Ohio

You must show a photo ID to vote in person.

You need to provide ID information or a copy of accepted ID to vote by mail.

Ohio ID Requirements for Voting In Person

A new voter ID law went into effect in 2023. Ohio now requires photo ID to vote. 

Accepted Photo IDs

You can show one of these photo IDs:
Must be unexpired 

  • Ohio driver’s license
  • Ohio state ID card 
  • US passport or passport card 
  • Military identification issued by Ohio National Guard or US government 
  • US Veterans Affairs ID card
  • Interim identification form issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)

🚫 The following IDs are no longer accepted for voting in Ohio: utility bill, bank statement, concealed carry permit, paycheck, government check or other government document without photo 

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Frequently Asked Questions

You can get a free state ID card in Ohio

The BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) issues state ID cards for free to residents aged 17 or over who don’t have a driver’s license.

Request your free state ID at any Ohio BMV license agency location.

You will be required to provide proof of:

  • Legal name (including documentation of any changes)
  • Date of Birth
  • US Citizenship (for example: birth certificate, US passport, immigration paperwork, etc.)
  • Social Security number (SSN) (if you have one)
  • Ohio address

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If you are a registered Ohio 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 

Appear in person at your county’s Board of Elections and present an accepted form of photo ID within 4 days following Election Day. Find your local office. Find you local office

If you don’t have an accepted photo ID because of a religious objection to being photographed, your ballot will count if you complete an affidavit of religious objection and include the last 4 digits of your Social Security numbers. You can complete the affidavit when you cast your provisional ballot or at your county’s Board of Elections within 4 days following Election Day. 

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

The only exception is for a Veteran ID Card (VIC) from the US Department of Veteran Affairs. VICs are now only issued digitally.

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Yes, a suspended driver’s license is accepted as voter ID in Ohio. Your license must still be unexpired.

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No, student ID is not accepted for voting in Ohio. Check this list to learn what photo IDs you can use.

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Address  

Your ID is not required to show your current address in Ohio.

If you are registered at you current address, it is okay to use an accepted form of photo ID with an old address. You should be allowed to cast regular ballot.

Name 

Your ID must show a name that matches (“substantially conforms”) your name as it is listed in the pollbook.

You need to update your Ohio voter registration when you change your name. You can do that online or using this form.

If your name changes after the voter registration deadline, you can still cast a regular ballot.

You need to: 

  • Complete and sign a Form 10-L 
  • Provide legal proof of your name change
  • Show an accepted form of ID (can show previous name)

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

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 Ohio BMV website to find out exactly what is required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card. (called a Compliant DL-ID in Ohio)

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Ohio ID Requirements for Voting By Mail

Any registered voter can request to vote by absentee ballot in Ohio. You don’t have to give a reason for not voting in person.

Request your absentee ballot by sending a completed application form to your county board of elections.

ID Requirements for Ohio Absentee Ballot

You must include identification information or ID with BOTH your absentee ballot application and your completed ballot. 

You can use one of the following: 

  • Number from unexpired Ohio driver’s license 
  • Number from unexpired Ohio state ID card 
  • Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Copy of an accepted form photo ID 

A copy of your ID means images of both the front and back. A copy of a passport book means an image of the data page showing your name, photo, identifying information and expiration date.

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Frequently Asked Questions

You are allowed to “cure” (fix) your absentee ballot within 4 days of the election.  

You can track your mail ballot on the Ohio Sectary of State’s website.

Election officials will send you a notice (Form 11-S) to let you know if there is a problem with your ballot. This include missing or inconsistent proof of ID, signature, or printed name. 

You need to complete the Form 11-S and return it to your county board of elections. You can do this by going to their office or sending it by mail.

If you do not complete and return the Form 11-S, your ballot will not count.