Do I need an ID to vote?
Most states ask for some form of identification, but every state has a way for you to vote even without it
It depends on your state. 36 states have laws requesting or requiring voters to show some form of identification at the polls, with the remaining states verifying identity by other means. No state turns away a voter who has no identification.
What the states require
NCSL counts 36 states with laws requesting or requiring voters to show some form of identification at the polls. Ten of those 36 are strict photo states, four are strict non photo, 14 are non strict photo, and eight are non strict non photo. The remaining states verify identity by other means.
What happens if you do not have ID
No state turns away a voter who has no identification. Federal law guarantees a provisional ballot to anyone whose eligibility is questioned. On top of that, states offer affidavits, declarations, signature matches and cure windows.
What you should do
Get your own state list from your state or county election office before election day. If you cannot get the document in time, go to the polls anyway and ask what fallback applies to you.
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All conviction voting questionsFrequently asked questions
Q. What ID do I need to vote?
It depends on your state, and about two thirds of states ask for something. NCSL counts 36 states with laws requesting or requiring voters to show some form of identification at the polls, with the remaining states verifying identity by other means. The single most important thing to know is that no state turns away a voter who has no identification.
Sources
- National Conference of State Legislatures, Voter ID, and 52 U.S.C. 21082(a), https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id · 2026-09-03