New Hampshire

New Hampshire asks you to show photo ID to vote in person. If you can’t get an accepted photo ID, there is another way to confirm your identity. 

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

 

Learn About Voting In Person
Learn About Voting By Mail
VOTER REGISTRATION IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

New Hampshire ID Requirements for Voting In Person

New Hampshire requests photo ID to vote in person. If you don’t have an accepted photo ID, have your identity confirmed by an election official or vote an affidavit ballot.

Accepted Photo IDs

You can show:

Ok if expired up to 5 years (or more time after 65th birthday)

  • Driver’s license issued by any state
  • State ID card issued by any state
  • US passport or passport card
  • Student ID approved by the NH State Board of Elections (list available here) – ID issued by higher education institution must include issuance date
  • Military identification
  • Other photo ID considered legitimate
Download info card

Frequently Asked Questions

New Hampshire voters who do not present an accepted photo ID at the polls have three options:

1️⃣ Election Official Confirms Identity

Election officials can verify your identity through the state’s voter database or personal knowledge of you.

2️⃣ Vote an Affidavit Ballot and Provide Required Info

Vote an affidavit ballot if you are not able to present ID or confirm your identity.

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

Your photo will be taken and you will receive an “affidavit ballot packet” that contains an envelope addressed to the Secretary of State (with postage paid) and a verification letter that indicates what documents you must provide.

For your ballot to count, you must return your verification letter and any required documents by mail within 7 days of the election.

Note: If your verification letter is not returned or is missing required information, you may be investigated to determine whether fraudulent voting occurred.

Yes. Based on feedback from the Secretary of State’s office, an electronic copy of an acceptable ID displayed on your mobile or electronic device would satisfy any requirement that would be acceptable by presenting ID itself. There is no distinction among types of IDs.  This view is not explicitly provided in the election law or the guidance document for election workers, but the nature of the state’s approach to voter ID, as described in the voter ID law, suggests a willingness to be flexible.

You do not need a REAL ID to vote in New Hampshire.

Your driver’s license or state ID card will show a star in the upper corner if it meets REAL ID requirements under federal law.

Get in touch with VoteRiders if you have questions or need free help getting ID.

New Hampshire ID Requirements for Voting By Mail

Absentee ballots in New Hampshire are only for some voters. 

Reasons you can vote by absentee ballot include:

  • Not being in your town, city, or county on Election Day
  • Physical disability or illness
  • Work obligation that prevents you from going to the polls

Check the FAQ “Who can vote absentee in Hampshire?” below for the full list of reasons accepted by the state. 

You do not need to provide ID to vote absentee in New Hampshire. The signature on your ballot envelope will be compared to the one on file with the state.

REQUEST YOUR BALLOT

Frequently Asked Questions

In New Hampshire, you have to give a specific reason for voting by absentee ballot.

The following reasons are accepted:

  • You will be absent on the day of any state election from the county, city, or town in which you are registered to vote
  • You have a religious commitment on Election Day
  • You have a physical disability
  • You are in the military
  • Your employment obligation (including the care of children and infirm adults, with or without compensation) does not allow you to go to the polls
  • You are in transit to or from work from the time the polls open until after the time the polls close
  • You are an emergency worker called into service.

While notice of any defect(s) in your absentee ballot is not explicitly required, the state’s “best practice” is to attempt to notify any absentee voter whose ballot has been rejected for any reason.

The Absentee Ballot Application form requires you to provide a phone number and or email address where you can be contacted. The Clerk will explain how and where you can cure the defect that caused the rejection.