US Trends

what is needed to register to vote

To register to vote in the U.S., you generally need to be a U.S. citizen, meet your state’s age requirement, and live in the state where you’re registering. Most states also ask for an ID number such as a driver’s license or state ID, and if you do not have one, some states accept the last four digits of your Social Security number or other documents.

What you usually need

  • U.S. citizenship.
  • A residential address in the state where you’re registering.
  • An ID number, often a driver’s license or state ID; rules vary by state.
  • In some states, extra proof such as residency or citizenship documents.

How to register

  • Online, by mail, or in person, depending on your state.
  • The federal registration form works in most states, but not all.

Important note

Registration deadlines vary by state, and some states let you register on Election Day while others have earlier cutoffs.