Washington, United States

Millions of Americans are set to vote for their next president on November 5, 2024. With less than 10 days left before election day, it is important to know the voting procedures. Here is all you need to know about identification you need to vote in the US.

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Do you require identification to vote in the US?

Each US state has its own rules for identification during voting. While some states require a photo ID like a driver’s license, state ID, or passport, some may require you to bring a Social Security card or birth certificate. However, some states do not require you to bring identification to vote. 

Check what identification do states require as per the National Conference of State Legislatures website.

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Strict voter identification

For states that have strict requirements for identification, you need to carry an ID when voting in person.

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States that have strict photo ID laws: Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

States that have strict non-photo ID laws: Arizona, North Dakota, and Wyoming.

Non-strict voter identification

For states that do not have strict requirements for identification, there are other ways you can verify to cast the vote.

States that have non-strict photo ID laws: Alabama, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Texas.

States that have non-strict non-photo ID laws: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.

Also read | US presidential election 2024: Can you vote in polls without a permanent address?

No voter identification required

In some states, most voters are not required to show any ID to vote in person, except the first-time voters.

The states include California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Vermont.

Rules for first-time voters

According to federal law, first-time voters are required to show an ID to vote if they did not register in person or did not show an ID at the time of registration. 

Acceptable forms of ID for those voters include:

  • Current utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Paycheck
  • Current and valid photo identification
  • Government check
  • A government-issued document with name and address