Louisiana
1 Check ID Rules
IDs for Voting in Person
Option 1: Show one photo ID
Louisiana asks registered voters to show a photo ID when they vote in person.
Your ID:
- Must have your name and photo.
- Doesn’t need a current address.
- Ok if expired.
You can show:
- Louisiana driver’s license
- Louisiana state ID card
- Digital license via LA Wallet app
- Military identification
- Other generally recognized photo ID with your signature
Option 2: Vote without a photo ID
If you don’t have an accepted photo ID, you can still vote by confirming your identity in writing.
How it works:
- Tell the poll worker you don’t have a photo ID with you.
- Provide your name, address, date of birth, and mother’s maiden name (if known).
- Complete and sign a voter affidavit form.
This process can be challenged by election officials.
IDs for Voting by Mail
Absentee ballots in Louisiana are only for some voters.
Requesting Your Ballot
You must provide an ID number if you request an absentee ballot online. You can use:
- Louisiana driver’s license number
- Louisiana state ID card number
You do not need to provide this information if you complete a paper request form or request your ballot at your parish’s registrar of voters office.
Specific absentee voters are required to provide additional documents:
- Voters who are disabled, home-bound, or living in a care facility should complete a disability application form.
- First-time student voters must include a copy of student ID or fee bill.
- Voters who are hospitalized, incarcerated, or sequestered on a jury must include proof of their status.
Returning Your Ballot
You do not need to include ID with your completed ballot. However, your absentee ballot must be signed by an adult witness for it to be counted.
The signature on your ballot envelope will also be compared to your signature on file with the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have the right ID to vote in Louisiana?
If you do not have any form of accepted identification (a photo ID, primary, or secondary documents), you can:
- Go to the Office of the Registrar of Voters in your parish by 8 PM on Election Day.
- Vote by casting a Conditional Ballot.
- Return by 4 PM on the second day after Election Day with any form of accepted ID or documents.
Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Louisiana?
You can use you digital license via the LA Wallet app.
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Louisiana?
You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in Louisiana.
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 Louiaiana OMV website to find out exactly what is required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card.
