Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania voters should only be asked for ID the first time that they vote in their precinct. 

All mail-in or absentee voters must provide an ID number or copy of an accepted ID.

Learn About Voting In Person
Learn About Voting By Mail
LEARN ABOUT VOTER REGISTRATION IN PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania ID Requirements for Voting In Person

Pennsylvania requests ID the first time you vote in your precinct. Be prepared with ID if you are voting for the first time or if you moved to a new precinct since the last time you voted. 

Accepted IDs

You can show one of these photo IDs:

  • Pennsylvania driver’s license
  • Pennsylvania state ID card
  • Photo ID issued by Pennsylvania or US government
  • US passport or passport card
  • Student ID (high school, college, or university) 
  • Military identification 
  • Employee ID 

Or you can use a non-photo ID that has your name and address: 

  • Voter registration card
  • Firearm permit
  • Non-photo ID issued by Pennsylvania or US government
  • Current utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck

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Frequently Asked Questions

First Time in Precinct 

If you are new to your precinct and do not present an accepted ID, you have to cast a provisional ballot.

Provisional ballots make sure eligible voters are not rejected at the polls.

Your county board of elections will review your provisional ballot and decide if you were eligible to vote.

You ballot will count if the board verifies you were eligible.

Other Voters

Voters who are challenged on their identity or residency, can vote a regular ballot if:

  • You sign a challenge affidavit form.
  • Another registered voter in your precinct serves as a witness and confirms your identity.

You have to vote a provisional ballot if you can’t or don’t want to produce a witness.

Pennsylvania voters can only be challenged on the basis of their residency, identity, and eligibility to vote.

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You must present a physical ID to vote in Pennsylvania. You cannot use an image, copy, or digital ID when you are voting in person.

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You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in Pennsylvania.

REAL ID is a set of national security standards for states to follow when they issue driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Your ID will show a star if it meets REAL ID standards.

Applying for a REAL ID requires you to appear in person with a variety of documents to prove your identity.

Visit the PennDot website to find out exactly what is required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card.

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Pennsylvania ID Requirements for Voting By Mail

Any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot in Pennsylvania. You don’t have to give a reason why you can’t vote in person.

Pennsylvania also has absentee ballots for qualified voters. 

Both mail-in and absentee voters must provide an ID number or copy of an accepted ID when requesting their ballot. 

Requesting a Mail-in or Absentee Ballot

Give one of these numbers when you request your ballot:

  • Pennsylvania driver’s license number
  • Pennsylvania state ID card number 

If you do not have one of these numbers, you can use the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. 

If you also do not have a Social Security number:

  • Check the box confirming that you don’t have any of the required numbers.
  • Provide a copy of accepted photo ID with your request. Your ID must be unexpired. High school student IDs are not accepted for voting by mail. 

Returning a Mail-in or Absentee Ballot

You don’t need to include ID with your completed ballot.

All types of Pennsylvania ballots must be sent back using two envelopes – an outer “mailing” envelope and an inner “privacy” or “secrecy” envelope. If you don’t use both envelopes, your vote won’t be counted.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Under current Pennsylvania law:

  • If there’s a problem with your mail-in ballot, you may have the opportunity to correct it before the election, depending on your county.
  • The county board of elections cannot reject your returned absentee or mail-in ballot solely due to signature comparisons.