Michigan

Voters in Michigan need to show a photo ID to confirm their identity when voting 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.

Is out-of-state ID accepted?

Yes!
You can use an unexpired photo ID issued by any state

Is student ID accepted?

Yes!
You can use an unexpired student photo ID card

Is an expired ID accepted?

Sometimes!
See the list below for more details

Learn About Voting In Person
Learn About Voting By Mail
GET FREE HELP FROM VOTERIDERS

Michigan ID Requirements for Voting In Person

ACCEPTABLE PHOTO ID
NOTE: If you don’t have one of the photo IDs below, you can still vote.

You can use the following photo IDs:

  • Michigan driver’s license
  • Michigan personal ID card

You can use these photo IDs if unexpired:

  • Driver’s license or other ID issued by another state or federal government
  • US Passport
  • Military ID card
  • Student ID card from high school
  • Student ID card from accredited high school or post-high school institution
  • Tribal ID card

Even if you do not show a photo ID, you can still vote a regular ballot if you sign a simple form.

Download info card INFORMACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are a registered voter and do not bring or do not have an acceptable photo ID, you can still vote a regular ballot by signing an affidavit.

If you choose to vote a provisional ballot instead, your provisional ballot will be counted only if you provide your local city or township clerk (in person or by fax or mail) with a required ID document no later than the sixth calendar day after the election. Find your local clerk.

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 Michigan.

Your driver’s license or state ID card will show a star if it meets REAL ID requirements under federal law. You may also hear it called a “gold star” ID.

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

You may register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day, during any early voting period and on Election Day, at the office of your local election clerk’s office. You do not vote at your local polling place on Election Day unless you are already registered to vote.

You must show a document, including a digital copy, that provides your name and current address. Acceptable documents include:

  • Michigan driver’s license or state ID
  • Current utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Paycheck or government check
  • Other government document

Offices are open and offering services by appointments only. Read this alert from Michigan’s Secretary of State for more details.

Michigan ID Requirements for Voting By Mail

Michigan will mail absent voter ballot applications to all registered voters for the November 3 general election.

You do not need a copy of your ID to vote by mail.

BUT: If it is your first time voting in a federal election in Michigan, 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.

Your signature on the absent ballot request will be compared to your voter registration record before a ballot is issued.

REQUEST YOUR BALLOT

Frequently Asked Questions

No, but the signature on your absent ballot application will be compared to your voter registration record before a ballot is issued.

If you are voting for the first time in a federal election in Michigan, you may need to submit ID. Learn more about federal ID requirements for first-time voters.

If you need a copy and don’t have the means to print one: Get free help printing a copy of your ID.

 

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.

MICHIGAN SECRETARY OF STATE