Louisiana

I am a...
Louisiana requests you show photo ID to vote in person. If you don’t have an accepted ID, there is another way to confirm your identity. Check below for your options! Most voters do not need a copy of their ID to vote by mail.

1 Check ID Rules

Voting in Person

Option 1: Photo ID

Accepted Photo IDs

You can show:
Ok if expired.

  • Louisiana driver’s license 
  • Louisiana state ID card
  • US passport book
  • Military identification 
  • Certificate of Citizenship (must have signature)
  • Certificate of Naturalization (must have signature)
  • Tribal identification issued by Tribe recognized by US or Louisiana government (must have signature)

Option 2: 2 Primary Documents

If you do not have an accepted photo ID, you can show two documents from the primary list.

Option 3: 1 Primary Document + 1 Secondary Documents

If you do not have an accepted photo ID, you can show one document from the primary list and one documents from the secondary list.

Primary Document List

  • US Passport card
  • Social Security card
  • Tribal ID card issued by Tribe recognized by US or Louisiana government (without photo or signature)
  • US Veteran Health Identification card
  • Certified or original US birth certificate
  • Certificate of naturalization
  • Certificate of citizenship
  • Certificate of birth abroad issued by US Department of State
  • Birth registration card or certificate issued by the state office of vital statistics

Secondary Document List 

  • Voter registration notice 
  • Utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or pay stub, government check or government document with name and address (issued within 12 months)

Voting by Mail 

Absentee ballots in Louisiana are only for some voters. 

Reasons you can vote by absentee ballot include:

  • Not being in your parish during early voting or on Election Day
  • Physical disability or illness 
  • Being age 65 or older 

Check the FAQ “Who can vote absentee in Louisiana?” below for the full list of reasons accepted by the state. 

Requesting an Absentee Ballot

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

    • Louisiana driver’s license number
    • Louisiana state ID card number

You do not need to provide this information if you complete a paper request form or request your ballot at your parish’s registrar of voters office.

Specific absentee voters are required to provide additional documents:

  • Voters who are disabled, home-bound, or living in a care facility should complete a disability application form.
  • First-time student voters must include a copy of student ID or fee bill.
  • Voters who are hospitalized, incarcerated, or sequestered on a jury must include proof of their status.

Returning an Absentee Ballot

You do not need to include ID with your completed ballot. However, your absentee ballot must be signed by an adult witness for it to be counted.

The signature on your ballot envelope will also be compared to your signature on file with the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you do not have any form of accepted identification (a photo ID, primary, or secondary documents), you can:

  • Go to the Office of the Registrar of Voters in your parish by 8 PM on Election Day. 
  • Vote by casting a Conditional Ballot.
  • Return by 4 PM on the second day after Election Day with any form of accepted ID or documents. 
Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Louisiana ?

Contact your Parish for guidance.

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

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

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 Louiaiana OMV website to find out exactly what is required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card.

Who can vote absentee in Louisiana ?

In Louisiana, you have to give a specific reason for voting by absentee ballot.

The following reasons are accepted:

  • You are temporarily away from your parish during early voting and on Election Day.
  • You living outside of your parish to attend or teach at an institution of higher education (including spouse and dependents)
  • You are clergy member assigned outside your parish (including spouse and dependents).
  • You move more than 100 miles from your parish after the voter registration deadline.
  • You are involuntarily confined for mental treatment outside your parish.
  • You are hospitalized during early voting and Election Day.
  • Offshore or expecting to be offshore during early voting and Election Day.
  • You are incarcerated or expecting to be incarcerated for a non-felony conviction.
  • You are participating in an address confidentiality program
  • You are a member of a sequestered jury during early voting and Election Day.
  • You are at 65 years of age or older.
  • You are physically disabled, ill, home-bound, or living in a care facility