Register to Vote

To be eligible to register to vote in the United States, you generally must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Meet your state's residency requirements
• Be 18 years old on or before Election Day
• Not be currently serving a felony sentence (varies by state)
• Not have been declared mentally incompetent by a court

Requirements may vary slightly by state, so check your state's specific eligibility rules.

The documents required to register to vote vary by state, but commonly include:

• Valid state-issued ID (driver's license or state ID card)
• Social Security Number (last 4 digits in most states)
• Proof of residence (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
• Proof of citizenship for first-time registrants in some states

For online registration, you'll typically need your state ID number and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

You can check your voter registration status in several ways:

• Visit your state's election website
• Use the voter registration lookup tool at Texas Voter Registration
• Contact your local election office
• Check your status when you renew your driver's license

You'll typically need to provide your name, date of birth, and address to verify your registration status.

Yes, you generally need to update your voter registration when you move. Here's what to do:

• Moving within the same county: Update your address with your local election office.
• Moving to a different county: You'll need to re-register in your new county.
• Moving to a different state: You must register to vote in your new state, as voter registration doesn't transfer between states.

Many states allow you to update your registration online. If you don't update your registration before Election Day, you may be able to vote using a provisional ballot or at your old polling place, depending on state laws.

Voter registration deadlines vary by state:

• Most states: 15-30 days before an election
• Some states: Allow registration up to and including Election Day (same-day registration)
• Texas: 30 days before an election
• California: 15 days before an election (conditional registration available after the deadline)
• New York: 25 days before an election

It's always best to register as early as possible to ensure your registration is processed in time. Check your state's specific deadline using our search tool above.

You can still register to vote even if you don't have a permanent address. Here are some options:

• Use the address of a shelter where you stay
• Use a street corner or park where you typically stay
• Use the address of a local service provider that you visit regularly

You'll also need to provide a mailing address where you can receive voting information. This could be:

• A P.O. Box
• A friend or relative's address
• A homeless shelter or service provider that holds mail for clients

Contact your local election office for specific guidance, as procedures may vary by location.