Michigan requests a photo ID to vote in person. If you don’t have one, you can still vote a regular ballot by signing a form that confirms your identity (called an affidavit).
Option 1: Show an accepted photo ID
You can show (expired is OK):
Michigan driver’s license
Michigan state ID card
You can show (must be unexpired):
ID issued by the US government or any state
US passport or passport card
Student ID from an accredited high school or higher education institution
Military identification
Tribal identification
Option 2: Vote without a photo ID
If you don’t have an accepted photo ID, you can still vote a regular ballot by confirming your identity in writing.
How it works:
Tell the poll worker you don’t have a photo ID with you.
Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Michigan?
You must show a physical ID at the polls.
You cannot use an image, copy, or digital ID when voting in person.
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Michigan?
You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in Michigan.
“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.
How to get a “REAL ID” in Michigan:
You must appear in person to apply for your driver’s license or ID card.
You must bring a variety of documents to prove your identity.
You do not need these numbers if you request on paper or in person.
If you complete a paper request form or request your ballot at your local clerk’s office, your signature will be compared to your voter registration record before a ballot is issued.
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
Do I need to include an ID with my absent voter ballot?
No. The signature on your mail ballot must match the signature on file with the state.
Can I fix my Michigan mail ballot if it is rejected?
You must be notified if your ballot is missing your signature, or if the signature on it does not match your signature in state records.
What to do:
Your local clerk will contact you to explain why your ballot was rejected and how to fix it so it counts.
You must register before you can vote in Michigan.
You are eligible to vote in Michigan if you meet all of the following requirements:
You are a citizen of the United States.
You are a resident of Michigan.
You are at least 18 years of age on Election Day.
You cannot register to vote in Michigan if:
You have been convicted of a felony and your civil rights have not been restored.
To register to vote:
You must provide your driver’s license number or state ID number if you have one.
If you do not have either of these IDs, you can use the last 4 digits of your Social Security number (SSN).
If you do not have a Social Security number, then leave that space blank on your registration form.
If you don’t provide any of these numbers or the state can’t match the number you provide to official records, you will have to show an accepted form of ID the first time you vote.
If you vote in person, present an accepted form of ID at the polls.
If you vote by mail, provide a copy of an accepted form of ID with your absentee ballot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register and vote on the same day in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan has same-day voter registration. Same-day registration allows you to register and vote in person on the same day. You can also use it to update your voter registration information. The deadline to register to vote in Michigan is 15 days before Election Day. If this registration deadline has passed, same-day registration is available in Michigan during early voting and on Election Day. Contact your local election clerk’s office to check where same-day registration is available. To use same-day registration, you must present a document that lists your name and current address.
Common examples include:
Michigan driver’s license
Michigan state ID card
Utility bill Bank statement
Paycheck or government check
Other government document
You will also be asked to show an accepted form of photo ID or sign a form to confirm your identity.
Can I register to vote in Michigan if I have been convicted of a crime?
Each state has its own laws about whether citizens with previous criminal convictions can vote.
To check your eligibility to register to vote in Michigan, use Restore Your Vote.
Can I register to vote in Michigan if I attend college in Michigan ?
College students are allowed to vote using their Michigan school residence address. You can decide if you prefer to register in your home state or in Michigan if you attend school there. You may only be registered and vote in one location.
Michigan driver’s license or state ID card number (if you have one)
Last 4 digits of Social Security number
You do not need to provide this information if you complete a paper request form or request your ballot at your local clerk’s office. Your signature on your request form will be compared to your voter registration record before a ballot is issued.
Returning an Absent Voter 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
Do I need to include an ID with my absentee voter ballot?
No, but the signature on your mail-in ballot must match your signature on file with the state.
Can I fix my Michigan mail ballot if it is rejected?
You must be notified if your ballot is missing your signature or if the signature on it does not match your signature in state records. Your local clerk will contact you to explain why your ballot has been rejected and how you can fix the problem so that your ballot is counted.
