Voter ID Requirements
Most states do not require you to bring your voter registration card to the polls. But a majority of states do expect you to provide another form of ID to vote in person.
Find Out if You Need To Bring an ID to Vote
See this map for your state’s voter laws to find out what form of ID you need to vote in person on Election Day, or if you can vote without an ID.
First-Time Voters
First-time voters who did not register in person or show ID before must show identification. This is according to federal law.
Photo ID versus Non-Photo ID
About half of the states with voter ID laws accept only photo IDs. These include
- Driver’s licenses
- State-issued ID cards
- Military ID cards
- Passports
Many of these states now offer a free voter photo ID card if you do not have another form of valid photo ID.
Other states accept some types of non-photo ID. These may include
- Birth certificates
- Social Security cards
- Bank statements
- Utility bills
Each state is specific about the documents it will accept as proof of identification.
Procedures for Voting Without ID
Even if you do not have a form of ID that your state asks for, you may be able to vote. Some states require you to take extra measures after you vote to make sure that your vote counts.
Some states may ask you to sign a form affirming your identity. Other states will let you cast a provisional ballot. States use provisional ballots when there is a question about a voter's eligibility. States keep provisional ballots separate until they decide whether they should count. To do so, they will investigate a voter’s eligibility. They may also require you to return to show an acceptable form of ID within a few days. If you do not, your provisional ballot will not count.
Name or Address Mismatch
Even with the right ID, you may have to cast a provisional ballot. This can happen if the name or address on your ID does not match the name or address on your voter registration. For instance:
You get married, change your last name, and update your voter registration. But your driver’s license, which you present as ID, still has your unmarried name on it.
You move and for your voter ID, you present a current utility bill. Unfortunately, you've forgotten to update your address on your voter registration beforehand.
Some states require that you notify your local registration office of any name change.
Avoid problems. Always update your voter registration when you move or change your name.
