Colorado

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Colorado requests ID to vote in person. If you don’t have an accepted ID, there is another way to confirm your identity. Check below for your options! You do not need ID to vote by mail in Colorado (except for some first-time voters).

1 Check ID Rules

Voting in Person

Colorado requests ID if you vote in person. If you don’t have an ID, sign a form (called an affidavit) and vote a provisional ballot.

Accepted IDs

If your ID has an address, it must be in Colorado: 

Must be unexpired or have no expiration date

  • Colorado driver’s license 
  • Colorado state ID card 
  • US passport or passport card 
  • Tribal identification issued by federally recognized Tribe, the BIA, Indian Health Service, or other federal agency located in Colorado  
  • Student photo ID issued by higher education institution in Colorado
  • Military or veteran photo ID
  • Certified US naturalization document
  • Certified US birth certificate
  • Medicare or Medicaid card
  • Employee photo ID issued by US, Colorado, or local government
  • Pilot’s license issued by US government

Dated within 60 days

  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Paycheck
  • Government check
  • Other government document

Voting by Mail

Colorado automatically sends mail ballots to all registered voters. There is no need to request your ballot and no excuse is required to vote by mail.

You will be notified if you need to provide ID with your ballot.

Note that the signature on your ballot must match your signature on file with the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have the right ID to vote in Colorado?

Registered Colorado voters must show ID to vote at the polls.

If you do not present an acceptable ID at the polling place, you may cast a provisional ballot. In order for your ballot to be counted, you must complete a provisional ballot affidavit.

After Election Day, the election official will determine if you were eligible to vote and if your provisional ballot will be counted.

Get in touch with VoteRiders if you have questions or need free help securing

Learn more here!  (link to “Vote” section) 

Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Colorado?

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

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.

Colorado now issues only REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state ID cards. If you need to renew your Colorado license or ID (or apply for a new one), you must go through the REAL ID process. Visit the Colorado DMV wesbite to learn more.