Kentucky

Registered voters in Kentucky need to confirm their identity when they vote in person. There are several forms of identification you can use.

Is out-of-state ID accepted?

Sometimes!
You can present a photo ID issued by another state if you use a Voter Affirmation Form

Is student ID accepted?

Sometimes!
You can use a student ID if it shows your photo and name

Is an expired ID accepted?

Yes!
You can use an expired ID

Learn About Voting In Person
Learn About Voting By Mail
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Kentucky ID Requirements for Voting In Person

ACCEPTABLE ID

Your ID must show your name and photo, and must be issued by one of the following:

  • United States or Commonwealth of Kentucky
  • United States Department of Defense, a branch of the uniformed services, the Merchant Marines, or Kentucky National Guard
  • Public or private college, university, or postgraduate technical or professional school located within the United States 
  • Any government entity located within Kentucky 

REASONABLE IMPEDIMENT DECLARATION

If you do not have or are unable to provide one of the above IDs, you may cast a ballot if you:

  • Are eligible to vote
  • Are entitled to vote in that precinct
  • Sign a sworn “Voter Affirmation Form” (See the FAQ for more info)

You must have one of the following impediments to getting an acceptable photo ID:

  • Lack of transportation
  • Inability to provide a copy of proof of identification or to obtain necessary documents (like a birth certificate)
  • Work schedule
  • Lost or stolen identification
  • Disability or illness (including risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19)
  • Family responsibilities
  • ID has been applied for but not yet received
  • Religious objection to being photographed

You must also provide one of the following to the election officer:

  • Your Social Security Card 
  • Any ID issued by a county in Kentucky that’s been approved by the State Board of Elections (must show your name) 
  • Any ID card with your photograph (must show your name)
  • Any food stamp ID card, electronic benefits transfer card, or supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP) card issued by Kentucky (must show your name) or
  • A credit or debit card (must show your name)
Download info card INFORMACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL

Frequently Asked Questions

If: 

  • You do not have a valid operator’s license or a commercial driver’s license
  • You will be 18 on or before the next regular election

You are eligible to receive a Kentucky personal ID at no cost. 

VoteRiders can help you apply for a free ID and secure any documents that you need. Get free help now!

A reasonable impediment is any valid reason that is beyond your control and creates an obstacle to getting an acceptable photo ID. 

You can vote in Kentucky if you sign a sworn Reasonable Impediment Declaration that states: 

  • You are a citizen of the United States
  • Your date of birth to the best of your knowledge and belief
  • You are qualified to vote in that precinct
  • Your name as you’re generally known or per your voter registration card
  • You have not voted and will not vote in any other precinct
  • Your current residential address or address prior to registration deadline & date you moved
  • Your understanding that making a false statement on the affirmation is punishable under penalties of perjury
  • You have one of the following impediments to getting one of the required photo IDs:

    • Lack of transportation
    • Inability to provide a copy of proof of identification or to obtain necessary documents (like a birth certificate)
    • Work schedule
    • Lost or stolen identification
    • Disability or illness
    • Family responsibilities
    • ID has been applied for but not yet received
    • Religious objection to being photographed

In addition to signing the declaration, you must present one of the following to the election officer: 

  • Your Social Security Card 
  • Any ID issued by a county in Kentucky  that’s been approved by the State Board of Elections (must show your name) 
  • Any ID card with your photograph (must show your name)
  • Any food stamp ID card, electronic benefit transfer card, or supplemental nutrition assistance card issued by Kentucky (must show your name) or
  • A credit or debit card (must show your name) 

Registered Kentucky voters must show ID at the polls to vote.

If you are a registered voter but do not present an acceptable ID at the polling place, your identity can be confirmed by personal acquaintance with an election official who signs an affirmation.

Otherwise, if you are unable to provide proof of ID, you may cast a provisional ballot for federal elected offices only.

To do so, you must conform to federal law for first-time voters (check the rules here) and sign a written affirmation in front of an election official. This affirmation should state that you are a registered voter and eligible to vote in the election.

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

You do not need a REAL ID to vote in Kentucky.

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.

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

No. Also, the State Board of Electors advised that you would not be able to show a photocopy of your ID; however, depending on where you live, your county officials may allow you to do so.

Kentucky ID Requirements for Voting By Mail

Only certain voters are eligible to vote absentee in Kentucky.

You must provide a copy of acceptable ID when you apply for your ballot.

REQUEST YOUR BALLOT

Frequently Asked Questions

To be qualified to vote by mail-in/absentee ballot, you must be: 

  • Unable to appear because of age, illness or disability, but not declared mentally disabled by a court
  • Military personnel, your dependents, or overseas citizens 
  • Temporarily residing out of state but still eligible to vote in Kentucky 
  • A student who temporarily resides outside the county
  • Incarcerated but not yet convicted of a crime 
  • Prevented from voting in person at the polls on Election Day and from casting an in-person absentee ballot (aka “early voting”) in the county clerk’s office on all days in-person absentee voting is conducted because of your employment location 
  • Changing or have changed your place of residence to a different state where the registration books are closed before an election for President and Vice President,
    • You may cast a mail-in/absentee ballot for those offices
  •  A participant in the Secretary of State’s crime victim address confidentiality protection program

Yes, any form of ID that works for voting in person will be accepted.

No, but the signature on your absentee ballot must match your signature on file with the state.

If election officials determine the signature on your absentee ballot does not match your signature on file with the state, they must make a reasonable effort to contact and advise you of the timeframe and manner in which you may cure (correct) your signature. All signature cures must be completed before the closing of the polls on the day of a primary or an election. Ballots with unsigned detachable flaps or outer envelopes must be rejected automatically.

KENTUCKY SECRETARY OF STATE (PDF)