The upcoming Election Day is fast approaching, and in Texas, early voting is set to begin on Monday, Oct. 21. For those who have recently relocated to the state, it is important to register to vote before the Oct. 7 deadline.
Registering to vote in Texas is a relatively simple process, even for newcomers. The easiest way to ensure you are on the voter rolls is to fill out a voter registration card, which can be found on the Texas Secretary of State’s website or completed in person at your county election office. If you do not have a Texas driver’s license or ID card yet, you can provide the last four digits of your Social Security number on the registration card.
Once the form is filled out, it needs to be printed, signed, and mailed to the address listed on the SOS’s site. When it comes time to vote, one of the seven approved forms of ID must be presented, which includes an Election Identification Certificate for those who have never had a Texas ID.
To obtain a driver’s license in Texas, there are a few steps to follow. Within 30 days of moving to Texas, you must register your vehicle by getting a vehicle inspection and bringing your insurance card, vehicle inspection report, and proof of ownership to the local county tax-assessor collector office. After your vehicle is registered, you can proceed to get a Texas driver’s license, which must be done within 90 days of moving. Scheduling an appointment with the DPS or going in person is necessary, along with bringing the proper identification documents.
However, obtaining a license appointment at a DPS office can be challenging due to long wait times, which range from two weeks to a month in some locations around Austin. Factors such as population growth, staffing, and missed appointments contribute to the delays. To address this issue, Texas DPS has announced the opening of additional Saturdays for appointments.
For those who cannot wait for a month to get a new license, standby appointments are available at DPS offices, but the wait time is uncertain. The online appointment system implemented in May 2020 has reduced physical lines at DPS offices, but virtual lines still exist. Despite the wait, it is essential to get a license within the 90-day window provided by state law.
If you are looking to expedite the process of getting your license, there is a lesser-known DPS location near the Texas Capitol that offers quicker service. By making an appointment at this location, you may be able to get your Texas license in a shorter timeframe. Although Yelp indicates that this location is closed, it is indeed operational, offering a faster option for obtaining your license.
As a new Texas resident, having a driver’s license is crucial for identification purposes, especially when it comes to voting. By taking advantage of the available resources and following the necessary steps, you can ensure that you are prepared to vote in the upcoming election.