Idaho

Voters in Idaho need to show photo ID to confirm their identity when they vote in person.

If you don’t have an acceptable photo ID, there may be other ways you can confirm your identity.

Most voters do not need a copy of their ID to vote by mail.

Starting July 1, 2023: You must provide proof of ID and proof of residency when you register to vote in Idaho. Check the state’s new voter registration requirements! 

Important Update

Starting July 1, 2023: You must provide both photo ID and proof of residency when you register to vote in Idaho. Check the state’s new voter registration requirements!

Idaho ID Requirements for Voting In Person

ACCEPTABLE PHOTO ID

You can use the following photo IDs:

  • Idaho driver’s license
  • Idaho state ID
  • US Passport or Federal photo ID card
  • Tribal ID card
  • License to carry a concealed weapon issued by a county sheriff in Idaho

Additionally: See the “Voter Registration Requirements” section below for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Registered Idaho voters must show a photo ID to vote at the polls.

If you are a registered voter and do not bring an acceptable ID to the polling place, you may sign a sworn statement and vote a regular ballot.

Get in touch with VoteRiders if you have questions or need free help securing ID.

You do not need a Star Card to vote in Idaho.

A Star Card is a state-issued ID that meets REAL ID requirements under federal law.

Your driver’s license or state ID card will show a gold star if it is a Star Card.

Get in touch with VoteRiders if you have questions or need free help securing ID.

 

After July 1, 2023, any Idaho resident who is 18 years or older and has not had a current Idaho driver’s license in the last 6 months can receive a free state identification card if they indicate that they need the ID in order to register to vote or to vote. To apply you must provide:

  • proof of Idaho residency (e.g. lease or rental agreement, utility bill, school enrollment records) and 
  • proof of age and identity (e.g. birth certificate, passport, naturalization documents)
  • proof of US citizenship (if the DMV does not already have a scanned record of US citizenship on file)

Get in touch with VoteRiders if you have questions or need free help securing ID or underlying documents to apply for ID.

You may register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day only on Election Day at your local precinct polling place. You must show one of the following as acceptable ID and proof of residence (dated at least 30 days prior to Election Day), which are partly different from regular in-person voting:

  • Idaho driver’s license or Idaho ID card issued through the department of transportation; or
  • Any document showing your name and home address in the precinct plus any photo ID; or
  • For students of an Idaho post-secondary educational institution: a current student photo ID with a current fee statement from your school showing your address in the precinct.

Whether you can show an acceptable ID on your electronic device depends on the county where you reside and vote. However, you may sign a Personal Identification Affidavit at your polling place and vote a regular ballot if you are unable to present an acceptable form of photo identification.

Idaho ID Requirements for Voting By Mail

Any registered Idaho voter may request an absentee ballot. No excuse is required.

You do not need to include a copy of ID to vote by mail in Idaho.

BUT: If it is your first time voting in a federal election in Idaho, please see the federal ID requirements for first-time voters. A federal election is when you vote for the President, your Congressional Representative or your Senators.

Additionally: See the “Voter Registration Requirements” section below for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any registered Idaho voter may request an absentee ballot. No excuse is required.

No, you do not need to include a copy of ID to vote by mail in Idaho.

BUT: If it is your first time voting in a federal election in Idaho, please see the federal ID requirements for first-time voters. A federal election is when you vote for the President, your Congressional Representative or your Senators.

No, but the signature on your mail-in ballot must match your signature on file with the state.

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

Voter Registration Requirements

Idaho requires voters to present both proof of identity and proof of residency when registering to vote. 

To prove your identity you must provide one of the following types of unexpired photo ID:

  • Idaho driver’s license or state ID card
  • Passport or other ID card issued by an agency of the federal government
  • Tribal identification card
  • Idaho license or enhanced license to carry concealed weapons

To prove your residency you must provide one of the following types of ID which must list your name and Idaho physical address (i.e. cannot be a P.O. Box):

  • Any of the types of photo ID that can be used to prove identity
  • Current proof of insurance
  • Deed, mortgage, rental agreement or lease
  • Property tax assessment, bill or receipt
  • Utility bill (except cell phone bill)
  • Pay-stub, pay check, government-issued check
  • Intake document from residential or assisted living facility licensed in Idaho
  • Enrollment paperwork for the current school year by a high school, college or university located in Idaho
  • A letter on letterhead from a public or private social service agency registered with the secretary of state verifying that the applicant is homeless and confirming the applicant’s residence for registration purposes.

FEDERAL VOTER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS