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Voter identification laws by state

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This page tracks voter identification (ID) laws by state. These laws require voters to present some form of identification at the polls. In some cases, the required identification must include a photo.

As of October 2025, 36 states required voters to present identification in order to vote at the polls on Election Day, but many states provide for exceptions to these rules. Of these states, 24 required voters to present identification containing a photograph, with certain exceptions, and 12 states did not explicitly require photo identification. The remaining 14 states did not generally require voters to present identification in order to vote at the polls on Election Day.

Valid forms of identification differ by state. Commonly accepted forms of ID include driver's licenses, state-issued identification cards, and military identification cards.

The federal Help America Vote Act requires that individuals in all 50 states who register to vote by mail and who have not voted previously in a federal election in their state must provide either their driver's license or a paycheck, bank statement, current utility bill, or government document showing their name and address. Individuals voting by mail must include a copy of one of those documents with their absentee/mail-in ballot.[1]

These requirements do not apply if an individual submitted a copy of their identification, their driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number when registering to vote.

In certain states that require voters to provide identification, there may be exceptions that allow some voters to cast a ballot without providing an ID.

In 16 states, some or all voters can sign an affidavit or a form in lieu of providing identification. Seven states allow election officials or other voters to vouch for a person's identity instead of an ID. And in four states, voters who live and vote in state-licensed nursing homes or care centers do not have to provide ID. Nine states do not have any exceptions to their voter ID laws. To see more about these exceptions, see details by state below.

Forty states allow voters to cast a provisional ballot if they are unable to provide identification at the polls. If a voter casts a provisional ballot and returns with identification, or if their identity is verified by another method, the ballot will count.

Use the links below to navigate the page:

Details by state

For detailed information on each state's voter ID laws, click the links below.


In the map below, states that require registered voters to present identification at the polls on Election Day or that require poll workers to request identification from a voter are classified as states requiring identification. Some of these states provide for exceptions to these requirements. See the table below the map for more details. Follow the links provided for additional information about voter identification in each state.

Several states that do not require identification generally require first-time voters to present identification at the polls. The federal Help America Vote Act requires that individuals in all 50 states who register to vote by mail and who have not voted previously in a federal election in their state must provide either their driver's license or a paycheck, bank statement, current utility bill, or government document showing their name and address. Individuals voting by mail must include a copy of one of those documents with their absentee/mail-in ballot.[2]

These requirements do not apply if an individual submitted a copy of their identification, their driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number when registering to vote.

Many states that require identification allow voters to cast provisional ballots if they do not have the required identification. Hover over each state in the map below for more details.

Voter ID laws in the United States
State Summary Details Exceptions Provisional ballots for voters without ID? Source
Alabama Photo ID required Alabama requires voters to present photo ID while voting. Accepted forms of identification include driver's licenses, student ID cards, and military IDs. A voter can obtain a free photo ID from the Alabama Secretary of State, a county registrar's office, or a mobile location, which changes daily. The mobile location schedule can be accessed here.[3][4] A voter who does not have a valid photo ID is permitted to vote if two election officials identify them as eligible to vote and sign an affidavit attesting to this fact.[5] Yes Link
Alaska Non-photo ID required Voters in Alaska must present a valid form of identification at the polls. Accepted forms of identification include driver's licenses, hunting or fishing licenses, or a current utility bill or paycheck, government check, bank statement, or other government-issued document with the voter's current address.[6] An election official may waive the voter ID requirement if the official knows the identity of the voter and the person is not a first-time voter who registered without providing identification.[7] Yes Link
Arizona Non-photo ID required In Arizona, a voter must present some form of identification at the polls. The identification does not necessarily need to include a photo. A voter can either present a photo ID that includes his or her name and registered address, or two forms of non-photo ID that include the voter's name and registered address. None Yes Link
Arkansas Photo ID required Arkansas has a photo ID requirement for voting purposes. The identification must include the voter’s name and photograph and must be issued by "the United States, the State of Arkansas, or an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the State of Arkansas."[8] A voter who resides in a long-term care or residential care facility licensed by the state is not required to provide identification when voting but does need to prove they are a resident.[9] Yes Link
California No ID required According to the Office of the California Secretary of State, "[i]n most cases, a California voter is not required to show identification to a polling place worker before casting a ballot," except as required by the Help America Vote Act.[10] No voter ID law No Link
Colorado Non-photo ID required Colorado voters must provide a valid form of identification if they choose to vote in person. The identification does not have to include a photo. Accepted forms of ID include driver's licenses, student ID cards, tribal ID cards, and U.S. passports. Individuals voting by mail do not need to provide identification. Yes Link
Connecticut Non-photo ID required Voters in Connecticut must present some form of identification at the polls, though a photo is not required. Acceptable forms of identification include a Social Security card or other ID showing either name and address, name and signature, or name and photo. A voter who does not present a required ID may sign an affidavit with their name, address, and date of birth, and then election officials may determine that the voter is eligible to vote.[11] Yes Link
D.C. No ID required D.C. does not require identification from most voters. The District of Columbia Board of Elections requires voters who submitted their voter registration application by mail or online without one of the following documents to present one the first time they vote: a copy of a government-issued photo ID showing name and address, a government-issued document showing name and address, or a utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck showing name and address issued within the past 90 days. No voter ID law Yes Link
Delaware Non-photo ID required All Delaware voters are asked to provide identification at the polls. Valid identification includes a Delaware driver's license or state ID, a signed social security card, or another document that identifies the person by photo or signature. A photo is not required.[12] Voters who do not present proof of identity can "sign an affidavit of affirmation that the voter is the person listed on the election district record," according to Delaware Code.[13] No Link
Florida Photo ID required Voters in Florida are required to present photo and signature identification on Election Day. If a voter's photo ID does not display their signature, they will need to supply a second form of identification that does.[14] None Yes Link
Georgia Photo ID required Voters in Georgia must present photo ID when voting. Valid forms of ID include driver's licenses, state ID cards, tribal ID cards, United States passports, and voter ID cards issued by county registration offices or the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Voters can obtain a free voter ID card from any county registrar's office or Department of Driver Services office.[15] None Yes Link
Hawaii No ID required Voters in Hawaii are generally not required to present identification while voting, except for situations where identification is required by the Help America Vote Act. No voter ID law Yes Link
Idaho Photo ID required In order to vote in Idaho, voters must present valid photo identification. Valid photo ID includes an Idaho driver's license or photo ID card, a U.S. passport or federal ID card, a tribal photo ID card, or an Idaho license to carry a concealed weapon. Voters can obtain a free voter ID from a county DMV office.[16] Voters without identification may instead complete an affidavit. No Link
Illinois No ID required Illinois does not require voters to present identification while voting, except for situations where it is required by the Help America Vote Act.[17] No voter ID law Yes Link
Indiana Photo ID required Indiana requires voters to present an Indiana or U.S. government-issued photo ID when voting. The ID must either be current or have expired sometime after the date of the last general election. If a voter does not have an accepted form of ID, he or she can obtain a free Indiana ID card from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.[18] Individuals voting at a state-licensed care center do not have to provide ID. Voters who are indigent or who have a religious objection to being photographed may affirm an exemption to the ID requirement.[19] Yes Link
Iowa Non-photo ID required Iowa requires voters to present identification while voting. Voters who do not have a valid ID can obtain one for free by mail. Accepted forms of identification include an Iowa driver's license, a voter identification card, or a U.S. passport. Voters who do not have one of these IDs may provide a combination of other documents to verify their identity and residence. If unable to provide an accepted form of ID, voters may instead have another registered voter attest to their identity.[20] Yes Link
Kansas Photo ID required Voters in Kansas are required to present a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver's license, a concealed carry license, or a military identification document. A photo ID does not need to have an expiration date, but if it does have an expiration date, it must not have expired at the time of voting. If the voter is over the age of 65, he or she can use an expired ID. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain one for free through the Division of Vehicles. Military and overseas voters, those voting in mail ballot elections, voters on the permanent advance voting list, and any voter who objects to having his or her photo taken because of his or her religious beliefs are exempt from providing identification.[21] Yes Link
