Voter identification laws by state

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In recent years, state legislatures across the country have implemented voter identification laws. These laws require voters to present some form of identification at the polls. In some cases, the required identification must include a photo.

Details by state

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


The map below displays only those states that require already-registered voters to present identification at the polls on election day as states requiring identification.[1] Federal law requires a new registrant to provide either a driver's license number or the last four digits of his or her Social Security number at the time of registration. Many states that require identification allow voters to cast provisional ballots if they do not have requisite identification. Please see the table below the map for more details and follow the links provided for each state for more information.

Voter ID laws in the United States
State Summary Links
Alabama Alabama requires voters to present photo ID while voting. 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.[2][3] Link
Alaska Voters in Alaska must present a valid form of identification at the polls. The identification does not have to include a photo. If an election official knows the identity of the voter, the official can waive the identification requirement unless it is a first-time voter who registered without providing identification.[4] Link
Arizona 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. Link
Arkansas Arkansas has a photo ID requirement for voting purposes. The identification must include the voter’s name and photograph. It must be issued by "the United States, the State of Arkansas, or an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the State of Arkansas."[5] Link
California According to the Office of the California Secretary of State, "in most cases, California voters are not required to show identification at their polling place." A voter may be asked to provide identification at the polls if it is his or her first time voting (this requirement applies if the individual registered by mail without providing a driver's license number, state identification number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number). Acceptable forms of identification include driver's licenses, utility bills, or any document sent by a government agency.[6] Link
Colorado 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. Voters may also need to return a photocopy of their ID with their ballots if they are voting by mail for the first time. Link
Connecticut Voters in Connecticut must present some form of identification at the polls, though a photo is not required. First-time voters who registered by mail must present either valid photo ID or a current document such as a bill or check with their name and address when voting in elections with federal candidates. All other voters must present either a social security card or other ID showing either name and address, name and signature, or name and photo. Link
D.C. 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. Link
Delaware 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. 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.[7] Link
Florida Voters in Florida are required to present photo and signature identification on Election Day. If a voter's photo ID does not display his or her signature, he or she will need to supply a second form of identification that does.[8] Link
Georgia Photo identification is required when voting in Georgia. Valid forms of ID include driver's licenses, state ID cards, tribal ID cards, United States passports, employee ID cards, military ID cards, 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 DDS office.[9] Link
Hawaii Hawaii law states, "Every person shall provide identification if so requested by a precinct official."[10] The Hawaii Office of Elections has advised, "Be prepared to provide proof of identification. Forms of acceptable I.D. include a valid photo I.D., copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or other government issued document that shows your name and address."[11] According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, "If the voter has no identification, the voter will be asked to recite his/her date of birth and residence address to corroborate the information provided in the poll book."[12] First-time voters who do not provide identification when they register to vote are required to show identification at the polls.[13] Link
Idaho In order to vote in Idaho, voters must present valid photo identification or sign an affidavit. 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, a student ID card issued by a high school or post-secondary institution in Idaho, or an Idaho license to carry a concealed weapon. If a voter is unable to present an accepted ID, he or she is allowed to sign a personal identification affidavit swearing to his or her identity. After signing the affidavit, the voter is issued a regular ballot.[14] Link
Illinois Illinois does not require voters to present identification while voting, in most cases. First-time voters who registered by mail and did not submit their driver’s license number, state ID number, last four digits of their social security number, or other form of ID are required to present identification showing their name and address before voting.[15] Link
Indiana Indiana law requires voters to present an Indiana or U.S. government-issued photo ID before casting a ballot at the polls on election day. The ID must either be current or have expired sometime after the date of the last general election. Certain voters can claim exemption from the law. 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.[16] Link
Iowa Iowa requires voters to present identification while voting. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain one for free by mail. If a voter doesn't have photo ID, they may have another voter vouch for his or her identity. The voter can also provide other documents verifying his or her identity and residence. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain one for free by mail. Link
Kansas In order to vote on Election Day in Kansas, a valid form of photo identification is required. 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. Some voters are exempt from the photo ID requirement. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain one for free through the Division of Vehicles, Kansas Department of Revenue. Link
