Iowa
1 Check ID Rules
Voting in Person
Accepted Photo IDs
Option 1: Photo ID
Must be unexpired or show no expiration date:
Can be expired up to 90 days
- Iowa driver’s license
- Iowa state ID card
Must be unexpired
- Iowa Voter ID card
- US passport or passport card
- Tribal identification with signature
- Military identification
- Veterans identification
Option 2: Additional ID Documents
Photo ID with expiration date (cannot be expired) | + | Non-photo ID with name and address (current within 45 days) |
You can show a combination of: | And sign the precinct register to vote a regular ballot. | |
| + |
|
Or | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Iowa?
You must present a physical ID to vote in Iowa. You cannot use an image, copy, or digital ID when you are voting in person.
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Iowa?
You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in Iowa.
REAL ID is a set of national security standards for states to follow when they issue driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Your ID will show a star if it meets REAL ID standards.
Applying for a REAL ID requires you to appear in person with a variety of documents to prove your identity.
Visit the Iowa DOT website to find out exactly what is required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card.
Voting by Mail
Request Ballot
Any registered Iowa voter can request an absentee ballot.
Give one of these numbers in your request:
- Iowa driver’s license number
- Iowa state ID card number
- Iowa Voter PIN
How to Get Iowa Voter PIN
Voters without an Iowa driver’s license or state ID card receive an Iowa Voter ID card by mail.
Your PIN is the 4-digit number on this card.
If you don’t remember your PIN and need to use it, contact your local election office.
Return Ballot
You do not need to include ID or an ID number with your completed ballot.
Don’t forget to sign! Your signature on the ballot envelope will be compared with your signature on file.
2 Register
Iowa Voter Registration Requirements
You must register before you can vote in Iowa.
You are eligible to vote in Iowa if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You are a citizen of the United States.
- You are a resident of Iowa.
- You are at least 18 years of age on Election Day.
You cannot register to vote in Iowa if:
- You have been convicted of a felony and your civil rights have not been restored.
To register to vote:
- 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 can use the last 4 digits of your Social Security number (SSN).
- If you do not have a Social Security number, then leave that space blank on your registration form.
If you don’t provide any of these numbers or the state can’t match the number you provide to official records, you will have to show an accepted form of ID the first time you vote.
- If you vote in person, present an accepted form of ID at the polls.
- If you vote by mail, provide a copy of an accepted form of ID with your absentee ballot
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register and vote on the same day in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa has same-day voter registration. Same-day registration allows you to register and vote in person on the same day. You can also use it to update your voter registration information.
The deadline to register to vote in Iowa is 15 days before Election Day.
If this registration deadline has passed, same-day registration is available in Iowa during early voting and on Election Day.
To use same-day registration must present an unexpired photo ID to confirm your identity. You can use one of the following IDs:
- Iowa driver’s license
- Iowa state ID card
- Driver’s license or state ID card from another state
- US passport or passport card
- Tribal ID or document
- Student ID issued by high school or college in Iowa
- Military identification
- Veterans identification
- Employee ID
If your photo ID does not have your current address, you need to present an additional document to prove your residency (dated within 45 days). You can use a physical or digital copy of these documents:
- Utility bill (including a cell phone bill)
- Bank statement
- Paycheck
- Government check or other government document
- Residential lease
- Property tax statement or residential lease
If you can’t provide the required documents, another registered voter from your precinct can sign a sworn statement to confirm your identity and residency.
Can I register to vote in Iowa if I have been convicted of a crime?
Each state has its own laws about whether citizens with previous criminal convictions can vote.
To check your eligibility to register to vote in Iowa, use Restore Your Vote.
Can I register to vote in Iowa if I attend college in Iowa ?
College students are allowed to vote using their Iowa school residence address. You can decide if you prefer to register in your home state or in Iowa if you attend school there. You may only be registered and vote in one location.
You can use a student ID to vote in Iowa but you must also provide an additional document. Check your options here!
Register to Vote in Iowa
Submit the form below to register in Iowa.
Don’t have a state-issued ID? VoteRiders is here to help!
3 Vote
Voting in Person
Iowa requests photo ID to vote in person. If you don’t have an accepted photo ID, you can vote if you provide additional documents or if another voter confirms your identity.
Voting by Mail
Any registered Iowa voter can vote by mail. You do not have to give a reason why you cannot vote in person.
How to Request Ballot
You can request an absentee ballot by submitting a signed form to your county’s election office.
Give one of these numbers on your request:
- Iowa driver’s license number
- Iowa state ID card number
- Iowa Voter PIN (4 digits from Voter ID card)
How to Return Ballot
You can return your ballot by mail or in person. You do not need to include ID or an ID number.
Deliver your ballot in person to your county’s election office. You cannot drop off your completed ballot at a polling place on Election Day.
FAQ: Voting by Mail
How can I track my Iowa absentee ballot?
You can use Iowa’s state website to track your ballot status.
Can I fix my Iowa absentee ballot if it is rejected?
You can “cure” (fix) your ballot if your signature is missing or doesn’t match the one on file.
You will be notified if it needs to be corrected.
- You must resubmit your ballot before polls close on Election Day to fix these issues.
