You can register to vote if…
- You are a US citizen AND
- You are 16 or 17 years old to pre-register and you are 18 by Election Day to vote AND
- You live at your NC address for 30 days before Election Day AND
- You are not currently serving a felony sentence, including probation, parole, or post-release supervision.
You will need: The last four digits of your Social Security number OR an NC drivers license number OR a DMV ID number, your full legal name, date of birth, NC residential address, a valid mailing address, phone number, signature and date.
How to register to vote
Learn moreName and identity
The name on your voter registration form must match the name on your legal documents. If you legally change your name, complete a new voter registration form. A name change cannot be updated using online voter registration.
You must provide either the last 4 digits of your social security number or a NC drivers license or DMV ID number on your voter registration form to confirm your identity. The voter registration form asks for gender, race, and ethnicity. This demographic section is OPTIONAL. If your identity is not represented, or you do not wish to identify, you can leave it blank.
Voter Photo ID: Voters will be asked to show photo ID. Free voter photo IDs are available at your County Board of Elections, where you can take a new photo that matches your current identity. For more details on voter photo IDs, see youcanvote.org/voterid
Experiencing Homelessness? Use the shelter address where you stay most often. Or you can draw the address or intersection where you sleep then provide a mailing address.
If you are not offered a ballot because a poll worker questions your gender identity, please call or text the NC Election Protection Hotline to talk with an elections attorney immediately! 1-888-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683)
Voter Photo ID: Rules for voting with or without ID
- If you have an approved ID, bring it with you to vote!
- The address on the ID does not have to match your voter registration.
- You Can Vote if you don’t have an approved ID. Complete the Photo ID Exception Form.
Unexpired or expired for one year or less:
- NC Drivers License
- NC DMV issued non-driver ID
- US passport or passport card
- NC Student ID *
- NC government employee ID *
- FREE ID from county board of elections
- Out-of-state driver license **
* Some restrictions apply
** Only if voter registered in North Carolina within 90 days of the election
Any of the following, regardless of expiration:
- US military or Veteran ID
- Tribal ID
- ID card from US or NC government public assistance program
Over 65? ID is valid for life if it was unexpired on your 65th birthday.
Need help voting?
You can bring someone inside to assist you OR remain in your vehicle to use curbside voting (only voters unable to get inside polling location can use curbside voting).
Can’t get to the polls or need extra time voting?
Any registered voter can vote absentee by mail in North Carolina. It’s a two-step process:
- Request an absentee ballot to vote by mail. Requests are due 7 days before Election Day. You must return your completed ballot by Election Day.
- Return your completed ballot by Election Day. You can return your ballot to an Early Voting site or your County Board of Elections. Follow all instructions and deadlines carefully to make your vote count! Be sure to include witness signatures and addresses plus a copy of your photo ID or the Photo ID Exception form.
Learn more: Vote By Mail
Stay in line!
If you are in line at the time when polls close, stay in line! If you believe you have registered but your name is not on the rolls or if you are told that you are in the wrong precinct, you can vote with a provisional ballot and receive follow-up instructions.
