2024 NC Voter ID Requirements

In-Person Voter ID

Voters must show an acceptable photo ID when they check in at their voting site during early voting or on Election Day. Election workers check to see if the picture on the ID reasonably resembles the voter and if the name on the ID is the same as or very similar to the voter’s name in their registration record. The address on the photo ID does not have to match the voter registration records.

If voter does not show acceptable ID, the voter may vote in one of the following ways:

  • complete an ID Exception Form and then vote with a provisional ballot

  • vote with a provisional ballot and then return it to their county board of elections office with their photo ID by the day before the county canvass. 

Get a Free Voter Photo ID

All county boards of elections and DMVs can issue free voter photo IDs to registered voters in their county. To be issued a free voter photo ID card, the voter must provide their name, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number, and have their photo taken.

Acceptable Photo IDs for Voting

  • North Carolina driver’s license

  • State ID from the NCDMV  (“non-operator ID”)

  • Driver’s license or non-driver ID from another state, District of Columbia, or U.S. territory (only if voter registered in North Carolina within 90 days of the election)

  • U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport card

  • North Carolina voter photo ID card issued by a county board of elections (see Get a Free Voter Photo ID).

  • College/University student ID approved by the State Board of Elections

  • State, local government, or charter school employee ID approved by the State Board of Elections

  • Note: A voter 65 or older may use an expired form of acceptable ID if the ID was unexpired on their 65th birthday.

  • Any of the following, regardless of an expiration or issuance date:

  • Military or veterans ID card (with photo) issued by the U.S. government

  • Tribal enrollment card (with photo) issued by a tribe recognized by the state or federal government

  • ID card (with photo) issued by an agency of the U.S. government or the State of North Carolina for a public assistance program.