Many states now require Voter ID at the polls in order to vote. Find out your state's ID requirements so you know what to bring with you to cast your ballot.
Voter ID
in Ohio
Do all voters need ID?
Yes
ID required for first time voters?
Yes
ID required when voting absentee?
Yes
Acceptable ID Types for Ohio
Ohio voters must show ID at the polls to vote. All ID must have an expiration date that has not passed, a photograph of the voter and the voter’s name, which must substantially conform to the voter’s name as it appears in the Poll List or in the Poll Book. Valid forms of identification include;
- Ohio driver's license;
- State of Ohio ID card;
- Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV;
- A US passport;
- A US passport card;
- US military ID card, Ohio National Guard ID card or US Department of Veterans Affairs ID card
All photo IDs must have the following:
An unexpired Ohio Driver License, State ID Card, or Interim Documentation with your former address IS an ACCEPTABLE form of ID when your current address is in the pollbook.
Voter ID & Voting By Mail
All voters are required to provide ID when voting by mail.
ID is required with application to vote by mail.
When applying for an absentee ballot, you must provide either the last four digits of your Social Security number, the entirety of your Ohio driver's license or state ID card number, or a copy of your photo identification sent in the envelope with your absentee ballot request.
What happens when you go to vote without an ID
If you do not have an acceptable form of ID, you will still be able to vote using a provisional ballot. You must return to the board of elections no later than four days following Election Day to provide a qualifying form of identification in order for your ballot to count.
Trans and Non-Binary Voters
Click here for state specific information for updating your ID and voter registration.
More Questions? Get Chat Help
Visit our friends at VoteRiders for detailed state-specific ID information or to request free help in getting an accepted ID to vote. You can also call or text their Voter ID Helpline at 866-ID-2-VOTE (866-432-8683).