Iowa

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Iowa requests you show photo ID to vote in person. If you don’t have an accepted ID, there is another way to confirm your identity. You must provide an ID number when you request to vote by mail. Check below for your options!

1 Check ID Rules

Voter ID Requirements

Iowa requests photo ID to vote in person. If you don’t have an accepted photo ID, you can vote if you provide additional documents or if another voter confirms your identity.

Accepted Photo IDs

Option 1: Photo ID

Must be unexpired or show no expiration date:

Can be expired up to 90 days

  • Iowa driver’s license
  • Iowa state ID card

Must be unexpired 

  • Iowa Voter ID card
  • US passport or passport card
  • Tribal identification with signature
  • Military identification
  • Veterans identification

Option 2: Additional ID Documents

You can show:

One photo ID with expiration date + One non-photo ID with your current address
Accepted Photo IDs

Must be unexpired

 Common Examples

Current within 45 days
  • Driver’s license issued by other state
  • State ID card issued by other state
  • Student ID issued by Iowa high school or college
  • Employee ID
 +
  • Utility bill (including cell phone bill)
  • Bank statement
  • Paycheck
  • Residential lease
  • Government check
  • Other government document

Option 3: Confirm Identity

Another registered voter in your precinct can verify your identity if you do not have an accepted form of ID.

Voting by Mail 

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

Requesting an Absentee Ballot 

You can request an absentee ballot from your county auditor’s office. You will be asked to provide one of the following numbers: 

  • Iowa driver’s license number
  • Iowa state ID card  number
  • Four-digit Voter PIN from your Voter ID card 

You will receive an Iowa Voter ID card in the mail if you don’t have an Iowa driver’s license or state ID card. 

If you can’t remember your Voter ID PIN and don’t have another accepted ID, contact your county auditor’s office.

Returning an Absentee Ballot

You do not need to include ID with your completed ballot. The signature on your ballot envelope will be compared to the one on file with the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Iowa voters who do not present an accepted form of ID at the polls have two options:

  • Another Voter Confirms Identity

You can vote without a photo ID if another registered voter in your precinct serves as a witness and confirms your identity.

  • Vote a Provisional Ballot and Return with ID

Vote a provisional ballot if you are not able to present ID or confirm your identity.

Provisional ballots make sure eligible voters are not rejected at the polls.

For your provisional ballot to count, you must submit an accepted form of photo ID to your county auditor’s office by the deadline provided to you at the polls.

Find your local office.

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

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

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

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

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

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