Do you need a REAL ID to vote in NC?

Since the REAL ID deadline on May 7, 2025, (when federal agencies began requiring a REAL ID, U.S. passport or another federally approved identification to board commercial flights and enter secure federal buildings), we’ve gotten a lot of questions about if a REAL ID is required to vote in North Carolina. We know that it can be difficult to get to a DMV office to obtain a REAL ID, so YCV is here to set the record straight on REAL ID and NC voting. 

The short answer is NO, a REAL ID is not required to vote in NC. While a valid, approved form of voter photo ID is required for voting, it does not have to be NC DMV-issued ID, NC driver’s license, or REAL ID. You can vote in North Carolina using a free voter ID issued by your county’s board of elections office, a US passport or passport card, an approved NC Student or NC Government ID, a tribal, military, or veteran’s ID, or other approved IDs found on this list on the NC State Board of Elections (NCSBE) website. 

If you don’t have any of the accepted IDs, you can still vote in North Carolina by completing the Photo ID Exception form when you go to the polls. Click here for more information about permitted exceptions from the NCSBE. 

We also frequently hear people say that they can’t get registered to vote because they either don’t have an NC drivers license or the address on their license is not up to date. This is a myth–you can register to vote in NC without an NC drivers license! When you fill out the NC Voter Registration Application, simply include the last four digits of your Social Security Number in Box 3 in place of an NC Driver’s License or DMV ID number. Make sure you get registered by October 10 to vote in local elections on November 4, 2025. Click here to learn more about how to register to vote in NC. 

Have more questions about voter photo ID requirements in North Carolina? See our FAQs at www.youcanvote.org/voter-id. Still have questions? Call or text the NC Voter Assistance Hotline at 888-OUR-VOTE.