Rules for First-Time Voters

When you register to vote or vote for the first time in a federal election (Presidential or Congressional elections) in your state, you must prove who you are.

This is required under Federal law. Your state may have separate ID requirements for voting by mail or in person.

CHECK YOUR STATE’S RULES

These requirements are the same whether you register to vote in person or register to vote by mail.

REGISTERING TO VOTE IN PERSON OR BY MAIL

You must provide your driver’s license number or state ID number if you have one.
If you do not have either of these IDs, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number if you have one.
If you do not have a Social Security number, then leave that space blank on your registration form.

WHEN YOU VOTE

If the state can’t match up your numbers to official records, you will have to show an ID document before your vote counts.

Just in case: if you can, it’s a good idea:

When you vote in person, present one of the acceptable forms of ID. The forms of ID you can use are listed below.

OR

When you vote by mail, provide a copy of one of the acceptable forms of ID with your absentee (or mail-in) ballot. Check your state’s rules for more information. The forms of ID you can use are listed below.

ACCEPTABLE PHOTO IDS

You will be asked to show one of the following photo IDs. Your ID must be unexpired and show your name:

Driver’s license issued by any state
ID card issued by any state
US Passport
Employee ID card
ID card provided by a commercial establishment
Credit or debit card
Military ID card
Student identification card
Health club ID card
Insurance plan ID card
Public housing ID card

ACCEPTABLE NON-PHOTO ID DOCUMENTS

You can use any one of the following documents with your name and address. It must be dated since the date of the last general election unless it is intended to be of a permanent nature:

Utility bill
Bank statement;
Government check
Government paycheck
Document issued by a governmental agency;
Sample ballot or other official elections document issued by a governmental, agency (dated for the election in which you are providing it as proof of residency or identity)
Voter notification card issued by a governmental agency
Public housing identification card issued by a governmental agency
Lease or rental statement or agreement issued by a governmental agency
Student identification card issued by a governmental agency
Tuition statement or bill issued by a governmental agency
Insurance plan card or drug discount card issued by a governmental agency
Discharge certificates, pardons, or other official documents issued to the individual by a governmental agency in connection with the resolution of a criminal case, indictment, sentence, or other matter
Public transportation authority senior citizen and disabled discount cards issued by a governmental agency
Identification documents issued by governmental disability agencies
Identification documents issued by government homeless shelters and other government temporary or transitional facilities
Drug prescription issued by a government doctor or other governmental health care provider
Property tax statement issued by a governmental agency;
Vehicle registration issued by a governmental agency
Vehicle certificate of ownership issued by a governmental agency