Kentucky Photo ID required Voters in Kentucky are required to present identification before voting. Valid forms of identification include photo IDs issued by the United States government, the state of Kentucky, the U.S. military, a local government in Kentucky, or a public or private institute of higher education.[22] If an election officer is a personal acquaintance of the voter, the voter does not have to produce identification if the officer signs an attestation form.[23] Yes Link
Louisiana Photo ID required A Louisiana voter must present one of the following forms of identification at the polls: a driver's license, a Louisiana special ID, or another generally recognized photo ID that contains the voter's name and signature. Registered voters can bring their voter information card to the Office of Motor Vehicles to receive a free Louisiana special identification card.[24] Voters who do not have accepted ID may vote by completing a voter identification affidavit. By law, voters who sign an affidavit may be challenged.[25] No Link
Maine No ID required A voter in Maine does not have to present identification at the polls unless they are required to do so by the Help America Vote Act or are registering to vote on Election Day.[26] No voter ID law No Link
Maryland No ID required Most voters in Maryland do not have to present identification on Election Day. Only voters affected by the Help America Vote Act, voters whose identities are challenged, and voters registering or changing their address during early voting are required to present identification at the polls on Election Day in Maryland.[27] No voter ID law Yes Link
Massachusetts No ID required Most voters in Massachusetts are not required to present identification at the polls. However, voters affected by the Help America Vote Act, inactive voters, voters casting provisional ballots, and voters who are asked by a poll worker to provide ID due to reasonable suspicion are required to do so. Valid forms of identification include both photo and non-photo identification.[28] No voter ID law Yes Link
Michigan Photo ID required Each voter in Michigan is asked to present photo identification at the polls. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, personal identification card, U.S. passport, or photo ID from an educational institution.[29] A voter who does not have an acceptable form of identification can cast a ballot by signing an affidavit.[30] Yes Link
Minnesota No ID required Identification is not required of already-registered voters in Minnesota. If a voter is impacted by the Help America Vote Act, is registering to vote at the polls, or has not voted in four years or more, proof of residence is required.[31] No voter ID law No Link
Mississippi Photo ID required Mississippi voters are required to present photo identification in order to vote in person. Accepted forms include a driver's license, U.S. passport, or photo ID issued by a branch or department of the state. Voters can obtain a Mississippi Voter Identification Card for free at any circuit clerk’s office in the state. Voters who have a religious objection to being photographed may vote a provisional ballot and sign a separate affidavit after the election. Voters who reside and vote at a state-licensed care facility do not need to show ID.[32] Yes Link
Missouri Photo ID required Missouri requires voters to present photo identification while voting. Accepted forms of identification include a current Missouri driver's license or non-driver's license, a current military ID, a current U.S. passport, and "another photo ID issued by the United States or the state of Missouri." Voters can obtain a free ID by filling out this form. None Yes Link
Montana Photo ID required A voter in Montana is required to present photo identification when appearing to vote. Accepted forms of identification include a valid driver's license, a U.S. passport, a Montana concealed-carry permit, or student photo identification card issued by the Montana university system or a school that is a member of the national association of intercollegiate athletics[33] None Yes Link
Nebraska Photo ID required Nebraska requires voters to present photo identification while voting. Acceptable forms of identification include a Nebraska driver's license, Nebraska state ID, military ID, tribal ID, U.S. passport, and ID issued by a university or local government. Voters can obtain free state ID cards for voting through the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. Voters may complete a reasonable impediment certification if they have a religious objection to being photographed or are unable to obtain an ID due to a disability or illness or a lack of required documentation.[34] Yes Link
Nevada No ID required Nevada does not require voters to present identification while voting unless it is mandated by the Help America Vote Act.[35] No voter ID law Yes Link
New Hampshire Photo ID required Voters in New Hampshire must present photo identification at the polls. Accepted forms of ID include a driver's license issued by any state, a valid student ID from a university in the state, and a U.S. passport.[36] A moderator or other election official of a town, ward or city can review the voter's qualifications and try to determine if their identity can be verified.[37] No Link
New Jersey No ID required New Jersey does not generally require voters to present identification, except in situations where it is mandated by the Help America Vote Act[38] No voter ID law Yes Link
New Mexico No ID required New Mexico does not generally require identification to vote, except when it is required by the Help America Vote Act. Some municipalities require identification when voting in local elections.[39] No voter ID law Yes Link
New York No ID required New York does not generally require identification to vote, except in situations where it is required by the Help America Vote Act[40][41] No voter ID law Yes Link
North Carolina Photo ID required North Carolina requires voters to present photo identification while voting. Accepted forms of identification include a North Carolina driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, student ID, military or veterans ID card, and tribal enrollment card. Voters may obtain a free ID from their county board of elections or the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Individuals with a reasonable impediment to showing photo ID, a religious objection to being photographed, or who were victims of a declared natural disaster may fill out an exception form instead of providing identification.[42] Yes Link
North Dakota Non-photo ID required North Dakota requires voters to present identification while voting. Identification must include the voter’s name, current North Dakota residential address, and date of birth. If a voter does not have a form of identification that includes his or her current North Dakota residential address or date of birth, the voter can present accepted supplemental documents. An absentee voter without an acceptable form of ID may use an attester. The attester must provide their name and ID number and sign the absentee ballot application.[43] Yes Link
Ohio Photo ID required Ohio law requires voters to provide photo identification. Acceptable forms of identification include an Ohio driver's license, an ID card, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. military ID card. Voters can obtain a free state ID card from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.[44] Voters who do not have a photo ID because of a religious objection to being photographed must fill out a provisional ballot and complete an affidavit of religious objection instead of providing ID.[45] Yes Link