Kentucky Voters in Kentucky are required to present identification before voting. Valid identification includes photo and non-photo identification. Election officers can also confirm the identity of a voter by personal acquaintance.[17] Link
Louisiana 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. If a photo ID is not presented, the voter must sign an affidavit. Voters who sign affidavits may be challenged. Registered voters can bring their voter information card to the Office of Motor Vehicles to receive a free Louisiana special identification card.[18] Link
Maine A voter in Maine does not have to present identification at the polls unless he or she is registering on Election Day. In that case, the voter must present identification and proof of residence.[19] Link
Maryland Most voters in Maryland do not have to present identification on Election Day. Only first-time voters who registered by mail and did not provide a valid form of identification, 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.[20] Link
Massachusetts Most voters in Massachusetts are not required to present identification at the polls. However, first-time voters in federal elections, 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.[21] Link
Michigan Each voter in Michigan must present photo identification at the polls. A voter's photo ID does not need to include an address. A voter without photo identification may sign an affidavit attesting that he or she is not in possession of photo identification.[22] Link
Minnesota Identification is not required of already-registered voters in Minnesota. If they have not voted in four years or more, proof of residence is required.[23] Link
Mississippi 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 Mississippi.[24] Link
Missouri Voters in Missouri must generally present identification at the polls. Valid forms of identification include the following: a driver's license or state-issued ID card, a military ID, a U.S. passport, or a copy of a utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck. If a voter does not have an ID, he or she can obtain one for free by filling out this form.[25] Link
Montana A voter in Montana is required to present identification prior to receiving a ballot. Valid identification includes photo and non-photo ID identification, including a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, voter confirmation notice, government check, or other government document that shows the voter's name and current address.[26] Link
Nebraska Voters do not need to present identification in order to vote in Nebraska. A voter may be asked for identification if he or she is a first-time registrant who mailed in his or her registration application and did not provide identification at that time.[27] Link
Nevada Nevada does not require voters to present identification while voting in most cases. A voter in Nevada must sign his or her name in the election board register at his or her polling place. The signature is compared with the signature on the voter's original application to vote or another form of identification, such as a driver's license, a state identification card, military identification, or another government-issued ID.[28][29] Link
New Hampshire Voters in New Hampshire must present photo identification at the polls. If a voter is unable to present a valid form of identification, a poll worker will take a photo of the voter and attach it to an affidavit, which must be signed by the voter. Exceptions are provided for those who object to being photographed for religious reasons. Additionally, a poll worker may verify the voter’s identity.[30][31][32] Link
New Jersey If a New Jersey voter does not provide valid identification at the time of registration, he or she must show identification at the polling place. Identification includes any valid photo ID or bank statement, car registration, government check, or another document.[33] Link
New Mexico New Mexico law states that a voter must show identification at the polls only if he or she mailed his or her registration application and did not provide verification of his or her identity at that time. Valid forms of identification include photo and non-photo forms. Some municipalities require identification when voting in local elections.[34] Link
New York In New York, a voter does not have to present identification at the polls. However, if a voter does not provide valid identification at the time of registration, he or she must show identification at the polling place when voting for the first time.[35][36] Link
North Carolina North Carolina law requires voters to present photo identification at the polls on Election Day. However, as the result of a court order, this requirement is not currently being enforced. Link
North Dakota 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. Voters who cast absentee ballots or vote by mail must include a valid form of identification with their ballot. Link
Ohio On election day at the polling place, Ohio law requires voters to provide some form of identification. Additionally, every voter must announce his or her full name and current address. A photo ID is not required. If a voter is unable to present a form of valid identification, he or she can provide his or her driver's license number, state identification number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number and cast a provisional ballot.[37] Link
Oklahoma 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). Voters can present a document issued by the United States government, the State of Oklahoma, or a federally recognized tribal government that includes their name, photo, and an expiration date after the election date. Link
Oregon Oregon is a vote-by-mail state. When registering to vote, a voter must provide his or her driver's license or state ID card number.[38] Link
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania does not require voters to present identification while voting in most cases. However, first-time voters must show identification. Accepted forms include both photo and non-photo ID. Link
Rhode Island 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.[39] Link
South Carolina

All voters are required to present photo identification at the polls in South Carolina. This includes a state driver's license or ID card, a voter registration card that includes a photo, a federal military ID, or a U.S. passport. A voter can receive a free photo ID from his or her county voter registration office by providing his or her name, date of birth and the last four digits of his or her Social Security number.[40]

