Michigan
1 Check ID Rules
Voter ID in Michigan
Michigan has different rules for:
🗳️ Voting in Person
✉️ Voting by Mail
IDs for Voting in Person
Michigan requests a photo ID to vote in person. If you don’t have one, you can still vote a regular ballot by signing a form that confirms your identity (called an affidavit).
Option 1: Show an accepted photo ID
You can show (expired is OK):
- Michigan driver’s license
- Michigan state ID card
You can show (must be unexpired):
- ID issued by the US government or any state
- US passport or passport card
- Student ID from an accredited high school or higher education institution
- Military identification
- Tribal identification
Option 2: Vote without a photo ID
If you don’t have an accepted photo ID, you can still vote a regular ballot by confirming your identity in writing.
How it works:
- Tell the poll worker you don’t have a photo ID with you.
- Complete and sign an Affidavit of Voter Not in Possession of Picture Identification.
- Vote a regular ballot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have the right ID to vote in Michigan?
You can still vote a regular ballot without a photo ID.
Complete and sign an Affidavit of Voter Not in Possession of Picture Identification to confirm your identity.
Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Michigan?
You must show a physical ID at the polls.
You cannot use an image, copy, or digital ID when voting in person.
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Michigan?
You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in Michigan.
“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.
How to get a “REAL ID” in Michigan:
- You must appear in person to apply for your driver’s license or ID card.
- You must bring a variety of documents to prove your identity.
- Visit the Michigan Secretary of State website to check what you need.
IDs for Voting by Mail
Any registered Michigan voter can request an absent voter ballot. You don’t have to give a reason why you can’t vote in person.
To request your ballot online, you must give:
- Michigan driver’s license or state ID card number (if you have one)
- Last 4 digits of Social Security number
You can request your ballot online here.
You do not need these numbers if you request on paper or in person.
If you complete a paper request form or request your ballot at your local clerk’s office, your signature will be compared to your voter registration record before a ballot is issued.
You do not need to include ID with your completed ballot.
The signature on your ballot envelope will be compared to the one on file with the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to include an ID with my absent voter ballot?
Can I fix my Michigan mail ballot if it is rejected?
You must be notified if your ballot is missing your signature, or if the signature on it does not match your signature in state records.
What to do:
- Your local clerk will contact you to explain why your ballot was rejected and how to fix it so it counts.
- You can track your ballot’s status on Michigan’s Department of State website.