Oklahoma Non-photo ID required Oklahoma requires voters to present identification while voting. Valid forms of identification include government-issued photo IDs and county election board voter identification cards (which do not include photographs) that include their name, photo, and an expiration date after the election date. None Yes Link
Oregon No ID required Oregon is an all-mail voting state. When registering to vote, voters must provide their driver's license number or state ID card number. If voters are unable to provide this information, they can provide a copy of another form of acceptable identification that shows their name and current address. Examples of an acceptable form of identification include a valid photo ID, paycheck stub, utility bill, bank statement, or government document. No voter ID law No Link
Pennsylvania No ID required Pennsylvania does not require voters to present identification while voting unless it is required by the Help America Vote Act. No voter ID law Yes Link
Rhode Island Photo ID required Photo identification is required at the polls in Rhode Island. Accepted IDs include a Rhode Island driver's license or permit, a U.S. passport, cards issued by any federally recognized tribal government, and cards issued by U.S. educational institutions. Voters without a photo ID can obtain one for free from the Rhode Island Department of State.[46] None Yes Link
South Carolina Photo ID required All voters are required to present photo identification at the polls in South Carolina. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid SC driver's license or ID card, a photo voter registration card, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. military or veterans ID. Voters can get a free photo ID from a local DMV office . Voters who have a reasonable impediment to obtaining a photo ID may bring their non-photo voter registration card to the polling place, fill out an affidavit and vote a provisional ballot. The ballot will count unless there is proof the person is lying about their identity or their impediment.[47] No Link
South Dakota Photo ID required All voters in South Dakota must present photo identification at the polls. Approved forms of photo identification include the following: South Dakota driver’s license or nondriver ID card, U.S. government photo ID, U.S. military ID, student photo ID from a South Dakota high school or accredited institution of higher education, or tribal photo ID.[48] Voters without a photo ID can sign a personal identification affidavit under penalty of perjury.[49] Yes Link
Tennessee Photo ID required In Tennessee, voters must present government-issued photo identification at the polls. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, U.S. passport, or ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Valid identification may be used even if expired, except that first-time voters may not use an expired ID. Voters can obtain a free photo ID at any participating driver service center.[50] Individuals who live and vote at a licensed nursing home or assisted living center, and voters who are hospitalized, indigent, or who have a religious objection to being photographed are exempt from the photo ID requirement. Yes Link
Texas Photo ID required Texas requires voters to present a form of photo identification at the polls. Accepted forms of identification include a Texas driver's license or personal identification card, a state handgun license, or a U.S. military ID. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain a Texas Election Identification Certificate (EIC) at any Texas driver’s license office. Voters may fill out a reasonable impediment declaration and present a non-photo ID. Voters who have a religious objection to being photographed and victims of a declared natural disaster may vote a provisional ballot and fill out an affidavit swearing to the exemption after the election.[51][52] Yes Link
Utah Non-photo ID required For elections occurring before Jan. 1, 2029, Utah is an all-mail voting state that offers vote centers for voters that choose to vote in person. A voter who wishes to vote in-person must present some form of identification at the polls. The identification does not necessarily need to include a photo. A voter can either present a photo ID that includes his or her name and registered address; a tribal identification card, Bureau of Indian Affairs card, or tribal treaty card; or two forms of non-photo ID that include the voter's name and provide evidence that the voter resides in the voting precinct.[53] None Yes Link
Vermont No ID required Vermont does not generally require identification to vote, except in situations where it is required by the Help America Vote Act.[54] No voter ID law No Link
Virginia Non-photo ID required Voters in Virginia must present non-photo identification at the polls. Valid identification includes voter registration confirmation documents, a valid Virginia driver's license, a valid United States passport, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter. Voters who do not show an accepted form of identification may vote a regular ballot if they sign a statement affirming their identity.[55] Yes Link
Washington Non-photo ID required Washington is an all-mail voting state and does not require voters to present photo identification (ID). Voters may choose to vote in person at a local voting center. According to state law, “The county auditor shall require any person desiring to vote at a voting center to either sign a ballot declaration or provide identification.” Individuals casting a ballot at a voting center can sign a ballot declaration instead of providing identification.[56] Yes Link
West Virginia Photo ID required West Virginia requires voters to present photo identification at the polls. Acceptable forms of identification include government-issued IDs, student identification cards that include a photograph and are issued by a high school or institution of higher education in the state, military identifications that contain a photograph, and voter registration cards that include a photograph. Voters over the age of 65 may present an expired ID that is otherwise valid.[57][58][59] Residents who live and vote at a licensed state care facility do not have to provide identification. If a voter does not have identification, an adult who has known the person for at least six months may provide a signed, sworn statement verifying the voter's identity.[60] Yes Link
Wisconsin Photo ID required Voters in Wisconsin are required to present photo identification at the polls. Accepted forms include Wisconsin Department of Transportation-issued driver's licenses, identification cards, and receipts, as well as military IDs and U.S. passports. Voters can obtain a free Wisconsin State ID Card at a Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles office.[61] Confidential electors do not have to provide ID. Active military and permanent overseas voters do not have to provide a photo ID when voting by absentee ballot. Indefinitely confined voters and voters in special care facilities can provide a witness signature on the absentee ballot envelope instead of showing ID.[62] Yes Link
Wyoming Non-photo ID required Wyoming requires voters to present identification at the polls. Generally, voters are required to present a photo ID, but there are two exceptions to that requirement—Medicare or Medicaid cards—that expire in 2029. Voters without ID can obtain a free Wyoming identification card from their local Driver Services office.[63] None Yes Link


