Did you know there are special identification requirements for voters the first time they vote in a federal election? Some forms of ID that are acceptable for Virginia's new ID requirements may not meet the federal requirements. Know what you need before you go to the polls!
Examples of acceptable ID for first time federal voters in Virginia include:
- Your Virginia voter registration card
- Driver's license or other government-issued photo ID (must be valid and name and address must be current)
- Virginia student ID (with your photo or with your current name and address)
- A bank statement, utility bill, paycheck stub, or government check with your current name and address
- Other ID that meets both federal and Virginia requirements (find out which ones by clicking here)
- A combination of an ID that meets federal requirements and one that meets Virginia requirements
If you need to know if you are a first time voter, please click here to search your registration status on the Virginia State Board of Elections website. Virginia Organizing recommends that everyone check their voter registration status before theOctober 15 registration deadline to ensure you are an active, registered voter. If your address or name is incorrect, or there are other errors in your registration, you must contact your registrar before the October 15 deadline. .jpeg)
If you are a first time voter, you CANNOT use your Social Security card, Medicare card, Medicaid card, or Birth Certificate to satisfy the federal ID requirements! You must bring another form of ID to the polls.
For your convenience, Virginia Organizing has posted information on our website for students, seniors, and first time voters. We have also summarized some changes to the law. You can find all this information by clicking here! Please pass along to your friends and family members who may be first time voters!
Since all active registered voters received a voter registration card in the mail, it is best to use your voter registration card as your ID. The voter registration card meets both the federal and state ID requirements. If you do not have your voter ID card, there are other forms of ID that will work such as a bank statement, utility bill, paycheck, or government check as long as it lists your current name and address. You can also use your driver's license, passport, or other state-issued ID. Please click here for a complete list of identifications that meet the Virginia voter ID requirements and the federal (HAVA) ID requirements for first time voters.
