Minnesota

Registered voters do not need to show an ID when they vote in person, except for some first-time voters.

You may need to provide ID info when you apply to vote by mail.

Minnesota ID Requirements for Voting In Person

You do not need to show ID when you vote in person.

BUT: If it is your first time voting in a federal election in Minnesota, please see the federal ID requirements for first-time voters. A federal election is when you vote for the President, your Congressional Representative or your Senators.

 


 

Voter ID Information Cards

Minnesota Voter ID Information cards are available in: English, Spanish, Hindi, Nepali, and Punjabi

Frequently Asked Questions

You may register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day during any early voting period (with an in-person absentee ballot) at your county election office and, depending on where you live, at another designated location. On Election Day, you may register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day at your local polling place.

You must prove your residence with any one of the following:

  1. An unexpired Minnesota or Tribal ID with current name and address:
    • Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, or ID card; or a receipt for any of these.
    • Tribal ID with name, address, photo and signature.
  1. One of the following photo IDs (which may be expired):
    • Driver’s license, state ID or learner’s permit issued by any state
    • U.S. Passport
    • U.S. Military or Veteran ID
    • Tribal ID with name, signature and photo
    • Minnesota university, college or technical college ID
    • Minnesota high school ID

    AND one of the following documents (which can be shown on an electronic device):

    • A bill, account, or start-of-service statement, with your current name and address, due or dated within 30 days of the election for:
      • Phone, TV or internet
      • Solid waste, sewer, electric, gas or water
      • Banking or credit card
      • Rent or mortgage
    • Residential lease or rent agreement valid through Election Day
    • Current student fee statement
  1. Your college or university photo ID but only if your college or university has sent election officials a student housing list, and you are on the list.
  2. A registered voter from your precinct can go with you to the polling place to sign an oath confirming your address. This is known as ‘vouching.’ A registered voter can vouch for up to eight voters. You cannot vouch for others if someone vouched for you.
  3. If you are registered in the precinct but changed names or moved within the same precinct, you only need to tell the election judge your previous name or address.
  4. If you registered to vote within 20 days of the election, you may get a Notice of Late Registration in the mail. Bring it with you and use it as your proof of residence to register.
  5. If you live in a residential facility, a staff person can go with you to the polling place to confirm your address. This is known as ‘vouching.’ A staff person can vouch for all eligible voters living in the facility. The staff person must prove their employment at the facility. There are several ways to do so, including by showing an employee badge.

If you need to show ID to complete your voter registration or for the purpose of same-day voter registration, whether you can present your ID on an electronic device may depend on the type of ID you wish to show. All forms of photo ID must be original. It may be possible to show other types of documents on an electronic device. If it is your first time voting in a federal election in Minnesota, please see the federal ID requirements for first-time voters.

Minnesota ID Requirements for Voting By Mail

Any Minnesota voter may apply for an absentee ballot. No excuse is required.

You may need to provide ID information when you request your ballot.

Note: Your absentee ballot cannot be counted unless it is notarized or has the signature of a witness who is a registered Minnesota voter.

Frequently Asked Questions

The absentee ballot application requests that you provide your:

  • Minnesota-issued driver’s license number
  • Minnesota state ID card number and Social Security number (last four digits)

If you do not have these identifiers, there is a box to check.

BUT: if you have an ID number and do not provide it, your absentee ballot may be rejected. You will be unable to check the status of your absentee ballot online.

No, but the signature on your mail ballot must match your signature on file with the state.

Your absentee ballot cannot be counted unless it is notarized or has the signature of a witness who is a registered Minnesota voter.

If there are more than five days before Election Day and election officials find that you or your witness did not fill out the absentee ballot signature envelope correctly, they will mail you replacement materials, including an explanation for why your signature envelope was rejected.

If there are fewer than five days before Election Day, election officials will try to contact you. In this case, you can vote in person at your local election office or at your polling place on Election Day.