What ID do I need?
Whether you need ID to vote, and what counts, depends entirely on your state â and these rules can and do change, sometimes right up to an election. Here's the general landscape, plus how to find your state's current rule.
The general picture
Most states ask for some form of identification before you vote in person, but the specifics vary widely:
- Photo ID states require an ID with your picture on it, like a driver's license or passport.
- Non-photo ID states accept documents that show your name and address but don't have a photo, like a utility bill or bank statement.
- No-document states may verify your identity another way (like a signature match) and don't require you to show anything at the polls.
On top of that, states are described as strict or non-strict:
- In strict states, if you don't have an acceptable ID, you'll vote using a provisional ballot and typically need to take an extra step afterward (like visiting an election office within a few days) for your vote to count.
- In non-strict states, you may be able to sign an affidavit confirming your identity, and your regular ballot will count without further action.
Even in states that don't typically require ID, first-time voters who registered by mail are often asked to show ID the first time they vote, per federal law.
Common forms of ID
These are commonly accepted across many states â though acceptance varies, and your state may have additional options or restrictions:
- Driver's license or state ID card (most states accept these even if expired, within limits)
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID
- Tribal ID card
- State or government employee ID
- Student ID (accepted in some, but not all, states)
- Utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck showing your name and address
- Government check or other government document with your name and address
- Voter registration card
- Lease or mortgage statement
Why this matters right now
Voter ID rules are changing in multiple states. Some states have ballot measures this very election that could change ID requirements, and a federal proposal regarding proof of citizenship for registration has been debated in Congress. Whatever rule applies on Election Day is the one that counts â which is why checking close to the election, with an official source, matters more than usual this cycle.
Find your state's rules
Enter your ZIP code, and we'll point you to your state's official voter information page.