Hawaii
1 Check ID Rules
Voting in Person
Hawaii does not require ID to vote in person.
Voters are encouraged to bring ID with them to facilitate check in at the voting center, but voters who do not bring ID can have their identity verified without it.
If a voter chooses to show ID, they can use an unexpired photo ID such as:
- Hawaii driver’s license
- Hawaii state ID card
- Hawaii student identification
- Military identification
- US passport or passport card
You can also provide a non-photo ID document that shows your name and address such as:
- Current utility bill
- Bank statement
- Government check
- Paycheck
- Government document
If you do not bring ID, you might instead be asked to recite your name, address, and date of birth. If this information matches the poll book, you may vote a regular ballot. You can also have another registered voter confirm your identity.
Voting by Mail
All registered Hawaii voters receive their ballots by mail before each election. There is no need to request your ballot and no excuse is required to vote by mail.
ID is not required to vote by mail in Hawaii. The signature on your mail-in ballot must match your signature on file with the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have the right ID to vote in Hawaii?
Hawaii voters have several options for confirming their identity. ID is not required to vote in person or by mail.
If you are asked for ID by a poll worker and cannot present one, you might be asked to recite your name, address, and date of birth.
The information you provide will be compared to your information in the poll book. If it does not match, you will be required to sign a written affirmation (confirming your address and date of birth) and vote a provisional ballot.
Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Hawaii?
No. However, if you are asked to present ID and do not have an original ID to present, rather than present an electronic copy, you can instead provide your name and address or have another registered voter verify your identity.
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Hawaii?
You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in Hawaii.
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.
Hawaii only issues REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state IDs.
If you need to renew your state photo ID or driver’s license (or apply for a new one) you must go through the REAL ID process.
Get in touch with VoteRiders if you have questions or need free help securing ID.
Is same day registration and voting available?
You may register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day during any early voting period through Election Day. Registering and voting in this manner must be done at a county Voter Service Center. You must present an acceptable ID.
2 Register
Hawaii Voter Registration Requirements
You must register before you can vote in Hawaii.
You are eligible to vote in Hawaii if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You are a resident of Hawaii.
- You are at least 18 years of age on Election Day.
You cannot register to vote in Hawaii if:
- You are serving a felony sentence.
- You have been declared incapacitated by a court of law.
To register to vote:
- You must provide your driver’s license number or state ID number if you have one.
- If you do not have either of these IDs, you can use the last 4 digits of your Social Security number (SSN).
- If you do not have a Social Security number, then leave that space blank on your registration form.
If you don’t provide any of these numbers or the state can’t match the number you provide to official records, you will have to show an accepted form of ID the first time you vote.
- If you vote in person, present an accepted form of ID at the polls.
- If you vote by mail, provide a copy of an accepted form of ID with your mail ballot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register and vote on the same day in Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii has same-day voter registration. Same-day registration allows you to register and vote on the same day. You can also use it to update your voter registration information.
The deadline to register to vote in Hawaii is 8 days before Election Day.
If this registration deadline has passed, same-day registration is available in Hawaii during early voting and on Election Day.
You will be asked to show an accepted form of ID to confirm your identity.
Can I register to vote in Hawaii if I have been convicted of a crime?
Each state has its own laws about whether citizens with previous criminal convictions can vote.
To check your eligibility to register to vote in Hawaii use Restore Your Vote.
You can also learn more by reading this blog post: Can People Convicted of a Felony Vote in the United States?
Can I register to vote in Hawaii if I attend college in Hawaii?
College students are allowed to vote using their Hawaii school residence address. You can decide if you prefer to register in your home state or in Hawaii if you attend school there. You may only be registered and vote in one location.
Register to Vote in Hawaii
Submit the form below to register in Hawaii.
Don’t have a state-issued ID? VoteRiders is here to help!
3 Vote
Voting in Person
Hawaii does not require ID to vote in person.
Voters are encouraged to bring ID with them to facilitate check in at the voting center, but voters who do not bring ID can have their identity verified without it.
Voting by Mail
All registered Hawaii voters receive their ballots by mail before each election. There is no need to request your ballot and no excuse is required to vote by mail.
ID is not required to vote by mail in Hawaii. The signature on your mail-in ballot must match your signature on file with the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix my Hawaii mail ballot if it is rejected?
If there are errors on the return envelope containing your voted ballot (for example: if it is unsigned or your signatures do not match), you will be notified by first class mail, telephone, or email.
You must “cure” (fix) the deficiency no later than five business days after the date of the election for your ballot to be counted.
