Missouri

Missouri asks you to show photo ID to vote in person. If you don’t have an accepted ID, there is another way to confirm your identity.

Some absentee voters are required to provide ID.

Missouri ID Requirements for Voting In Person

Missouri requests photo ID to vote in person. Vote and sign a provisional ballot if you don’t have an accepted ID. Your ballot will count if the state verifies your signature. 

Accepted Photo IDs

You can show: 

Unexpired or has no expiration date

  • Missouri driver’s license
  • Missouri state ID card
  • Military identification issued by Missouri National Guard or US Armed Forces
  • Identification issued by Veterans Affairs

Ok if expired after November 8, 2022

  • Other photo ID issued by Missouri or US Government

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can’t present a photo ID accepted for voting in Missouri, you have to cast a provisional ballot.

Provisional ballots make sure eligible voters are not turned away from the polls.

You will be asked to provide your name, address, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.

Your provisional ballot will count if: 

  • You return to your polling place before it closes on Election Day and present an accepted photo ID.

or

  • Your signature on your provisional ballot envelope matches the signature on your voter registration record.

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VoteRiders is here to help!
Contact us if you have questions or need free help getting ID.

The state has not provided any guidance regarding digital IDs.

You do not need a REAL ID to vote in Missouri.

Your driver’s license or state ID card will show a star in the upper corner if it meets REAL ID requirements under federal law.

Get in touch with VoteRiders if you have questions or need free help getting ID.

Missouri ID Requirements for Voting By Mail

Absentee ballots in Missouri are only for some voters. 

Reasons you can vote by absentee ballot include:

  • Not being in your county on Election Day
  • Physical disability or illness

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

Requesting an Absentee Ballot

You have to apply with your local election office to receive an absentee ballot. You can request your ballot in person or send a completed application by mail or fax.

Voters who apply for their ballot in person need to show an accepted form of photo ID.

If you send your request by mail or fax, you usually do not have to include a copy of ID. You will need to give the last four digits of your Social Security number on your request form.

Voters who registered by mail and have never voted in person are also required to provide a copy of an accepted photo ID.

Returning an Absentee Ballot

Your ballot envelope must be notarized if you did not provide ID when you requested your ballot. If you are voting absentee due to your health, you are not required to notarize your ballot.

The signature on your ballot envelope will be compared to the one on file with the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Missouri, you have to give a specific reason for voting by absentee ballot.

The following reasons are accepted:

  • Absent from your county on Election Day
  • Incapacity or confinement due to illness or physical disability
  • Primarily responsible for the physical care of a person who is incapacitated or confined due to illness or disability (must reside at the same address)
  • Religious beliefs or practice
  • Employment as an election authority or by an election authority at a location other than your polling place, a first responder, a health care worker, or a member of law enforcement.
  • Incarceration (if you have retained your voting rights)
  • Certified participation in the address confidentiality program because of safety concerns.

Missouri does not have a formal policy in place to allow a voter to fix (“cure”) their ballot if it is rejected.

Anecdotal reports suggest that some county clerks have been willing to assist voters who have submitted absentee ballots with errors, such as a missing signature.

If you are notified by a county clerk that there is an error on your absentee ballot, we encourage you to work with them to cure your ballot and ensure that it is counted.