North Dakota

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North Dakota requires ID to vote in person and an ID number to vote by mail.

1 Check ID Rules

IDs for Voting in Person

Option 1: Show ID

North Dakota requires voters to show ID.

Your ID must have:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Current address

You can show:

  • North Dakota driver’s license (Cannot be expired.)
  • North Dakota state ID card (Cannot be expired.)
  • Tribal identification or document (Check options here!)
  • Certificate from North Dakota long-term care facility(Check options here!)

Option 2: Show ID and additional information

If your ID from option 1 has missing or outdated information, you can bring an additional document to correct it.

You can show:

  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Paycheck
  • Document issued by Tribal government
  • Document issued by a college or university and student ID
  • Check or document issued by government (United States, North Dakota, or local)

Option 3: Vote Provisional Ballot & Return with ID

If you an’t show an accepted ID from options 1 or 2, ask to vote using a provisional ballot (called a “set-aside ballot”).

Provisional ballots are a backup option to make sure eligible voters are not turned away.

Your provisional ballot counts if:

IDs for Voting by Mail

Requesting Your Ballot

Any North Dakota voter can request an absentee ballot.

Provide one of the following to request your ballot: 

Alternative Options:

  • Voters who cannot provide ID because of a disability can have another North Dakota voter sign their application to confirm their identity.
  • Uniform service members and their immediate family can use their passport or military ID.
  • Voters living outside the United States can use their passport. 

 

Returning Your 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You have to confirm your identity with ID to vote in person.

You can:

  • Show acceptable ID and vote a regular ballot.
  • Vote a provisional ballot and return with accepted ID.
Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in North Dakota?

You must show a physical ID at the polls.

You cannot use an image, copy, digital, or mobile ID.

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

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

“REAL ID” is a set of national security standards for states to follow when they issue driver’s licenses and state ID cards.

How to get a “REAL ID” in North Dakota:

  • You must appear in person to apply for your driver’s license or ID card.
  • You must bring a variety of documents to prove your identity.
  • Visit the North Dakota DOT website to check what you need.
Updated: August 2026