Do You Need an ID to Vote in North Carolina? 

In 2023, the NC Supreme Court ruled to uphold new voter ID laws for all elections, and those laws are in effect for the upcoming election. A significant change to NC elections this year is that you will be asked for a photo ID when voting; however, this law is complex and can be confusing.  

Democracy NC has prepared this reference list of acceptable IDs, and what to do if you don’t have one of the approved IDs.  

Review below for more information on IDs and the process at the polls this year.  

Acceptable Forms of ID 

Not all forms of identification will be accepted at the polls. The list below is a starting point for figuring out which form of ID you can use. If you do not have an acceptable ID though, you can still vote with a provisional ballot. 

For the most up-to-date list, please visit www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id.  

Must not be expired; OR expired one year or less: 

• NC driver's license
• Non-driver's ID from NC DMV (free to residents who show a birth certificate and other documents)
• US Passport or US Passport Card
• Driver's license or non-driver ID from another state, District of Columbia, or US territory (if voter registered in North Carolina within 90 days of the election)
• College or university student ID approved by the NC State Board of Elections (all UNC System and HBCU student IDs have been approved)
• State or local government or charter school employee ID approved by the NCSBE
• NC Voter Photo ID card (free; issued by a county board of elections)

May be expired or have no expiration date: 

• Tribal Enrollment Card (must be issued by a tribe recognized by NC or the federal government)
• Military or veteran ID card issued by the US government
• Public Assistance Program ID card issued by the US government or State of North Carolina

What if I cannot show an "acceptable photo ID"?  

You can vote a provisional ballot – used when there is a question about a person's eligibility to vote – and either complete an ID Exception Form (also known as a reasonable impediment form) or bring your acceptable photo ID to your county elections board by November 14, 2024.  

It is your right to ask for an ID Exception Form if you cannot show a listed form of ID.  

What if my school ID isn't listed or accepted as a valid form of ID?  

A great, free alternative is the NC Voter Photo ID card issued by your local County Board of Elections. To get this card, voters must provide their name, date of birth, and the last four numbers of the Social Security number, and have their photo taken.  

Voters can get a free NC Voter Photo ID during business hours, until the end of early voting, November 2 at 3 PM. 

If you encounter issues using an ID or any other issues while voting, voters may text or call Democracy NC at (888)-OUR-VOTE for advice.