Voter identification laws by state

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Select a state from the menu below to learn more about its voting policies.

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 2024, 35 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, 25 required voters to present identification containing a photograph, with certain exceptions, and 10 states did not explicitly require photo identification. The remaining 15 states did not require voters to present identification in order to vote at the polls on Election Day.

Valid forms of identification differ by state. 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. To see more about these exceptions, see details by state below. Commonly accepted forms of ID include driver's licenses, state-issued identification cards, and military identification cards.

Use the links below to navigate the page:

Details by state[edit]

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 vote 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. Other states that don't generally require identification may require it if the voter did not provide proper identification to register. Federal law requires newly registered voters to provide either a driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security Numbers at the time of registration. 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 Source
Alabama Photo ID required 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.[1][2] Link
Alaska Non-photo ID required 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.[3] 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. Link
Arkansas Photo ID required 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."[4] 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." 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.[5] 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. 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 Non-photo ID required Voters in Connecticut must present some form of identification at the polls, though a photo is not required. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.[6] 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.[7] Link
Georgia Photo ID required Photo identification is required when voting in person or by mail/absentee 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.[8] Link
Hawaii No ID required Voters in Hawaii are generally not required to present identification while voting. In 2019, the statute requiring voters to present identification if so requested by a precinct official was repealed.[9] Link
Idaho Photo ID required 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, 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.[10] Link
Illinois No ID required 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.[11] Link
Indiana Photo ID required 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.[12] Link
Iowa Non-photo ID required Iowa requires voters to present identification while voting. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain one for free by mail. Voters who do not have an accepted form of photo ID may have another voter vouch for their identity or they can provide a combination of other documents to verify their identity and residence. Link
Kansas Photo ID required 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 Photo ID required 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.[13] 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. 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.[14] Link
Maine No ID required 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.[15] Link
Maryland No ID required 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.[16] Link
Massachusetts No ID required 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.[17] Link
Michigan Photo ID required Each voter in Michigan is asked to present photo identification at the polls. Voters without photo identification may sign an affidavit attesting that they are not in possession of acceptable photo identification and still cast a regular ballot.[18] Link
Minnesota No ID required 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.[19] 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.[20] Link
Missouri Photo ID required Missouri requires voters to present photo identification (ID) 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." 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, and a Montana concealed-carry permit.[21] Link
Nebraska Photo ID required Nebraska requires voters to present identification while voting. Initiative 432, approved by Nebraska voters in November 2022, amended Article I of the state constitution to require voters to present valid photo identification in order to vote. Governor Jim Pillen (R) signed Legislative Bill 514 into law on June 1, 2023, in order to implement this policy change. Due to this legislation, Nebraska's voter ID requirement went into effect on April 1, 2024, in time for the state's 2024 primary.[22][23] Link
Nevada No ID required 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.[24][25] Link
New Hampshire Photo ID required 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.[26][27][28] Link
New Jersey No ID required 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.[29] Link
New Mexico No ID required 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.[30] Link
New York No ID required 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.[31][32] Link
North Carolina Photo ID required According to the Board of Elections website, "On April 28, 2023, the North Carolina Supreme Court reversed an injunction against implementation of photo ID legislation. As a result, photo ID laws enacted in 2018 and 2019 are being implemented, starting with the municipal elections in September, October, and November 2023. A separate federal case challenging the same laws is pending, but no injunction against the laws exists in that case." The injunction was issued on December 16, 2022. Link
North Dakota Nonphoto 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. Voters who cast absentee/mail-in ballots must include a valid form of identification with their ballot. Link
Ohio Photo ID required On election day at the polling place, Ohio law requires voters to provide photo identification. If voters are unable to present a valid form of identification, they can cast a provisional ballot.[33] Link
Oklahoma 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). 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. A voter may provide a "voter identification card issued by the appropriate county election board" in lieu of photo ID. 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 can not provide this information, they can print and sign a online voter registration form and mail it to their county election office to complete their registration.[34] Link
Pennsylvania No ID required 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 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.[35] 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 their county voter registration office by providing their name, date of birth and the last four digits of their Social Security number.[36]

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. If a voter does not have a photo ID, he or she can sign a personal identification affidavit.[37] Link
Tennessee Photo ID required

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.[38]

Link
Texas Photo ID required 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 Nonphoto ID required 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.[39] Link
Vermont No ID required Only first-time voters who registered by mail are required to present identification at the polls.[40] Link
Virginia Nonphoto ID required 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.


Voters without acceptable identification may also sign an ID confirmation statement at the polls and vote a regular ballot.

