West Virginia

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West Virginia requests ID to vote in person. There are several options for voting without an accepted ID. Most voters do not need a copy of their ID to vote by mail in West Virginia. Check below for your options!

1 Check ID Rules

Voting in Person

West Virginia requests photo ID to vote in person. There are several options for voting without an accepted ID.

Accepted IDs

You can show photo ID issued by:

Must be unexpired (ok if ID expired after voter’s 65th birthday)

  • West Virginia driver’s license
  • West Virginia state ID card
  • US passport or passport card
  • Student ID from higher education institution or high school in West Virginia 
  • Military identification
  • Employee ID issued by US, West Virginia, or local government
  • Voter registration card with photo (issued by your county clerk) 

The following IDs are no longer accepted for voting in West Virginia: voter registration cards without photo, US birth certificates, hunting or fishing licenses, SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF program IDs, bank or debit cards, utility bills or bank statements, health insurance cards, concealed carry permits.

Voting by Mail

Only certain voters are eligible to vote absentee in West Virginia

Most voters do not need a copy of their ID to vote by mail.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Vote a provisional ballot if you cannot present ID or confirm your identity another way. (See the FAQ “Are there exceptions to West Virginia’s voter ID law?” for more info!) Provisional ballots make sure eligible voters are not rejected at the polls.

For your provisional ballot to count, your signature on the ballot envelope must match the signature in your voter registration record.

You can also return with an accepted ID before your polling place closes on Election Day, or bring it to your municipal clerk’s office by 4 pm on the Friday following the election.

Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in West Virginia?
West Virginia does not accept mobile or digital ID to vote. You cannot use an image or copy of your ID when you are voting in person.
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in West Virginia?

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

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 West Virginia DMV to find out exactly what is required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card.

Are there exceptions to West Virginia’s Voter ID law?

Exception 1. Signed, Sworn Statement by an Adult who has Known You for At Least 6 Months

You do not have to show an ID to vote if you are accompanied by an adult who:

  1. Has known you for at least 6 months;
  2. Shows a photo ID with his or her name and address; and
  3. Signs an affidavit at the polling place confirming your identity.

Exception 2: A Poll Worker Knows You

You do not have to show ID to vote if a poll worker has known you for at least 6 months. No additional affidavit or ID is required.

Exception 3: Residents of State Care Facilities

Residents of licensed West Virginia state care facilities do not have to show ID to vote if:

  1. You are a resident of the care facility;
  2. The care facility is a polling place; and
  3. The resident’s polling place is located at the care facility