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

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

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