FAQs for voter id

  • In the grand scheme of things, yes. In January 2023, Governor DeWine signed into law HB 458, a massive overhaul of Ohio's elections, which means Ohio voters have lost several freedoms.

    Previously you could have used a utility bill, bank statement, or government document to identify yourself at the polls. Now you can only use a valid photo ID.

  • Currently to vote in Ohio you need a valid form of photo ID. This includes an unexpired, valid Ohio driver’s license or state ID, military and veterans IDs, and US passport or passport cards. If you have any of those, you can use them to identify yourself when voting.

    If you do not have any of those when you head to the polls, you may be asked to vote provisionally. Don’t worry, your vote will still be counted as long as you return to your county Board of Elections with valid identification within 4 days.

  • Your address on your ID does not need to match your current voter registration. For example, passports of not have addresses, but can still be used for valid identification. An unexpired Ohio driver’s license, state ID card, or interim documentation with your former address IS an ACCEPTABLE form of ID when your current address is in the pollbook.

    If you have moved within Ohio and did not update your voter registration, you may have to vote provisionally and to your county Board of Elections with valid identification within 4 days.

  • No. Expired IDs are not a valid form of identification. You may have to vote provisionally and return to your county’s Board of Elections with an updated, valid form of identification within 4 days.

  • No. University-issued student IDs are not a valid form of ID to vote with in Ohio. If you try to vote with yours, you will likely be asked to vote provisionally. If you do, your vote will still be counted as long as you return to your county Board of Elections with valid identification within 4 days.

    Try to go to the polls with the right form of ID (valid, unexpired Ohio state ID or driver’s license, military or veterans ID, or US passport or passport card) the first time to avoid the hassle.

  • In Ohio, you can no longer vote in person without a valid photo ID (listed above).

    However, you can vote absentee by mail using your Social Security number.

  • You could get a free Ohio state ID from the BMV.

    or,

    You might want to vote by mail!

    Voting by mail enables you to vote using your Social Security Number as identification.

    This includes out-of-state college students! While individuals could technically get an Ohio state ID card in order to vote in-person, this would void any driver's license or ID from another state. Play it safe and vote by mail.

  • Even if your Ohio driver’s license or state ID says “noncitizen,” you’re allowed to vote as a new U.S. citizen.

    If your ID still has the “noncitizen” label, poll workers might ask for a little more documentation.

    Bring something that shows your U.S. citizenship, like a U.S. passport or your naturalization certificate. This will help clarify things quickly!

    If the poll worker asks, you may vote with a provisional ballot. This is just a temporary way to vote that requires an extra step afterward. Don’t worry—your vote will still count! After voting provisionally, head over to your county board of elections within 4 days with an updated ID or your proof of citizenship. This step finalizes your vote and ensures it gets counted just like any other ballot.

    Call an Election Protection Hotline if you have any questions or face challenges when voting with a “noncitizen” ID. Volunteers are ready to support you!