Georgia

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Georgia requires photo ID to vote in person. You need to provide ID information or a copy of accepted ID to vote by mail. Check below for your options!

1 Check ID Rules

Voting in Person

Georgia requires photo ID to vote in person. 

Accepted Photo IDs

You can show:
Ok if expired

  • Georgia driver’s license

Must be unexpired

  • Georgia driver’s license
  • Georgia state ID card
  • Georgia Voter ID card
  • Temporary ID issued by Georgia DMV
  • Photo ID issued by US government or any state
  • US passport or passport card
  • Student ID issued by public college or university approved by Georgia’s Secretary of State (list available here)
  • Tribal identification
  • Military identification
  • Employee ID issued by US, Georgia, or local government

Voting by Mail

Any registered voter can request an absentee ballot in Georgia. You don’t have to give a reason why you can’t vote in person.

Georgia voters must provide specific ID numbers or a copy of accepted ID twice. 

Requesting an Absentee Ballot

Request your absentee ballot from the Georgia Secretary of State. You can request a ballot online, in person, or by email, mail, and fax.

Give one of these numbers when you request your absentee ballot:

  • Georgia driver’s license
  • Georgia state ID card

If you do not have one of these numbers: 

  • Mark on the application that you don’t have either number.
  • Provide an accepted form of ID with your application. You can either attach a copy or upload a photo of your ID.

You can use: 

  • Any of the the photo IDs that are accepted to vote in person. Mark on the application that you don’t have either number.
  • Current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or government document with your name and address. 

Returning an Absentee Ballot

You must print the number of your Georgia driver’s license or state ID card number (and your date of birth) in the space provided on your ballot’s outer envelope.

If you do not have one of these numbers: 

  • Mark on the outer envelope that you don’t have either number. 
  • Provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. 

If you also do not have a Social Security number, mark that on your ballot’s outer envelope and provide a copy of accepted ID. 

You will get a message in your ballot package if you didn’t include the correct ID with your application. If that happens, you should put a copy of any required ID in your ballot’s outer envelope.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a free ID in Georgia?

Georgia issues a free Voter ID card that can be used to vote if you do not have another accepted form of ID. This ID is only intended for voting.

You can get a Georgia Voter ID card from any county registrar’s office or Department of Driver Services (DDS) service center.

At County Registrar 

You must provide all of the following to get a free ID card from a county registrar’s office:

  • Photo ID or approved non-photo document to prove your legal name and date of birth
  • Proof that you’re registered to vote in Georgia
  • Document with your full legal name and residential address

Find your local county registrar’s office.

At DDS 

You must provide all of the following to get a free ID card from a DDS service center:

  • Original or certified proof of identity (for example: a birth certificate or US passport) and any name changes
  • Social Security card
  • Two documents showing your residential address (for example: a bank statement or utility bill)
  • Proof that you’re registered to vote in Georgia
  • Signed Affidavit.

Find your local DDS service center.

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

Registered Georgia voters who can’t present an accepted photo ID at the polls have to cast a provisional ballot. You must take extra steps for your ballot to count. 

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

Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Georgia?

You must present a physical ID to vote in Georgia.

You cannot use an image, copy, or digital ID when you are voting in person. This includes digital licenses and state IDs from the Georgia DDS.

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

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

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 various documents to prove your identity. Georgia now issues only REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state ID cards. If you need to renew your Georgia license or ID (or apply for a new one), you must go through the REAL ID process. Visit the Georgia DDS website to learn more.