Voter identification requirements for absentee/mail-in voting

Under the Help America Vote Act, a person who has not voted in a federal election in the state in which they are voting and who did not submit a copy of their ID when registering to vote must either provide a copy of their ID with their absentee/mail-in ballot or submit a paycheck, bank statement, current utility bill, or government document showing their name and address.[64]

States differ in how they apply voter identification laws for absentee/mail-in voting.

  • Three states — Alabama, Kentucky, and New Hampshire — require voters to provide a copy of their photo identification when requesting an absentee/mail-in ballot.
  • Two states — Arkansas and North Carolina — require voters to submit a copy of their photo identification when returning an absentee/mail-in ballot.
  • Eight states require voters to provide a copy of their photo identification when applying for an absentee/mail-in ballot in certain situations other than what is required under the Help America Vote Act.[65]
  • One state, South Carolina, requires voters to provide a copy of their photo identification when returning an absentee/mail-in ballot in certain situations other than what is required under the Help America Vote Act.
  • Two states — Georgia and Ohio — require voters to provide a copy of their photo identification when applying for and returning an absentee/mail-in ballot in certain situations other than what is required under the Help America Vote Act.

Additionally, some other states with voter identification requirements mandate that voters must provide a driver's license number, Social Security number or other identification number in order to vote using an absentee/mail-in ballot:

  • Eight states require voters provide a driver's license number, Social Security number or other identification number when applying for an absentee/mail-in ballot.
  • Two states — Alaska and Texas — require voters to provide their identification number when requesting and returning an absentee/mail-in ballot.
  • Eight states require a voter identification number in certain situations when applying for an absentee/mail-in ballot.[66]
  • Two states — Georgia and Ohio — require a voter identification number in certain situations when applying for and returning an absentee/mail-in ballot.

The table below describes the voter ID requirements for individuals requesting and submitting an absentee/mail-in ballot in each state.

Voter identification requirements for absentee/mail voting by state
State Type of requirement Source
Alabama A photo ID is required when applying for an absentee ballot. This does not apply to federal overseas voters Alabama Code Section 17-9-30
Alaska An identification number is required to apply for an absentee ballot and when a voter returns their ballot AS 15.20.081
Alaska absentee ballot application
Alaska absentee ballot envelope
Arizona No requirement N/A
Arkansas Voters must include a copy of their photo ID when returning their absentee ballot. Overseas military voters and their spouses are exempt from the requirement. Residents of a long-term care or residential care facility are exempt from the requirement, provided an administrator attests that the voter is a resident Arkansas Constitution of 1874 Amendment 51, § 13
California No voter ID law N/A
Colorado No requirement N/A
Connecticut No requirement N/A
Delaware No requirement N/A
Florida Voters must provide an identification number when applying for a vote-by-mail ballot. Military and overseas voters are exempt from this requirement Fla. Stat. §101.62
Georgia Voters must provide an identification number when applying for and returning an absentee ballot. If a voter does not provide an identification number when applying for or returning a ballot, they must include a copy of their photo ID O.C.G.A § 21-2-381
O.C.G.A § 21-2-385
Hawaii No voter ID law N/A
Idaho Voters must provide an identification number if applying for an absentee ballot online Idaho Secretary of State
Illinois No voter ID law N/A
Indiana Voters must provide their driver's license number, ID card number or Social Security number when applying for an absentee ballot. A person also can provide a copy of their photo ID to fulfill this requirement Ind. Code §3-11-4-2
Iowa Voters must provide an identification number when applying for an absentee ballot Iowa Code §53.2
Kansas Voters must provide their driver's license number or provide a copy of their photo ID when applying for an advanced mail ballot Kan. Stat. Ann. §25-1122
Kentucky Voters must provide a copy of their photo ID when applying for an absentee ballot KRS §117.085
Louisiana Voters must provide a copy of their photo ID when applying for an absentee ballot if they are considered a disabled applicant. Voters must provide their identification number when applying for an absentee ballot online; if applying using a paper form, this step is optional. Louisiana Secretary of State
Louisiana absentee ballot application
Maine No voter ID law N/A
Maryland No voter ID law N/A
Massachusetts No voter ID law N/A
Michigan Voters must provide an identification number if applying for an absentee ballot online Mich. Comp. Laws §168.759
Minnesota No voter ID law N/A
Mississippi No requirement N/A
Missouri Voters must provide the last four digits of their Social Security number when applying for an absentee ballot Missouri absentee ballot request form
Montana No requirement N/A
Nebraska Voters must provide either their driver's license or ID number or a copy of their photo ID when requesting a by-mail early voting ballot. Voters can complete a reasonable impediment certificate instead of providing their ID Neb. Rev. Stat. §32-941
Nevada No voter ID law N/A
New Hampshire Effective September 30, 2025, voters must present their photo ID in person when applying for an absentee ballot or must include a notarized signature or a copy of their ID if they are mailing their application New Hampshire Chapter 0302
New Jersey No voter ID law N/A
New Mexico No voter ID law N/A
New York No voter ID law N/A
North Carolina Voters must provide an identification number when applying for an absentee ballot and must include a copy of their ID when returning their ballot. Voters also can complete an exception form instead of providing their ID N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-230.1
North Carolina State Board of Elections
North Dakota Voters must provide an identification number when applying for an absentee ballot. Disabled voters are exempt from this requirement and those living outside the U.S. can use their military ID or passport N.D.C.C. §16.1-07-06
Ohio Voters must provide either a copy of their ID or their driver's license or identification number when applying for and returning their absentee ballot R.C. 3509.03
R.C. 3509.05
Oklahoma Voters must provide an identification number when applying for an absentee ballot Oklahoma absentee ballot application
Oregon No voter ID law N/A
Pennsylvania No voter ID law N/A
Rhode Island Voters must provide an identification number if they are applying for a mail ballot online and aren't currently registered to vote Rhode Island Secretary of State
R.I. Gen. Laws §17-20-2.3
South Carolina Voters must provide an identification number when applying for an absentee ballot. They also must provide their ID if returning an absentee ballot in person S.C. Code Ann. §7-15-330 and S.C. Code Ann. §7-15-385(D)(1)
South Dakota Voters must provide a copy of their photo ID or a notarized statement when applying for an absentee ballot SDCL 12-19-2
Tennessee Voters must provide their Social Security number when applying for an absentee ballot Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-6-202
Texas Voters must provide an identification number when applying for and returning a ballot by mail Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §84.002
Texas Secretary of State
Utah Until November 5, 2025, there is no requirement. Starting on November 5, 2025, voters must provide the last four digits of their driver's license, ID card or Social Security number when returning a mail-in ballot. If voters do not provide those numbers, election officials will attempt to match the voter's signature on the envelope affidavit to the signature on file Utah H.B. 300
Vermont No voter ID law N/A
Virginia Voters must provide their identification number when applying for an absentee ballot, unless they are doing so in person. If a person is applying for an absentee ballot in person they must instead provide a copy of their ID or sign a sworn statement Va. Code §24-2-701
Washington No requirement N/A
West Virginia No requirement N/A
Wisconsin A voter must provide a copy of their photo ID when requesting an absentee ballot unless it was previously provided in an earlier absentee ballot request Wis. Stat. §6.86(ar)
Wyoming A voter must provide a copy of their ID if requesting an absentee ballot in person Wy. Stat. §22-9-104


