texas does not currently require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote.

Voter ID Requirement
Voters with acceptable photo ID must present it; voters without and unable to reasonably obtain it may use a Reasonable Impediment Declaration with supporting ID, and voters who have acceptable ID but did not bring it must cure within six calendar days for provisional ballots to count
Online Registration
Not available
Registration Deadline
Texas law requires eligible voters to register by the 30th day before Election Day
Proof of Citizenship Law
No proof-of-citizenship requirement
Status detailsNo active statewide documentary proof-of-citizenship voter-registration requirement as of September 2026.

What to do now in Texas

  1. 1Check if you have one of the accepted documents (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate)
  2. 2If your name has changed, get a passport in your current legal name
  3. 3Order your birth certificate now if you don't have one
  4. 4Verify your voter registration is current
  5. 5Keep originals safe — under the SAVE Act, photocopies would not be accepted

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need proof of citizenship to register to vote in Texas?

No. Texas does not currently require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. However, if the federal SAVE Act passes, all states would be required to collect proof of citizenship for voter registration. Getting your documents in order now is recommended.

How much does a birth certificate cost in Texas?

A certified birth certificate in Texas costs $22.00 for a certified long-form or short-form birth certificate (Texas DSHS Costs and Fees). Processing times vary — check the state vital records office for current turnaround. Use the official Texas vital records office for current details: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics/birth-records. Remember: you must order from the state where you were born, not where you currently live.

What voter ID do I need in Texas?

Texas's voter ID rules: Voters with acceptable photo ID must present it; voters without and unable to reasonably obtain it may use a Reasonable Impediment Declaration with supporting ID, and voters who have acceptable ID but did not bring it must cure within six calendar days for provisional ballots to count. Check with your local election office or visit the Texas Secretary of State website for specific details on acceptable forms of identification.

Can I register to vote online in Texas?

No, Texas does not currently offer online voter registration. You will need to register by mail or in person. Registration deadline: Texas law requires eligible voters to register by the 30th day before Election Day.