Mississippi

Registered voters in Mississippi need to confirm their identity with a photo ID when they vote in person.

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

These voter ID rules are in addition to the requirements for proving your identity and residency when you register to vote. Learn more

Is out-of-state ID accepted?

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

Is student ID accepted?

Sometimes!
You can use a student ID issued by a post-high school institution accredited by Mississippi.

Is an expired ID accepted?

Sometimes!
You can use an ID expired up to 10 years if it was issued by federal or state government entity.

Mississippi ID Requirements for Voting In Person

ACCEPTABLE PHOTO ID

You can use one of the following IDs if they show your name and photo:

  • Driver’s license
  • ID issued by issued by branch, department, agency or entity of the United States or any state government
  • US. Passport
  • Government employee ID card
  • Firearms license
  • Tribal ID
  • Military ID
  • Student ID issued by a university, college, community or junior college accredited by Mississippi

You can use an ID that has been expired up to 10 years as long as it was validly issued by the federal or a state government.

If you are registered to vote but don’t have one of the photo IDs listed above, you are eligible to receive a Mississippi Voter ID from the state. You can use this photo ID card to cast your ballot. Check the FAQs below to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are a registered voter and do not have a photo ID that is acceptable for voting, you are eligible to receive a free photo ID from the state. You can get your Mississippi Voter ID card from your Circuit Clerk’s office.

The cards are issued free of charge but you must provide a document to prove your identity. If you don’t have one, the clerk may verify birth information if you provide your date of birth, the state where you were born, and your mother’s maiden name.

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

Registered voters in Mississippi need to confirm their identity with a photo ID when they vote in person.

If you are a registered voter but do not present a valid ID at the polling place, you may cast an affidavit ballot. In order for your affidavit ballot to be counted, you must present an acceptable form of ID at the Circuit Clerk’s office within five business days after 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 Mississippi.

Your driver’s license or state ID card will show a gold star if it meets REAL ID requirements under federal law.

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

Yes, voters who have downloaded the state’s Mobile ID app on their Apple and Android smartphones can show their stored MS driver’s license or state-issued ID as an acceptable voter photo ID when voting in person.

Mississippi ID Requirements for Voting By Mail

Only certain voters are eligible to vote absentee in Mississippi.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Only certain voters are able to vote absentee in Mississippi .

To be qualified, you must be:

  • Member of the Armed Forces
    • Spouse and dependents are also qualified to vote absentee
  • Member of the Merchant Marine or the American Red Cross
    • Spouse and dependents are also qualified to vote absentee
  •  Disabled war veteran who is a patient in any hospital
    • Spouse and dependents are also qualified to vote absentee
  • Civilian attached to any branch of the Armed Forces, Merchant Marine, or American Red Cross and serving outside the United States
    •  Spouse and dependents are also qualified to vote absentee
  • Temporarily residing outside the territorial limits of the United States and the District of Columbia
  • Student, teacher, or administrator whose employment or studies necessitate their absence from county of voting residence
    • Spouse and dependents residing with you are also qualified to vote absentee
  • Outside county of residence on Election Day
  • Temporarily or permanently physically disabled
  • Sixty-five (65) years of age or older
  • Parent, spouse, or dependent of a person having a temporary or permanent physical disability who is hospitalized outside their county of residence or 50+ miles away from his/her residence
    • You must be with that person on Election Day
  •  Member of the Mississippi Congressional delegation
    • Spouse and dependents are also qualified to vote absentee
  •  Required to be at work on Election Day during the times at which the polls will be open

No, you do not need to include ID with your ballot request.

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

Applications must be notarized or sworn and subscribed to by another official authorized to witness absentee balloting. The applications of voters who have a temporary or permanent disability may instead be witnessed and signed by any adult.

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

If your absentee ballot is rejected and there is a signature match issue, election officials must notify you within one business day (either by mail, email, or fax) in order to give you an opportunity to correct it.

You will then have 10 calendar days after the election to submit a completed “Absentee Cure Form.” so your ballot can be counted.