Iowa

Registered voters in Iowa need to confirm their identity when they vote in person. There are several forms of identification you can use.

You do not need a copy of your ID to vote by mail BUT you must include ID info when you apply for your ballot.

These voter ID rules are in addition to the requirements for proving your identity and residency when you register to vote. Learn more

Iowa ID Requirements for Voting In Person

ACCEPTABLE ID

You can use one of the following IDs:

  • Iowa driver’s license (not expired more than 90 days)
  • Iowa non-operator’s ID (not expired more than 90 days)
  • US Passport (unexpired)
  • Military ID or Veteran ID (unexpired)
  • Tribal ID (signed)
  • Iowa Voter ID Card (signed)

If you don’t show one of the above forms of ID:

Another registered voter in the precinct may swear to your identity.

OR

You must prove:

  • your identity with one of the following photo IDs that is current and contains valid expiration date:
    • Out-of-state driver’s license or non-operator ID
    • ID card issued by employer
    • Student ID issued by Iowa high school or college

AND

  • your residence if your ID does not include your current address. This document must include your name and current address and be current within 45 days; may be electronic or on paper. Your options include:
    • Residential lease
    • Utility bill, including a cell phone bill
    • Bank statement
    • Paycheck
    • Government check
    • Other government document

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are a registered voter but do not present an acceptable ID at the polling place:

  • another registered voter in the precinct may attest to your identity

OR

  • you may cast a provisional ballot.

In order for your provisional ballot to count, you must provide ID at your county Auditor’s Office by 12:00 noon on the Monday after Election Day for most elections. The specific deadline will be provided to you at the time of your casting the provisional ballot.

Get in touch with VoteRiders if you have questions or need free help securing ID.

You do not need a REAL ID to vote in Iowa.

Your driver’s license or state ID card will show a star in the upper corner if it meets REAL ID requirements under federal law.

Get in touch with VoteRiders if you have questions or need free help getting ID.

You may register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day during any early voting period (in-person absentee registration) at your county’s auditor’s office, or at your local polling place on Election Day. You must show one ID that includes a photo with a current and valid expiration date.

  • A current Iowa driver’s license or Iowa non-operator ID
  • Out-of-state driver’s license or non-operator ID
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. Military or Veteran ID
  • ID card issued by employer
  • Student ID card issued by an Iowa high school or college, or
  • Tribal ID Card/Document (signed).

Proof of residence (must include name and current address and be current within 45 days; may be in an electronic format or on paper), is necessary only if your acceptable ID does not contain your current address:

  • Residential lease
  • Utility bill (including a cell phone bill)
  • Bank statement
  • Paycheck
  • Government check or other government document
  • Property tax statement (current within 45 days of final payment date).

If you do not present an acceptable ID and, if necessary, proof of residence, you may cast a provisional ballot. In order for your provisional ballot to count, you must provide ID at your county Auditor’s Office by 12:00 noon on the Monday after Election Day for most elections. The specific deadline will be provided to you at the time of your casting the provisional ballot.

No. However, you will receive a Voter ID Card for free, automatically in the mail, if you do not have a valid driver’s license or non-operator’s ID issued by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Be sure to sign your Voter ID Card upon receipt. To obtain a Voter ID Card, you need to register to vote in the county where you live. You may request an Iowa Voter ID Card by contacting your County Auditor’s office.

Iowa ID Requirements for Voting By Mail

You do not need a copy of ID to vote by mail, but you must include the ID number from your current Iowa driver’s license, nondriver’s identification card, or 4-digit PIN from your Voter Identification Card when you apply for your ballot.

If you do not remember your Voter ID PIN and do not have another approved form of identification, you should contact your county auditor’s office. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Any registered voter in Iowa may request an absentee ballot. No excuse is required.

You must include ID info when you apply for your ballot. You can use one of the following:

  • Iowa driver’s license number
  • Iowa non-operator ID number
  • Four-digit Voter PIN from your Voter Identification Card
    • If you do not have an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID number, you are mailed an Iowa Voter Identification Card at the time of registration

If you do not remember your Voter ID PIN and do not have another approved form of identification, you should contact your county auditor’s office.

If it is your first time voting in a federal election in Iowa: 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.

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

If the affidavit envelope or the return envelope marked with the affidavit contains a defect, the Commissioner of Elections must notify you immediately (and within 24 hours if the affidavit is missing your signature).

In order for your ballot to be counted, you may then:

  • complete the affidavit in person at your Commissioner’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day,
  • appear in person at your polling place on Election Day and cast a ballot, OR
  • request a replacement ballot in person, in writing, or over the telephone and submit your completed replacement ballot to the Commissioner’s office before the polls close on Election Day.

Find your local Auditor’s Office.