Voter identification requirements for early voting

States can have different voter identification requirements for early voting compared with voting on Election Day. Early voting refers to any in-person voting conducted before Election Day.

As of August 2025, 21 states required voters to present photo identification when voting in-person before Election Day, while 12 states required voters to present non-photo identification. Alabama, Mississippi, and New Hampshire have voter ID laws but do not have no-excuse early voting.

Voter identification requirements for early voting by state
State Requirement Source
Alabama Does not offer no-excuse early voting N/A
Alaska Non-photo ID required for early voting AS 15.20.061
Arizona Non-photo ID required for early voting Arizona Secretary of State
Arkansas Photo ID required for early voting A.C.A. § 7-5-418
California No voter ID law N/A
Colorado Non-photo ID required for early voting[67][68] C.R.S. § 1-7-110
Connecticut Non-photo ID required for early voting Conn. Gen. Stat. §9-163
Delaware Non-photo ID required for early voting[69] 15 Del. C. § 4937
Delaware Secretary of State
Florida Photo ID required for early voting Fla. Stat. §101.657
Georgia Photo ID required for early voting Georgia Secretary of State
Hawaii No voter ID law N/A
Idaho Photo ID required for early voting Idaho Code §34-1012
Illinois No voter ID law N/A
Indiana Photo ID required for early voting Ind. Code §3-11-10-26
Iowa Non-photo ID required for early voting Iowa Code §53.10
Kansas Photo ID required for early voting Kan. Stat. Ann. §25-1122
Kentucky Photo ID required for early voting KRS §117.076
Louisiana Photo ID required for early voting LSA 18:1309
Maine No voter ID law N/A
Maryland No voter ID law N/A
Massachusetts No voter ID law N/A
Michigan Photo ID required for early voting [70] Mich. Comp. Laws §168.720b
Minnesota No voter ID law N/A
Mississippi Does not offer no-excuse early voting[71] N/A
Missouri Photo ID required for early voting RSMo §115.277
Montana Photo ID required for early voting §13-13-114
Nebraska Photo ID required for early voting Neb. Rev. Stat. §32942
Nevada No voter ID law N/A
New Hampshire Does not offer no-excuse early voting N/A
New Jersey No voter ID law N/A
New Mexico No voter ID law N/A
New York No voter ID law N/A
North Carolina Photo ID required for early voting N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-166.40
North Dakota Non-photo ID required for early voting[72] N.D.C.C. §16.1-01-04.1
Ohio Photo ID required for early voting R.C. 3509.051
Oklahoma Non-photo ID required for early voting Okla. Stat. §26-14-115.4
Oregon No voter ID law N/A
Pennsylvania No voter ID law N/A
Rhode Island Photo ID required for early voting Rhode Island Secretary of State
South Carolina Photo ID required for early voting S.C. Code Ann. §7-13-710
South Carolina Election Commission
South Dakota Photo ID required for early voting South Dakota Secretary of State
Tennessee Photo ID required for early voting Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-112
Tennessee Secretary of State
Texas Photo ID required for early voting Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §85.031
Utah Non-photo ID required for early voting[73] Utah Code §20A-1-102
Vermont No voter ID law N/A
Virginia Non-photo ID required for early voting Va. Code §24.2-701.1
Washington Non-photo ID required for early voting [74] RCW 29A.40.160
West Virginia Photo ID required for early voting W. Va. Code §3-1-34
West Virginia Secretary of State
Wisconsin Photo ID required for early voting Wis. Stat. §6.86(ar)
Wyoming Non-photo ID required for early voting Wy. Stat. §22-2-119


Support and opposition

The following quotes briefly summarize arguments for and against voter ID laws. See our page, Arguments for and against voter identification laws, for detailed support and opposition arguments from a variety of sources.