Link
South Dakota 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. If a voter does not have a photo ID, he or she can sign a personal identification affidavit.[41] Link
Tennessee

In Tennessee, voters must present government-issued photo identification at the polls. Some voters are exempt from ID requirements. Voters can obtain a free photo ID from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security at any participating driver service center. In order to receive an ID, a voter must bring proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and two proofs of Tennessee residency.[42]

Link
Texas Texas requires voters to present a form of photo identification at the polls. If a voter does not possess the required form of identification, poll workers must ask the voter whether he or she "cannot obtain an acceptable form of photo ID." If the voter answers "yes" to this question, he or she can present a non-photo form of identification and complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration. Upon doing so, the voter may cast a regular ballot. Some voters are exempt from the ID requirement. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain a Texas Election Identification Certificate (EIC) at any Texas driver’s license office. Link
Utah At the polling place, a Utah voter can either present a form of identification that bears his or her name and photograph or two forms of identification that bear his or her name and address.[43] Link
Vermont Only first-time voters who registered by mail are required to present identification at the polls.[44] Link
Virginia Voters in Virginia must present non-photo identification at the polls. Valid identification includes the following: voter registration confirmation documents; valid Virginia driver's license; valid United States passport; any other identification issued by the Commonwealth, one of its political subdivisions, or the United States; any valid student identification card issued by any institution of higher education located in the Commonwealth or any private school located in the Commonwealth; any valid student identification card issued by any institution of higher education located in any other state or territory of the United States; any valid employee identification card containing a photograph of the voter and issued by an employer of the voter in the ordinary course of the employer's business; 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. Link
Washington Most voters in Washington vote by mail and do not have to present ID. But voters who choose to vote in person must show ID. Link
West Virginia A voter in West Virginia is required to present identification at the polls. Acceptable forms of identification include government-issued IDs (both those with and without photographs), bank cards, bank statements, and insurance cards. The voter may also be identified by a poll worker or other adult they have known for at least six months. Voters can obtain a free voter ID card at their county clerk’s office.[45] Link
Wisconsin Voters in Wisconsin are required to present photo identification at the polls. Accepted forms include Wisconsin Department of Transportation-issues driver's licenses or identification cards, military IDs, and U.S. passports. Certain voters are exempt from ID requirements. Voters can obtain a free Wisconsin State ID Card at a Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles office.[46] Link
Wyoming Wyoming requires voters to present identification at the polls.[47] Link

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
"Those states [that have implemented voter ID laws] understand that the United States has an unfortunate history of voter fraud and that requiring individuals to authenticate their identity at the polls is a fundamental and necessary component of ensuring the integrity of the election process.
Every individual who is eligible to vote should have the opportunity to do so. It is equally important, however, that the votes of eligible voters are not stolen or diluted by a fraudulent or bogus vote cast by an ineligible or imaginary voter. The evidence from academic studies and actual turnout in elections is also overwhelming that—contrary to the shrill claims of opponents—voter ID does not depress the turnout of voters, including minority, poor, and elderly voters."

- Hans von Spakovsky, The Heritage Foundation (2011)[48]
 "Voter 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 identification states acceptable for voting. These voters are disproportionately low-income, racial and ethnic minorities, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Such voters more frequently have difficulty obtaining ID, because they cannot afford or cannot obtain the underlying documents that are a prerequisite to obtaining government-issued photo ID card."


Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the term "State+voter+ID"

