Identification Requirements

All voters must present an ID containing the voter’s name and photograph when voting at the polls, whether voting early or on Election Day. The information on this website is provided to ensure that all Tennessee voters have access to information about the new law. If you have further questions, please see the Contact Us information at the bottom of the page.

What IDs are acceptable?

Any of the following IDs MUST be used, even if expired:

Tennessee driver license with your photo

United States Passport

Photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

Photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government

United States Military photo ID

Tennessee handgun carry permit with your photo

What IDs are not acceptable?

College student IDs and photo IDs not issued by the federal or Tennessee state government are NOT acceptable. This includes county or city issued photo IDs, such as library cards, and photo IDs issued by other states.

Who is exempt?

Voters who vote absentee by mail
Voters who are residents of a licensed nursing home or assisted living center and who vote at the facility
Voters who are hospitalized
Voters with a religious objection to being photographed
Voters who are indigent and unable to obtain a photo ID without paying a fee

What if I registered by mail and am voting in my first election?

Federal law requires first time voters who register by mail to present one of the following:

A current photo identification with voter’s name and photo
OR
If the photo identification is expired, the voter must also present one of the following: a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows the voter’s name and address.

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Identification Requirements