How to Register to Vote in the US and Check Your Registration
Who can register, where to do it, which deadlines to watch for, and how to confirm you are still registered after a move or name change.
Elections in the United States are run by states, so the rules for registering differ depending on where you live. The basics are similar everywhere, and it only takes a few minutes if you start early.
Who can register
In general you must be:
- a United States citizen,
- a resident of the state where you register (and in some states, of a specific county or precinct for a minimum period), and
- at least 18 years old by Election Day. Many states let 17-year-olds register if they will turn 18 by the election, and some allow them to vote in primaries.
Rules about voting after a felony conviction differ widely from state to state, so check your state’s guidance if that applies to you.
How to register
- Go to Vote.gov. The official federal site points you to your state’s registration process. Most states offer online registration.
- Or use paper. You can complete a registration form and mail it, or hand it in at a motor vehicle office, a public library, or your local election office.
- Or register where you get services. Many state agencies, including motor vehicle offices, offer registration when you apply for a licence or ID.
You will usually need your name, address, date of birth and a driver’s licence or state ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Have these ready before you start.
Watch the deadlines
Registration deadlines vary. Some states close registration several weeks before an election, others allow it at the polls. Deadlines for mailing a paper form and for submitting online may differ. Look up the exact dates on your state election office’s website.
Check your registration
You can check whether you are registered, and where you vote, on your state or local election office’s website, which Vote.gov links to. It is worth checking:
- after you move,
- after a name change,
- if you have not voted in several years, and
- a few weeks before each major election.
Bring the right ID
Voter ID rules also differ by state. Some require photo ID at the polls, some accept other documents, and some use signature matching. Your election office’s site lists exactly what to bring.
Voting early or by mail
Most states offer some form of early voting or mail voting, often with separate request deadlines. If you plan to vote by mail, request your ballot early and return it with time to spare.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register on election day?
Some states allow same-day registration, but many do not, and deadlines can fall weeks before an election. Check your state's rules well in advance.
Do I need to re-register if I move?
Usually yes. Registration is tied to your address, so moving to a new address (even within the same state) normally means updating your registration.
Is there a federal voter registration form?
Yes. The National Mail Voter Registration Form works in most states, but each state sets its own deadlines and some have extra requirements.
