North Carolina

Registered voters do not need to provide an ID when they vote in person, except for some first-time voters.

You need to provide ID information when you apply to vote by mail.

Note: North Carolina’s voter ID law is currently under litigation. VoteRiders is tracking developments closely and will post updates as new court decisions or regulations come into effect.

Is out-of-state ID accepted?

Yes!
No ID is required to vote in North Carolina

Is student ID accepted?

Yes!
No ID is required to vote in North Carolina

Is an expired ID accepted?

Yes!
No ID is required to vote in North Carolina

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North Carolina ID Requirements for Voting In Person

You do not need to show ID when you vote in person.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

You may register to vote and cast an in-person absentee ballot, on the same day, only during the early voting period (called “same day registration”) at your county’s designated early voting location. There is no same day registration and voting on Election Day itself. You must show the following acceptable ID and proof of residence:

  • North Carolina driver’s license or other photo ID issued by a government agency, provided it includes your name and address.
  • A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document showing your name and address.
  • A current college/university photo ID card paired with proof of campus-related residential address. 

North Carolina ID Requirements for Voting By Mail

Any registered North Carolina voter can request an absentee ballot. No excuse is required.

You must provide ID information (North Carolina Driver’s License number or North Carolina State ID number) in order to apply to vote by mail.

You must have the signature of one witness or an authorized official on your absentee ballot envelope.

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Frequently Asked Questions

You must provide one of the following:

  • North Carolina driver’s license number
  • North Carolina non-operator ID card number

Voters who do not provide one of these two numbers must vote in person.

No, but the signature on your mail-in ballot must match your signature on file with the state.

You must have the signature of two witnesses or one notary public on your absentee ballot envelope. They should only observe you marking your ballot, not how you vote.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS