Voter registration questions, answered

In most of the United States you register by providing basic eligibility information to your state or local election office. Depending on where you live, you may be able to do this online, by mail using the National Mail Voter Registration Form, or in person. The exact steps, accepted documents and deadlines are set by each state, so the most reliable path is to open your state’s official registration page and follow its instructions.

Many states offer online voter registration, but not all of them do. Whether online registration is available to you, and what it requires, depends on your state. Check your state’s official page to see if online registration is offered and what you will need, such as a state-issued ID or driver’s license number.

General eligibility to register and vote in federal elections typically includes being a U.S. citizen, meeting your state’s residency requirements, and being at least 18 years old by Election Day. Many states let you pre-register before 18. Some states have additional rules, for example regarding people with certain felony convictions. Because the details vary, confirm the specific requirements on your state’s official page.

Register as early as you can. Registration deadlines vary widely by state: some states set a deadline up to about 30 days before Election Day, while several states allow same-day registration on or near Election Day. Since deadlines differ, always verify the current deadline for your state through its official source.

In most states you can register by mail using the National Mail Voter Registration Form, then mailing it to the address listed in the form’s state-specific instructions. A few states and territories do not accept this federal form and require their own process. Check the National Mail Voter Registration Form instructions and your state’s official page to confirm mail registration is available where you live.

Most states provide an official online tool to check your voter registration status. The most reliable way to find it is through your state’s official election website. Checking your status is a good idea before each election and any time you move or change your name.

If you move, your voter registration usually needs to be updated. Moving within the same state generally means updating your address with your state or local election office. Moving to a different state usually means registering again in your new state. Update your registration as soon as possible after a move, and confirm the process on your new location’s official page.

You typically update your registration when you change your address, your name, or (in states that record it) your party preference. Depending on your state this can often be done online, by mail with the National Mail Voter Registration Form, or in person. Use your state’s official page for the exact method and any deadline.

No. Registering to vote through official government channels is free. Be cautious of any service that claims you must pay a fee to register. This website is an independent guide and never charges you to register; the official registration links we point to are free government resources.

Use the state selector on this site to open the official registration page for your state or territory, or start from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s state resources. These official sources always take precedence over any general summary, including ours.