Michigan

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Michigan requests photo ID to vote in person. If you don’t have an accepted ID, there is another way to confirm your identity. Check below for your options! Most voters do not need a copy of their ID to vote by mail.

1 Check ID Rules

Voting in Person

Michigan requests photo ID to vote in person. You can vote without an ID if you sign a form confirming your identity (called an affidavit). 

Accepted Photo IDs

You can show:
Ok if expired

  • Michigan driver’s license
  • Michigan state ID card

Must be unexpired

  • ID issued by US government or any state 
  • US passport or passport card 
  • Student ID from accredited high school or higher education institution 
  • Military identification
  • Tribal identification

Voting by Mail 

Any registered voter can request an absent voter ballot in Michigan. You don’t have to give a reason why you can’t vote in person.

Requesting an Absent Voter Ballot

You must provide the following ID numbers if you request your ballot online:

  • Michigan driver’s license or state ID card number (if you have one)
  • Last 4 digits of Social Security number

You do not need to provide this information if you complete a paper request form or request your ballot at your local clerk’s office. Your signature on your request form will be compared to your voter registration record before a ballot is issued.

Returning an Absent Voter Ballot

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

 

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

If you don’t have a photo ID accepted for voting in Michigan, you can still vote a regular ballot. You must complete and sign an Affidavit of Voter Not in Possession of Picture Identification form to confirm your identity.

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

Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Michigan?
You must present a physical ID to vote in Michigan. You cannot use an image, copy, or digital ID when you are 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.

Applying for a REAL ID requires you to appear in person with a variety of documents to prove your identity.

Visit the Michigan Secretary of State website to find out exactly what is required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card.