Arkansas

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Arkansas requires a photo ID to vote in person. Check below for your options! You need to include a copy of an accepted ID when you return your absentee ballot.

1 Check ID Rules

Voting in Person

Arkansas requires photo ID to vote in person.

Accepted IDs

You can use a photo ID issued by:

Can be expired up to 4 years or show no expiration date

  • Arkansas state government
  • US government 
  • Higher education institution accredited in Arkansas 
  • Long-term or residential care facility in Arkansas 

Common examples include: 

  • Arkansas driver’s license 
  • Arkansas state ID card 
  • US passport or passport card 
  • Public assistance card 
  • Arkansas Voter Verification card 
  • Student ID from college or university in Arkansas 
  • Military ID 
  • Arkansas concealed carry license

 

Voting by Mail

Absentee ballots in Arkansas are only for some voters. 

Reasons you can vote by absentee ballot include:

  • Being “unavoidably” away from your polling site on Election Day
  • Physical disability or illness

Check the FAQ “Who can vote absentee in Arkansas?” below for the full list of reasons accepted by the state.

Requesting an Absentee Ballot

You can request an absentee ballot from the county clerk where you are registered to vote. Complete an absentee ballot application form and return it by email, mail, or in-person delivery, or fax.

You do not need to include any ID with your absentee ballot application.

Returning an Absentee Ballot

You must provide a copy of photo ID with your completed ballot. You can use any of the photo IDs that are accepted to vote in person.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How can I get a free ID in Arkansas?
Arkansas issues a free “voter verification 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 request your voter verification card through your county clerk’s office.  You will need to sign a document confirming that you don’t have a photo ID that is accepted for voting. You will also be asked to provide documents that:

  • Show your full legal name and date of birth.
  • Show your name and current residential address.

Contact your county clerk to check the specific documents you need to provide.

Find your local county clerk’s office.

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

If you are a registered Arkansas voter but do not present an accepted photo ID when voting in person, you have to cast a provisional ballot.

Provisional ballots make sure eligible voters are not rejected at the polls. You need to take extra steps for your vote to count!

How to Make a Provisional Ballot Count: 

You must present an accepted photo ID at your county board of election commissioners or county clerk’s office by Noon on the Monday after Election Day. Find your local Election Commissioners

If you do not have an accepted photo ID, you can get a free Arkansas voter verification card. Check the FAQ above “How can I get a free ID to vote in Arkansas?” for more info.

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

Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Arkansas?
You can use a digital ID if it is issued by an accepted state agency.
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Arkansas?

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

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

 

Jan 22, 2025