State voter ID news feed

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Some states that generally don't require identification require either all first-time voters or certain first-time voters to present identification at the polls: Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Wyoming. Hover over each state in the map for more details. In addition, in Minnesota, voters who have not voted in four years must present identification. Several other states that generally don't require identification require it if a voter did not provide it upon registering.
  2. ↑ AL.com, "Alabama photo voter ID law to be used in 2014, state officials say," June 25, 2013
  3. ↑ Alabama Secretary of State Website, "Voter ID Implementation," accessed April 28, 2014
  4. ↑ Alaska State Legislature, "Alaska Statutes 2018 Sec. 15.15.225 Voter identification at polls," accessed November 30, 2019
  5. ↑ Arkansas State Legislature, "HJR 1016," accessed September 27, 2019
  6. ↑ California Secretary of State, "Where and How to Vote," accessed August 30, 2016
  7. ↑ State of Delaware, "Frequently asked questions on voting," accessed January 26, 2015
  8. ↑ Florida Division of Elections, "Election Day Voting," accessed November 26, 2019
  9. ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Georgia Voter Identification Requirements," accessed September 29, 2019
  10. ↑ Hawaii State Legislature, "§11-136 Poll book, identification, voting," accessed November 30, 2019
  11. ↑ State of Hawaii Office of Elections, "Election Day Reminders," August 8, 2018
  12. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Voter Identification Requirements | Voter ID Laws," January 17, 2019
  13. ↑ State of Hawaii Office of Elections, "Voting in Hawaii," accessed October 3, 2019
  14. ↑ Idaho Secretary of State's Office, "Identification Requirements," accessed October 3, 2019
  15. ↑ Illinois State Board of Elections, "Illinois Voter Information," June 16, 2015
  16. ↑ Indiana Election Division, "Photo ID Law," accessed June 10, 2014
  17. ↑ Kentucky State Board of Elections, "Election Day Information," accessed October 3, 2019
  18. ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State, "FAQ: Voting on Election Day," accessed June 10, 2014
  19. ↑ Maine Secretary of State, "Your Right to Vote in Maine," accessed October 3, 2019
  20. ↑ Maryland State Board of Elections, "General Requirements of the Act," accessed June 10, 2014
  21. ↑ Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "Identification Requirements," accessed November 22, 2019
  22. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "A Guide to Voter Identification at the Polls," accessed October 3, 2019
  23. ↑ Minnesota Secretary of State, "Do I Need to Bring ID?" accessed October 3, 2019
  24. ↑ Mississippi Secretary of State, "Mississippi Voter ID - Easy & Free," accessed June 10, 2014
  25. ↑ DMV.org, "Voter registration in Missouri," accessed June 10, 2014
  26. ↑ Montana Secretary of State, "Frequently Asked Questions," accessed November 4, 2019
  27. ↑ Nebraska Secretary of State, "Voter Information Frequently Asked Questions," accessed June 10, 2014
  28. ↑ Nevada Secretary of State, "Election Frequently Asked Questions," accessed June 10, 2014
  29. ↑ Nevada State Legislature, "Title 24 - Elections," accessed January 20, 2015
  30. ↑ Valley News, "Voter ID Compromise, Medical Marijuana Approved in N.H.," June 27, 2013
  31. ↑ Sentinel Source, "Voters without ID will take Polaroids at Keene polls," October 5, 2015
  32. ↑ New Hampshire Secretary of State, "Voter Identification Law," accessed March 24, 2017
  33. ↑ New Jersey Department of State, "Voting Information," accessed June 10, 2014
  34. ↑ New Mexico Secretary of State, "Voter FAQs," accessed June 10, 2014
  35. ↑ FindLaw, "New York Consolidated Laws, Election Law - ELN § 5-210. Registration and enrollment and change of enrollment upon application," accessed November 12, 2019
  36. ↑ FindLaw, "New York Consolidated Laws, Election Law - ELN § 8-302. Voting;  verification of registration," accessed November 12, 2019
  37. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, "Identification Requirements," accessed May 9, 2018
  38. ↑ Oregon Secretary of State, "Voting in Oregon," accessed June 10, 2014
  39. ↑ Rhode Island Secretary of State, "Voter ID," accessed June 10, 2014
  40. ↑ South Carolina Election Commission, "Photo ID Requirements," accessed October 7, 2019
  41. ↑ DMV.org, "Voter Registration in South Dakota," accessed June 10, 2014
  42. ↑ Tennesse Secretary of State, "What ID is required when voting?," accessed October 7, 2019
  43. ↑ Utah State Legislature, "Utah §20A-1-102(83)," accessed October 7, 2019
  44. ↑ Vermont Secretary of State, "Voting Information," accessed June 10, 2014
  45. ↑ West Virginia State Legislature, "West Virginia Code, §3-1-34. Voting procedures generally; identification; assistance to voters; voting records; penalties." accessed October 6, 2019
  46. ↑ My Vote Wisconsin, "Photo ID Required," accessed October 6, 2019
  47. ↑ Wyoming Legislature, "HB0075 - Voter identification," accessed April 13, 2021
  48. ↑ The Heritage Foundation, "Voter Photo Identification: Protecting the Security of Elections," July 13, 2011
  49. ↑ ACLU, "Oppose Voter ID Legislation - Fact Sheet," May 2017
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