Idaho

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Idaho requests photo ID to vote in person. If you do not have an accepted photo ID, there is an alternative way to confirm your identity. Most voters do not need a copy of their ID to vote by mail.

1 Check ID Rules

Voting in Person

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

Accepted Photo IDs

You can show:
Must be unexpired or show no expiration date

  • Idaho driver’s license 
  • Idaho state ID card 
  • Tribal identification 
  • US passport or passport card 
  • Other photo ID issued by US government

Voting by Mail 

Any registered voter can request an absentee ballot in Idaho. You don’t have to give a reason why you can’t vote in person.

Requesting an Absentee Ballot 

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

  • Idaho driver’s license number
  • Idaho state ID card number
  • Last 4 digits of Social Security number

You do not need to provide this information if you complete a paper request form or request your ballot at your county elections office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a free ID in Idaho?

You can get a free state ID card in Idaho.

The Idaho DMV issues state ID cards for free to residents who need it for voting purposes (including voter registration). You need to be at least 18 years old and must not have possessed a valid driver’s license for at least six months.

Request your free state ID at your county’s DMV office.

You will be required to provide proof of:

  • Age and identity (common examples: birth certificate, US passport, naturalization documents)
  • Any legal name changes
  • Idaho residency (common examples: a lease or rental agreement, utility bill, school enrollment records)
  • US citizenship (if DMV does not already have a scanned record on file)
What if I don’t have the right ID to vote in Idaho?

If you don’t have a photo ID accepted for voting in Idaho, you can still vote a regular ballot. You must complete and sign a Personal Identity Affidavit form to confirm your identity.

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

Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Idaho?
This varies by county. Contact your local election office to learn what is accepted where you live.
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Idaho?

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

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 Idaho Transportation Department website to find out exactly what is required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card (called a star card in Idaho).

Can you fix your absentee ballot if it is rejected?
There is no process to “cure” (fix) your ballot if it is rejected.