Voter ID in Arkansas

Arkansas is a strict voter ID state.

You are required to show an acceptable photo ID to confirm your identity when voting in person. 

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!

To vote absentee in Arkansas, you need to be a registered voter and unable to go to your polling place for an acceptable reason.

You must include a copy of acceptable photo ID when you return your absentee ballot.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!


Changing Your Legal Name

You must file a formal request with your county’s Circuit Court Clerk’s Office to change your name in Arkansas.

If the court approves your name change, you will receive a court order that can be used to update the name on your ID documents.

Submit a request to the Arkansas Department of Health to amend your birth certificate.

To change the name on your Arkansas birth certificate, you will need to provide:

  • Birth Certificate Application form (PDF)
  • certified copy of your name-change court order
  • copy of your original birth certificate
  • copy of your government-issued photo ID that includes your current address and signature
  • payment of applicable fee(s)

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

You must update your name with the Social Security Administration before you can change it on an Arkansas driver’s license or state ID card.

Visit a DFA Revenue Office to update your driver’s license or state ID.

Bring a certified copy of your name-change court order or other documents demonstrating your name change.


Updating Gender Markers

Submit a request to the Arkansas Department of Health to amend your birth certificate.

To apply for an updated Arkansas birth certificate, you will need to provide:

  • Birth Certificate Application form (PDF)
  • certified copy of a court order indicating that you have undergone gender affirmation surgery
  • copy of your original birth certificate
  • copy of your government-issued photo ID that includes your current address and signature
  • payment of applicable fee(s)

You may be requested to also provide a signed physician’s letter confirming that you have undergone gender affirmation surgery

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

Arkansas allows residents to mark M, F, or X on their driver’s license or state ID.

The state’s Office of Driver Services will change the gender marker on your license or ID upon request.

Visit a DFA Revenue Office and submit a completed Driver’s License Gender Designation Form (PDF – Appendix, Page 34).

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RESOURCE

Arkansas Transgender Equity Collaborative guide (PDF)


 

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