The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding Texans in advance of the upcoming General Election that Election Identification Certificates (EIC), which can be used for voting purposes, are available year-round at all Texas driver license offices. In an ongoing effort to ensure Texans have access to EICs, DPS is offering Saturday hours on Oct. 22 and Oct. 29 at select driver license offices to issue EICs. In addition, EIC mobile stations will be deployed to various locations across the state, and alternate approved locations are issuing EICs in select counties. The 2016 General Election is Nov. 8, and early voting starts Oct. 24 and continues through Nov. 4.

Texans can obtain an EIC at:

Any of the more than 220 Texas driver license offices during regular business hours throughout the year

Select driver license offices on Saturday, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (EIC transactions only)

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

Texas driver license – unexpired

Texas personal identification card – unexpired

Concealed Handgun License (CHL) or License to Carry (LTC) – unexpired

U.S. passport book or card – unexpired

U.S. Military identification with photo – unexpired

U.S. Citizenship Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization with photo

To qualify for an EIC, an applicant must:

Bring documentation to verify U.S. citizenship and Identity

Be eligible to vote in Texas (Bring a valid voter registration card or submit a voter registration application through the Texas Department of Public Safety)

Be a Texas resident

Be 17 years and 10 months or older

The EIC is free of charge to qualifying applicants and is valid for six years. There is no expiration date for an EIC for citizens 70 years of age or older. The EIC can only be used for voting purposes and may not be used as personal identification.