Registering to vote in the United. States usually takes about five minutes. The part that trips people up is timing: every state sets its own rules and deadlines, and you can’t vote in most states unless you’ve registered in advance. This guide walks through who can register, how to do it and what to check before Election Day.
Important for immigrants: Only US citizens can register and vote in federal and state elections. Green card holders and visa holders cannot. Registering or voting as a non-citizen is a serious crime and can lead to deportation and a permanent bar on becoming a citizen. If a form asks whether you’re a citizen and you aren’t, answer no and don’t register.
Who can register to vote:
- You’re a US citizen, by birth or naturalization
- You’ll be at least 18 by Election Day (many states let 16- or 17-year-olds pre-register)
- You meet your state’s residency requirement
- You meet your state’s rules on felony convictions, which vary widely
A few cities and towns allow non-citizens to vote in certain local elections only, such as school board races. These are rare exceptions with their own separate registration process. They never apply to federal or state elections.
Three ways to register:
| Method | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Your state’s official election website | Available in most states; often needs a state ID or driver’s license number |
| By mail | The National Mail Voter Registration Form or your state’s form | Accepted in almost every state; mail it before the deadline |
| In person | Your local election office, the DMV or other public offices | Many states let you register when you get or renew a driver’s license |
Step by step: registering online:
- Go to vote.gov and choose your state, it sends you to the official state site
- Enter your name, address, date of birth and ID number (usually a state driver’s license or the last four digits of your Social Security number)
- Confirm you’re a US citizen and meet the other requirements
- Choose a party if your state asks and you want to (you can also choose none)
- Submit and save the confirmation
Use official sites only: Registering is free. Use vote.gov or your state or county election office. Be cautious of third-party sites that ask for payment or more personal information than needed.
Deadlines:
Registration deadlines are set by each state. Many fall between two and four weeks before Election Day. Some states offer same-day registration at the polls or during early voting. North Dakota doesn’t require voter registration at all. Look up your state’s exact dates on its election website well before the election.
What ID you might need:
To register, most states ask for a driver’s license or state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Voter ID rules for casting a ballot are separate and vary by state; some require photo ID, others accept a range of documents. Check your state’s rules before you go.
Just became a citizen?:
Congratulations. You can register as soon as you’ve taken the Oath of Allegiance. Many naturalization ceremonies offer voter registration on the spot, or hand out registration forms. You may need your naturalization certificate number for some forms.
Moved or changed your name?:
Update your registration whenever you move, change your name or want to change party. Most states let you update online using the same process as registering.
Check your registration:
Before every election, confirm your registration is active and your address is correct. Your state or county election website has a lookup tool; vote.gov links to each one. It takes a minute and avoids surprises at the polling place.
After you register:
- Find your polling place on your county election site
- Check whether you can vote early or by mail
- Look up what’s on your ballot; many local sites show a sample ballot
- Mark Election Day in your calendar; the next federal general election is November 3, 2026
