Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect a federal judge’s decision to allow students to use their college IDs to vote.
The first step of voting is handing your ID to a poll worker to check in. But what kind of ID does it have to be?
Indiana law requires you to present a photo ID before you can vote. Each ID has to be issued by the state of Indiana or by the U.S. government. Common examples include your driver’s license, passport or military ID.
On April 14, a federal judge blocked Indiana’s ban on students using their college-issued IDs to check in at vote centers. If you’re a student at one of Indiana’s public colleges, you can now use your student ID to vote. College students can find more information on how to prove they live in Indiana on the Election Division’s website.
Here’s everything you need to know about what your ID must have and what happens if you forget to bring it.
What kind of IDs are acceptable
Your ID must:
- Show your photo.
- Have your name, which must match the name on your voter registration (although it doesn’t have to be identical).
- Have an expiration date. It can even be an expired ID, as long as the expiration date is after the last General Election (Nov. 5, 2024).
- Be issued by the state or the U.S. government.
Some options that work are an Indiana driver’s license, a military ID, U.S. passport or Indiana photo ID.
Don’t have a photo ID? Get one for free.
If you don’t drive, or don’t have a photo ID, you can get a free state-issued ID at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for voting. You can find branches of the BMV online using its locator. After you apply for an ID, it should be mailed to you within 10 days. Here’s what you need to bring with you to get your ID.
Forgot your ID?
If you forgot your ID at home when you go to vote, you can ask to vote with a provisional ballot. Then, you’ll have to bring your ID to the election board by noon within 10 days of the election or prove one of the law’s exemptions applies to you.
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