Louisiana

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Louisiana requests you show photo ID to vote in person. If you don’t have an accepted ID, there is another way to confirm your identity. Check below for your options! Most voters do not need a copy of their ID to vote by mail.

1 Check ID Rules

Voting in Person

Louisiana requests photo ID to vote in person. You can vote without an ID if you sign a form confirming your identity (called a Voter Identification Affidavit).

Accepted Photo IDs

You can show:
Ok if expired 

  • Louisiana driver’s license 
  • Louisiana state ID card
  • Digital license via LA Wallet app
  • Military identification 
  • Other generally recognized photo ID with your signature

Voting by Mail 

Absentee ballots in Louisiana are only for some voters. 

Reasons you can vote by absentee ballot include:

  • Not being in your parish during early voting or on Election Day
  • Physical disability or illness 
  • Being age 65 or older 

Check the FAQ “Who can vote absentee in Louisiana?” below for the full list of reasons accepted by the state. 

Requesting an Absentee Ballot

You must provide an ID number if you request an absentee ballot online. You can use: 

    • Louisiana driver’s license number
    • Louisiana state ID card number

You do not need to provide this information if you complete a paper request form or request your ballot at your parish’s registrar of voters office.

Specific absentee voters are required to provide additional documents:

  • Voters who are disabled, home-bound, or living in a care facility should complete a disability application form.
  • First-time student voters must include a copy of student ID or fee bill.
  • Voters who are hospitalized, incarcerated, or sequestered on a jury must include proof of their status.

Returning an Absentee Ballot

You do not need to include ID with your completed ballot. However, your absentee ballot must be signed by an adult witness for it to be counted.

The signature on your ballot envelope will also be compared to your signature on file with the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What if I don’t have the right ID to vote in  Louisiana ?

Voters without an accepted photo ID can still vote in Louisiana. You must complete and sign a Voter Identification Affidavit to confirm your identity. You will be asked to provide your name, address, date of birth, and mother’s maiden name (if known).

This process is subject to challenge by election officials.

Learn more here!  (link to “Vote” section)  

Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Louisiana ?

Yes, but only using the LA Wallet app from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in  Louisiana ?

You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in Louisiana.

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 Louiaiana OMV website to find out exactly what is required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card.

Who can vote absentee in  Louisiana ?

In Louisiana, you have to give a specific reason for voting by absentee ballot.

The following reasons are accepted:

  • You are temporarily away from your parish during early voting and on Election Day.
  • You living outside of your parish to attend or teach at an institution of higher education (including spouse and dependents)
  • You are clergy member assigned outside your parish (including spouse and dependents).
  • You move more than 100 miles from your parish after the voter registration deadline.
  • You are involuntarily confined for mental treatment outside your parish.
  • You are hospitalized during early voting and Election Day.
  • Offshore or expecting to be offshore during early voting and Election Day.
  • You are incarcerated or expecting to be incarcerated for a non-felony conviction.
  • You are participating in an address confidentiality program
  • You are a member of a sequestered jury during early voting and Election Day.
  • You are at 65 years of age or older.
  • You are physically disabled, ill, home-bound, or living in a care facility