Link
Washington No 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.”[41] Link
West Virginia Nonphoto ID required 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.[42][43] 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. Certain voters are exempt from ID requirements. Voters can obtain a free Wisconsin State ID Card at a Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles office.[44] Link
Wyoming 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 that expire in 2029.[45] Link

Support and opposition[edit]

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."[46]

- 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 ofgovernment-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."[47]

- 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[edit]

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 name or caption
  • Most recent action date
  • Legislative status
  • Topics dealt with by the bill

Bills are organized alphabetically, first by state and then by bill number. The table displays up to 100 results by default. To view additional results, use the arrows in the upper-right corner of the table. For more information about a particular bill, simply click the bill number. This will open a separate page with additional information.


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See also[edit]

Footnotes[edit]

  1. AL.com, "Alabama photo voter ID law to be used in 2014, state officials say," June 25, 2013
  2. Alabama Secretary of State Website, "Alabama Photo Voter Identification," accessed March 1, 2023
  3. Alaska State Legislature, "Alaska Statutes 2018 Sec. 15.15.225 Voter identification at polls," accessed July 15, 2024
  4. Arkansas Secretary of State, "Voter Registration Information," accessed July 29, 2024
  5. California Secretary of State, "What to Bring to Your Polling Place," accessed August 12, 2024
  6. Delaware.gov, "Voting in Delaware," accessed July 22, 2024
  7. Florida Division of Elections, "Election Day Voting," accessed April 10, 2023
  8. Georgia Secretary of State, "Georgia Voter Identification Requirements," accessed April 12, 2023
  9. Hawaii Revised Statutes Annotated, "§ 11-136," accessed September 13, 2022
  10. Idaho Secretary of State's Office - Vote Idaho, "Guide to Voting in Person," accessed July 30, 2024
  11. Illinois State Board of Elections, "Illinois Voter Information," June 16, 2015
  12. Indiana Election Division, "Photo ID Law," accessed June 10, 2014
  13. Kentucky State Board of Elections, "Election Day Information," accessed April 26, 2023
  14. Louisiana Secretary of State, "FAQ: Voting on Election Day," accessed August 15, 2024
  15. Maine Secretary of State, "Your Right to Vote in Maine," accessed April 15, 2023
  16. Maryland State Board of Elections, "General Requirements of the Act," accessed June 10, 2014
  17. Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "Identification Requirements," accessed April 13, 2023
  18. Michigan Secretary of State, "A Guide to Voter Identification at the Polls," accessed April 17, 2023
  19. Minnesota Secretary of State, "Do I Need to Bring ID?" accessed October 3, 2019
  20. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named mvid
  21. Montana Legislature, "SB169," accessed August 18, 2024
  22. Nebraska Secretary of State, "Full text," accessed June 8, 2023
  23. Nebraska Secretary of State, "Election Day FAQ," accessed June 8, 2023
  24. Nevada Secretary of State, "Election Frequently Asked Questions," accessed June 10, 2014
  25. Nevada State Legislature, "Title 24 - Elections," accessed January 20, 2015
  26. Valley News, "Voter ID Compromise, Medical Marijuana Approved in N.H.," June 27, 2013
  27. Sentinel Source, "Voters without ID will take Polaroids at Keene polls," October 5, 2015
  28. New Hampshire Secretary of State, "Voter Identification Law," accessed June 24, 2024
  29. New Jersey Department of State, "Voting Information," accessed August 22, 2024
  30. New Mexico Secretary of State, "Voter FAQs," accessed June 10, 2014
  31. FindLaw, "New York Consolidated Laws, Election Law - ELN § 5-210. Registration and enrollment and change of enrollment upon application," accessed October 8, 2024
  32. FindLaw, "New York Consolidated Laws, Election Law - ELN § 8-302. Voting;  verification of registration," accessed October 8, 2024
  33. Ohio Secretary of State, "Identification Requirements," accessed April 6, 2023
  34. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named votegen
  35. Rhode Island Secretary of State, "Vote on Election Day," accessed April 18, 2023
  36. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named scvid
  37. DMV.org, "Voter Registration in South Dakota," accessed June 10, 2014
  38. Tennesse Secretary of State, "What ID is required when voting?" accessed October 7, 2019
  39. Salt Lake County Clerk, “Election Day Vote Centers,” accessed April 24, 2023
  40. Vermont Secretary of State, "Election Day FAQs," accessed April 20, 2023
  41. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named waleg
  42. West Virginia State Legislature, "West Virginia Code, §3-1-34. Voting procedures generally; identification; assistance to voters; voting records; penalties." accessed October 7, 2024
  43. West Virginia Secretary of State, "Elections, Be Registered and Ready" accessed October 7, 2024
  44. Wisconsin Department of Transportation, "Wisconsin ID card for voting purposes - petition process," accessed May 4, 2023
  45. Wyoming Legislature, "HB0075 - Voter identification," accessed April 13, 2021
  46. The Heritage Foundation, "Voter ID Laws Are Popular for Good Reasons," January 17, 2023
  47. ACLU, "Oppose Voter ID Legislation - Fact Sheet," August 2021

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