Arguments for and against voter identification laws
Support Opposition
"Voter ID laws can stop multiple types of fraud, such as impersonating another registered voter, preventing noncitizens from voting, and stopping out-of-state residents or someone registered in multiple jurisdictions. ... That’s one reason why voters across all demographics support voter ID laws in virtually every poll by almost 80%. This typically includes more than 60% of Democrats ... according to a poll conducted by the Honest Elections Project."[75]

- Fred Lucas, The Heritage Foundation (2023)
 "Overly burdensome photo ID laws deprive many voters of their right to vote, reduce participation, and stand in direct opposition to our country’s trend of including more Americans in the democratic process. Many Americans do not have one of the forms of government-issued photo identification that state laws list as acceptable for voting. These voters are disproportionately low-income, racial and ethnic minorities, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Such voters more frequently cannot afford or cannot obtain the underlying documents that are a prerequisite to obtaining government-issued photo ID card."[76]

- ACLU (2021)


See the following pages for an in-depth look at the debate into various topics related to voting policy and election administration.

Voter identification legislation

The table below lists bills related to voter identification introduced during (or carried over to) each state's regular legislative session this year. The following information is included for each bill:

  • State
  • Bill number
  • Official bill name or caption
  • Most recent action date
  • Legislative status
  • Sponsor party
  • Topics dealt with by the bill

Bills are organized by state and then by most recent action. The table displays up to 100 results. To view more bills, use the arrows in the upper-right corner. Clicking on a bill will open its page on Ballotpedia's Election Administration Legislation Tracker, which includes bill details and a summary.


