Nebraska

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Nebraska requires photo ID to vote in person. You need to provide ID information or a copy of accepted ID to vote by mail. Check below for your options!

1 Check ID Rules

Voting in Person

Nebraska requires photo ID to vote in person.

Accepted Photo IDs

Your photo ID must meet ALL THREE of the following requirements

  1. Show your name;
  2. Show your photo; AND
  3. Be issued by one of the following entities:
  • The federal government
  • The state of Nebraska or a political subdivision of the state of Nebraska (e.g. county
  • A college or university within Nebraska
  • The US Department of Defense
  • A branch of the military
  • The US Department of Veterans Affairs (formerly called the Veterans Administration)
  • A hospital, assisted living facility, nursing home, hospice, developmental disability care provider, or skilled care facility
  • Your ID does not have to show your address or an expiration date.

Examples of accepted IDs (with your photo and name listed) include:

  • Nebraska drivers license
  • Nebraska state identification card
  • Student ID from a college or university in Nebraska
  • Student ID from a public high school in Nebraska
  • Military ID
  • Veterans ID
  • Nursing home ID

Voting by Mail

Any registered voter may request an early-voting (absentee) ballot. No excuse is required.

You must submit your absentee ballot application by the close of business on the second Friday before the election.

Absentee Ballot Request

To request an absentee ballot you must provide ONE of the following: 

  • The identification number of your Nebraska driver’s license or state identification card
  • A photocopy of  accepted photo ID
  • A reasonable impediment certificate indicating one of the following three reasons for not providing photo ID:
    • Disability or illness
    • Lack of a birth certificate or other documents required to get an ID
    • Religious objection to being photographed  

If you do not provide ID or a reasonable impediment certificate when requesting an absentee ballot, the election commissioner or county clerk will contact you and let you know that they cannot issue the ballot until you provide either.

Absentee Ballot

Most voters do not need to include any form of ID with their absentee ballot.

Note that the signature on your ballot must match your signature on file with the state.

If you live in a county where absentee ballots are automatically mailed to all voters, election officials will inform you if you need to include ID with your ballot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a free ID in Nebraska?

You can get a free Nebraska state ID card if you meet all of the following:

  • You are requesting the state ID card to use it to vote
  • You do not have a valid Nebraska driver’s license
  • You are at least 18 years old (or 17 years old and will turn 18 before the second Tuesday in November of the year in which you apply)

Find out how to apply for a state ID card here.

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

Some voters will be able to vote without a photo ID if they have a reason for not having acceptable ID called a “reasonable impediment”.

There are three exceptions to the requirement that all Nebraska voters must present an acceptable ID to vote. 

You do not have to show photo ID to vote if you do not have an ID due to:

  1. Disability or illness
  2. Lack of a birth certificate or other documents required to get an ID
  3. Religious objection to being photographed 

If you qualify for one of these exceptions you must fill out a form called a reasonable impediment certificate in order to have your ballot counted.

Other registered Nebraska voters who can’t present an accepted photo ID at the polls have to cast a provisional ballot. You must take extra steps for your ballot to count. 

Learn more here!  (link to “Vote” section) 

Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Nebraska?

You must present a physical ID to vote in Nebraska. You cannot use an image, copy, or digital ID when you are voting in person.

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

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

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.