North Dakota

Voters in North Dakota must show ID when they vote in person.

If you do not present an acceptable ID at the polling place, your ballot will be set aside. You must take additional steps in order for your ballot to be counted.

In order for your ballot to be counted:

• you must return with a valid ID to the polling place before the polls close on Election Day

OR

• you can bring a valid ID to the office of your area’s elections administrator before the meeting of the canvassing board. This is typically on the sixth day after the election.

You do not need a REAL ID to vote in North Dakota.

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

• North Dakota REAL ID info
• North Dakota REAL ID document list

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

In-person services are available by appointment only.

• FAQ about COVID-19

No. The state has not passed any law nor provided any guidance as to whether poll workers and other election officials can rely on an image of your ID on your mobile or other electronic device instead of a physical ID.

Any voter in North Dakota can vote by mail. No excuse is required but you must request a ballot.

You must include the following when you apply for an absentee/mail ballot: 

• The identification number from an acceptable form of ID:
  • Current North Dakota driver’s license
  • Current North Dakota non-driver’s ID card
  • Tribal government-issued ID
• If this ID does not include your legal name, current address, and date of birth – you can supplement this information with: : 
  • Current utility bill
  • Current bank statement
  • Document or check issued by a federal, state or local government
  • Paycheck

OR

• If you are a uniformed service member or their immediate family member temporarily serving away from your residence in North Dakota: 
  • You may use a current military ID or passport 
• If you are a resident of North Dakota temporarily living outside the country 
  • You may use a passport 
• If you are an individual living in a long-term care facility: 
  • You may use a long-term care certificate prescribed by the secretary of state and issued by a long-term care facility in North Dakota
• If you are a voter living with a disability that prevents you from traveling away from their home:
  • You must include signature on an absentee/mail ballot application from another qualified North Dakota voter, who, by signing, certifies that you are qualified to vote in that precinct.

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

An election official must notify you if your signatures on the absentee ballot application and the affidavit on your returned ballot envelope do not appear to match. The notification will advise that the signature verification of your absentee ballot must be completed by the close of the meeting of the canvassing board, which occurs six (6) days following election day.

You may confirm the validity of the signatures by written communication or personal visit to the office of the election official administering the election. Whether you confirm by written communication or through a personal visit to the election official, you must provide the identification used when applying for your ballot.