Iowa

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in Iowa by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on Iowa DOT website through the MVD.
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the Secretary of State website or picking up a paper form at your local elections office. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: Visit an office where elections are administered in your area and register there in person. You must register 15 days before the election.
• On Election Day: Iowa has same-day voter registration. You’ll be able to complete a voter registration form at your polling place.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, in-person, or during same-day voter registration. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in Iowa varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide your Iowa driver's license, non-operator ID number, or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number if you have one.

Registering to vote by mail

Your ID number is your Iowa driver’s license number or Iowa non-operator identification number if you have one; if not then the last four digits of your social security number. The ID number you provide will be verified with the Iowa Department of Transportation or the Social Security Administration.

Registering to vote online

You will need your Iowa driver’s license or ID number.

Registering to vote on Election Day or during early voting

Bring the documents required to satisfy one of the three options listed below: 1.) Iowa Driver's License, 2.) Proof of ID with one of the following: Iowa non-operator ID out-of-state driver's license or non-operator ID, U.S. passport, U.S. military or veteran ID, employer ID, Iowa Student ID, or Tribal ID card. If the ID does not list your current address then in addition to the ID card bring proof of residence. This document must include your name and current address and be current within the last 45 days. One of the following would be accepted: lease, utility bill (including a cell phone bill), bank statement, paycheck, government check or other government document, or property tax statement. 3.) If you cannot prove who you are and where you live with the documents listed above, a registered voter from your precinct may attest for you. Both you and the attester will be required to sign an oath swearing the statements being made are true. This person must be a registered voter at your precinct.

If you’re under the age of 18, you may still be eligible to register to vote! If you can pre-register, you’ll need the following documents:

Pre-registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide your Iowa driver's license, non-operator ID number, or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number if you have one.

Pre-registering to vote by mail

Your ID number is your Iowa driver’s license number or Iowa non-operator identification number if you have one; if not then the last four digits of your social security number. The ID number you provide will be verified with the Iowa Department of Transportation or the Social Security Administration.

Pre-registering to vote online

You will need your Iowa driver’s license or ID number.

Pre-registering to vote on Election Day or during early voting

Bring the documents required to satisfy one of the three options listed below: 1.) Iowa Driver's License, 2.) Proof of ID with one of the following: Iowa non-operator ID out-of-state driver's license or non-operator ID, U.S. passport, U.S. military or veteran ID, employer ID, Iowa Student ID, or Tribal ID card. If the ID does not list your current address then in addition to the ID card bring proof of residence. This document must include your name and current address and be current within the last 45 days. One of the following would be accepted: lease, utility bill (including a cell phone bill), bank statement, paycheck, government check or other government document, or property tax statement. 3.) If you cannot prove who you are and where you live with the documents listed above, a registered voter from your precinct may attest for you. Both you and the attester will be required to sign an oath swearing the statements being made are true. This person must be a registered voter at your precinct.

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org. 

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of Iowa can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit Iowa’s voter registration page on the Iowa DOT MVD website. 
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

In Iowa, when registering by mail or online, you must submit your application at least 15 days before an election to be eligible to cast a ballot. However, same-day registration is available at the commissioner’s office or any other absentee voting location after the regular registration deadline. Same-day registration is also available on Election Day.

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• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, Iowa has same-day voter registration. If you are unable to register by the online or mail deadline, you may register to vote at a polling place. You will be able to cast your ballot immediately after completing your voter registration.

Can I register to vote during early voting?

Yes, in Iowa, you can complete voter registration during early voting. At your early voting location, be sure to register to vote before completing your ballot.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

Iowa residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• A U.S. citizen,
• An Iowa resident
• At least 17 years old. A person may vote if they will be 18 years old on or before election day. In the case of primary elections, a person may vote if they will be 18 years old on or before the corresponding regular election
• Not be a convicted felon (unless your voting rights have been restored)
• Not be judged mentally incompetent to vote by a court
• Not claim the right to vote in any other place

In Iowa, you can register to vote, even if you’re under the age of 18! Future voters who are 17 may pre-register to vote. They will be eligible to vote for the first election after they turn 18. 

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

Iowa gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. It is not required to register, but choosing “no party preference” could limit your ability to participate in presidential primary elections and caucuses.