Get a Free Voter Photo ID

From Your County Board of Elections

Beginning with the municipal elections in 2023, voters will be asked to show photo ID when voting in North Carolina. Most voters will simply show their driver’s license, but there are other acceptable photo IDs. Visit Voter ID for more information about acceptable forms of photo ID for voting.

Don’t have an acceptable photo ID for voting? North Carolina registered voters can get one from their county board of elections. Read the steps below to find out how.

Additionally, voters can get a state ID card for free from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). Find more information under “No-Fee ID Cards” at State IDs | NCDMV.

Graphic illustration of a photo ID.

Here’s how to get a free voter ID from your county board of elections:

  • 1

    Locate your county board of elections.

    Only the board of elections in the county where you are registered to vote can issue you a free voter ID. Click the button below to find contact information for your county elections office:

    County Boards of Elections Search

  • 2

    Visit your county board of elections during business hours.

    Your county board of elections can issue voter ID cards at any time during regular business hours, except for the period between the end of early voting through the end of Election Day. Confirm the election dates in your county at Upcoming Election.

    Please note that you cannot register to vote for the first time in a county and get a voter photo ID card made at the same time. You are not a “registered voter” until the address verification mailing process is complete. This is true whether you register the traditional way or use same-day registration during the early voting period.

  • 3

    Provide your information and have your photo taken.

    No documents are needed. Simply provide your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number using the request form provided by your county board of elections. Once you have provided this information, you will have your photo taken.

    Most of the time, you will be able to get an ID printed and given to you on the spot. Sometimes, your county board of elections may need to get the required information from you, take your photo, then mail the ID card to you or inform you that the ID card is ready to be picked up, whichever you prefer.

    The free voter photo ID will include your photo, name, and registration number. It will expire 10 years from the date of issuance.

    If you have questions about the free voter photo ID process, please contact your county board of elections.

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Graphic illustration of a person presenting their photo ID.