Tennessee
1 Check ID Rules
Voting in Person
Tennessee requires photo ID to vote in person.
Accepted Photo IDs
You can use one of the following photo IDs even if they are expired:
- Tennessee driver’s license
- Tennessee state ID card
- US Passport
- ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
- ID issued by the federal government or Tennessee state government
- Military ID issued by the United States
- Tennessee handgun carry permit
If you are a first time voter who registered by mail or online and if your photo ID is expired you must also present one of the following types of secondary ID:
- a copy of a current utility bill,
- bank statement
- government check
- Paycheck
- other government document that shows your name and address
Voting by Mail
Only certain voters can vote by absentee ballot in Tennessee. You do not need to include ID when you vote absentee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a free ID in Tennessee?
You may obtain a free photo ID to vote from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
You will be asked to sign a form (called an affidavit) confirming that you do not have a valid government-issued photo ID for voting purposes.
To receive the ID you will also need to provide:
- Proof of US citizenship (such as a birth certificate)
- Two documents to prove Tennessee residency (such as a copy of a utility bill, vehicle registration/title or bank statement
If you do not have a birth certificate, ask to speak with a Driver Service Center manager who will work with you to identify possible other documentation to prove US citizenship.
If your Tennessee driver license does not have a photo you may choose to get a new photo driver license rather than a separate photo ID.
What if I don’t have the right ID to vote in Tennessee?
Voters who don’t show ID must vote with a provisional ballot and return later with ID.
Learn more here!
Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Tennessee?
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Tennessee?
You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in Tennessee.
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.
2 Register
Who can vote in Tennessee ?
You need to register before you can vote in Tennessee.
You can vote in Tennessee if you meet these requirements:
- You are a citizen of the United States.
- You are a resident of Tennessee.
- You are at least 18 years of age on Election Day.
You cannot register to vote in Tennessee if:
- You have been convicted of a felony, and your civil rights have not been restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register to vote in Tennessee 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 in Tennessee, visit Restore Your Vote.
Can I register to vote in Tennessee if I attend college in Tennessee?
College students are allowed to vote using their Tennessee school residence address.
You can decide whether to register in your home state or where you attend school.
You may only be registered and vote in one location.
How to Register
Required ID Information
You have to verify your identity when you register to vote!
If you have a driver’s license or state ID card:
- Give your license or ID number on the registration form.
If you do not have either ID:
- Give the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- Don’t have a Social Security number? Leave this part of the form blank.
If you do not provide an ID number when you register, be ready to show an accepted ID the first time you vote.
Register to Vote Online
You can use this form to register in Tennessee online.
Other Voter Registration Options
- Complete a registration form and send via mail.
- Visit your local election office or a voter registration agency to register in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register and vote on the same day in Tennessee?
No, Tennessee does not allow you to register and vote on the same day.
Check Tennessee ‘s registration deadlines here!
If the registration deadline for an upcoming election has passed, you can still apply to register. Your registration will be processed, and you will be registered to vote in future elections.
How do I fix or update my voter registration information?
If you cannot find your registration information or if any details are incorrect:
- Update your name, address, or political party affiliation by submitting a new registration.
- Contact your local election office if you have questions or need to make other changes.
Register to Vote in Tennessee
Don’t have a state-issued ID? VoteRiders is here to help!
3 Vote
Voting in Person
You do not have to show ID to vote in person in Tennessee if:
- you are a resident of a licensed nursing home or assisted living center and are voting at the facility;
- you are hospitalized;
- you have a religious objection to being photographed; or
- you cannot afford to pay the fee to obtain a photo ID
If you meet one of these exemptions you can fill out a form (called an affidavit) and vote a regular ballot.
If you do not meet one of these exceptions and do not have an accepted ID when you vote in person, you can still cast a provisional ballot.
In order for your provisional ballot to count, you must bring an accepted ID to the election commission office and sign a form (called an affidavit) within two business days after the election.
Voting by Mail
You can vote using an absentee ballot if:
- You are a registered voter in Tennessee
- You can’t go to your polling place for a valid reason, like being sick or having a physical disability.
Valid reasons include:
- Being sick
- Having a physical disability
- Being hospitalized
- Taking care of someone who is hospitalized, sick or physically disabled
- Living in a licensed care facility that is not the same county where you are a resident
You have to apply with your county clerk to receive an absentee ballot.
You don’t have to include ID with your application or when you return your completed ballot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I track my Tennessee mail ballot?
You can track your ballot using Tennessee’s voter lookup website.
Can I fix my Tennessee mail ballot if it is rejected?
You will be notified if your ballot is rejected and provided an opportunity to correct it. You must return your corrected ballot before polls close on Election Day.
