Vital Records Assistant

Registration Guides by Situation

Different situations raise different questions. These are general guides. Your state's rules decide the details, so pick your state on the Get Registered page.

First-time or young voter

  • Many states let you pre-register at 16 or 17. You are added to the rolls when you turn 18. Other states only require that you will be 18 by the next election.
  • If you register by mail and have never voted in your state, federal law may require you to show ID once, either with your application or the first time you vote.
  • Save the confirmation you receive and check your status a few weeks later.

Naturalized citizen

  • You may register once you are a U.S. citizen. Do not register before your naturalization is complete.
  • Your Certificate of Naturalization is your proof of citizenship. Keep it safe. If you lose it, see the replacement options in our document resources below.
  • Some states require documentary proof of citizenship to register. Check your state's page.
  • See our document resources for naturalized citizens in Gather Documents.

Just moved

  • In most states you must update your registration when you move, even within the same county.
  • If you moved to a new state, register there. You cannot use your old state's registration.
  • Some states also let you update your address when you update your driver's license.

Name change or marriage

  • Update your registration when your name changes so it matches the ID you will show at the polls.
  • Change your name with the Social Security Administration and your DMV first when you can, so your records agree.
  • You will need your marriage certificate or court order for some of these steps. See Gather Documents to order a copy.

College student

  • In general you may choose to register at your school address or your home address, but you may be registered in only one place.
  • If you stay registered at home, you can usually vote by mail (absentee). Some states require an excuse. Check your home state's page.
  • If you register at school, cancel or update your old registration so you are not counted twice.

Military or overseas voter

  • Active-duty service members, their families, and U.S. citizens living abroad can register and vote absentee from wherever they are. Every state has its own process, so start with your state's election office (pick your state on the Get Registered page).
  • Ask your state's election office how to register, how to request an absentee ballot, and how you can receive it, by mail, email or online.
  • Send your request early. Mail takes longer from overseas.

Past felony conviction

  • Rules differ widely. In some states you never lose the right to vote. In others it is lost only while incarcerated, until your sentence is complete, or until you complete an extra restoration process.
  • Many people who could vote don't realize their rights were already restored.
  • Your state page shows which category your state is in. Then ask your state election office what applies to your conviction.

No ID or no fixed address

  • Many states with ID laws issue a free voter ID to people who don't have one. Ask your state election office.
  • To get a state ID you may need a birth certificate. See Gather Documents for how to order one.
  • If you have no traditional address, many states let you register using a shelter, a location description or a mailing address. Ask your state election office how to list where you live.
  • Most states offer a provisional ballot if you show up without ID. Ask about the follow-up steps so your vote counts.
Pick your state
Check first

Not sure you're registered? Pick your state and check on your state's own election site before you do anything else.