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See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Congress, "H.R.3295 - Help America Vote Act of 2002," accessed September 30, 2025
  2. ↑ Congress, "H.R.3295 - Help America Vote Act of 2002," accessed September 30, 2025
  3. ↑ AL.com, "Alabama photo voter ID law to be used in 2014, state officials say," June 25, 2013
  4. ↑ Alabama Secretary of State Website, "Alabama Photo Voter Identification," accessed October 9, 2025
  5. ↑ Alabama Secretary of State, "Photo Voter ID," accessed October 14, 2025
  6. ↑ Alaska State Legislature, "Alaska Statutes 2018 Sec. 15.15.225 Voter identification at polls," accessed October 9, 2025
  7. ↑ Alaska Legislature, "Sec. 15.15.225," accessed October 14, 2025
  8. ↑ Arkansas Secretary of State, "Voter Registration Information," accessed October 9, 2025
  9. ↑ Arkansas Secretary of State, "Voter Registration Information," accessed October 14, 2025
  10. ↑ California Secretary of State, "What to Bring to Your Polling Place," accessed October 9, 2025
  11. ↑ General Statutes of Connecticut, "Sections 9-261," accessed October 14, 2025
  12. ↑ Delaware.gov, "Voting in Delaware," accessed October 9, 2025
  13. ↑ Delaware Code, "Title 15, Chapter 49 Conduct of Elections § 4937 Voting procedure." accessed October 14, 2025
  14. ↑ Florida Division of Elections, "Election Day Voting," accessed October 9 2025
  15. ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Georgia Voter Identification Requirements," accessed October 9, 2025
  16. ↑ Idaho Secretary of State's Office - Vote Idaho, "Guide to Voting in Person," accessed October 9, 2025
  17. ↑ Illinois State Board of Elections, "Illinois Voter Information," October 9, 2025
  18. ↑ Indiana Election Division, "Photo ID Law," accessed October 9, 2025
  19. ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, "Exemptions," accessed October 14, 2025
  20. ↑ Iowa Legislature, "Iowa Code §49.78," accessed October 6, 2025
  21. ↑ Kansas Secretary of State, "Photo ID," accessed October 14, 2025
  22. ↑ Kentucky State Board of Elections, "Election Day Information," accessed October 9, 2025
  23. ↑ Kentucky Legislature, "117.228 Procedure for casting ballot if voter is unable to provide proof of iidentification," accessed October 14, 2025
  24. ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State, "FAQ: Voting on Election Day," accessed October 9, 2025
  25. ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State, "LOUISIANA VOTERS’ BILL OF RIGHTS AND VOTING INFORMATION," accessed October 14, 2025
  26. ↑ Maine Secretary of State, "Your Right to Vote in Maine," accessed October 9, 2025
  27. ↑ Maryland State Board of Elections, "General Requirements of the Act," accessed October 9, 2025
  28. ↑ Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "Identification Requirements," accessed October 14, 2025
  29. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "Notice to Voters: Voter ID," accessed October 9, 2025
  30. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "AFFIDAVIT OF VOTER NOT IN POSSESSION OF PICTURE IDENTIFICATION," accessed October 14, 2025
  31. ↑ Minnesota Secretary of State, "Do I Need to Bring ID?" accessed October 7, 2025
  32. ↑ Mississippi Secretary of State, "ARE THERE EXEMPTIONS TO THE MS VOTER ID REQUIREMENTS?" accessed October 14, 2025
  33. ↑ Montana Code Annotated 2023, "§ 13-13-114. Voter Identification And Marking Precinct Register Book Before Elector Votes -- Provisional Voting" accessed October 9, 2025
  34. ↑ Nebraska Secretary of State, "Voter ID," accessed October 7, 2025
  35. ↑ Nevada Legislatures, "Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.277," accessed October 9, 2025
  36. ↑ New Hampshire Secretary of State, "Voter ID Law," accessed October 9, 2025
  37. ↑ Justia, "NH Rev Stat § 659:13 (2024)," accessed October 7, 2025
  38. ↑ Fairfield Township, "FAQs," accessed October 9, 2025
  39. ↑ New Mexico Secretary of State, "Voting," accessed October 9, 2025
  40. ↑ FindLaw, "New York Consolidated Laws, Election Law - ELN § 5-210. Registration and enrollment and change of enrollment upon application," accessed October 8, 2024
  41. ↑ FindLaw, "New York Consolidated Laws, Election Law - ELN § 8-302. Voting;  verification of registration," accessed October 9, 2025
  42. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Voter ID," accessed October 14, 2025
  43. ↑ North Dakota Secretary of State, "ID requirements for voting," accessed October 14, 2025
  44. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, "Identification Requirements," accessed October 9, 2025
  45. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, "Identification Requirements," accessed October 14, 2025
  46. ↑ Rhode Island Secretary of State, "Vote on Election Day," accessed October 9, 2025
  47. ↑ South Carolina Election Commission, "ID Requirements for Voting," accessed October 14, 2025
  48. ↑ South Dakota Secretary of State, "General Voting Information," accessed October 9, 2025
  49. ↑ South Dakota Legislature, "Administrative Rule 5:02:05:25," accessed October 14, 2025
  50. ↑ Tennessee Secretary of State, "What ID is required when voting?" accessed October 9, 2025
  51. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "Reasonable Impediment Declaration," accessed October 14, 2025
  52. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "Identification Requirements for Voting," accessed October 14, 2025
  53. ↑ Utah State Legislature, "Utah Code 20A-1-102. Definitions." accessed October 9, 2025
  54. ↑ Vermont Secretary of State, "Election Day FAQs," accessed October 9, 2025
  55. ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "Do I need an ID to vote?" accessed October 14, 2025
  56. ↑ Washington State Legislature, "RCW 29A.40.160," accessed October 16, 2025
  57. ↑ West Virginia Legislature, "House Bill 3016 (2025)," accessed October 9, 2025
  58. ↑ West Virginia State Legislature, "West Virginia Code, §3-1-34. Voting procedures generally; identification; assistance to voters; voting records; penalties." accessed October 9, 2025
  59. ↑ West Virginia Secretary of State, "Elections, Be Registered and Ready" accessed October 9, 2025
  60. ↑ West Virginia Secretary of State, "Be Registered and Ready," accessed October 14, 2025
  61. ↑ Wisconsin Elections Commission, "Acceptable Photo IDs," accessed October 9, 2025
  62. ↑ Wisconsin Elections Commission, "Acceptable Photo IDs," accessed October 14, 2025
  63. ↑ Wyoming Legislature, "HB0075 - Voter identification," accessed October 9, 2025
  64. ↑ Congress.gov, "Help America Vote Act," accessed September 9, 2025
  65. ↑ For example, Louisiana requires disabled voters to provide a copy of their photo ID when applying for an absentee ballot, and voters in South Dakota must provide a copy of their photo ID or a notarized statement when applying for an absentee ballot.
  66. ↑ For example, multiple states require voters to provide their identification number if they do not provide a copy of their photo ID, while Rhode Island requires voters to provide an identification number if they are applying for an absentee ballot online and aren't currently registered to vote.
  67. ↑ While Colorado conducts all-mail elections, it does offer in-person voting prior to and on Election Day.
  68. ↑ Andrew Bahl, "Email interview with Jack Todd, Colorado Secretary of State's Office," September 4, 2025
  69. ↑ If a voter does not have ID but is present in their correct polling place or at an early voting site and appears on the poll list, the voter is allowed to cast a ballot after filling out an affirmation form.
  70. ↑ If a voter does not have ID, they can be allowed to vote by signing an affidavit.
  71. ↑ Mississippi has excuse-required, in-person absentee voting where voters are required to present a photo ID
  72. ↑ Andrew Bahl, "Interview with Misty Curn, North Dakota Secretary of State's office," September 5, 2025
  73. ↑ Andrew Bahl, "Email interview with Amy Iversen, Utah Lieutenant Governor's office," September 5, 2025
  74. ↑ While Washington conducts all-mail elections, voters who go to an in-person voting center must present identification or sign a ballot declaration
  75. ↑ The Heritage Foundation, "Voter ID Laws Are Popular for Good Reasons," January 17, 2023
  76. ↑ ACLU, "Oppose Voter ID Legislation - Fact Sheet," August 2021
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