How to register to vote
Learn how to register so you can vote in federal, state, and local elections.
Register through vote.gov
Visit vote.gov to begin the voter registration process. Select your state or territory. Depending on its rules, you will find instructions on how to register:
- Online
- By mail
- In person at your local election office
Start your registration on vote.gov
Other ways to register to vote
- Download the National Mail Voter Registration Form. You can fill it out onscreen and print the completed form. Or you can print the blank form and fill it out by hand. Remember to sign the form before mailing it to the location listed for your state.
- Check with local government offices to see if you can register in person.
- Find your department of motor vehicles office.
- Locate a nearby armed forces recruitment center.
- Contact state and county public assistance offices such as SNAP/food stamps.
Abroad and military voters
The Federal Voting Assistance Program lets you register to vote and request an absentee ballot if you are a:
- U.S. citizen living outside the U.S.
- Service member stationed abroad
- Spouse or eligible family member of a service member stationed abroad
What documents do you need to register to vote?
In most cases, you will need either a driver’s license or a state ID to register to vote. If you do not have either of these, you may be able to provide other types of documentation, including a bank statement or utility bill. But the required documents you need to register vary by state. Check with your state’s election office to find out what documentation they accept.
LAST UPDATED: September 5, 2024
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