Voter ID
in Tennessee

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.

Do all voters need ID?
Yes

ID required for first time voters?
Yes

ID required when voting absentee?
Yes

Acceptable ID Types for Tennessee

Tennessee voters are required to show a valid ID at the polls to vote. It must be a photo ID that displays the voters name, and can be expired or not expired. Valid forms of identification include;

  • Tennessee driver’s license or state ID
  • U.S. Passport
  • ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
  • ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government
  • U.S. Military photo ID
  • Tennessee issued handgun carry permit

It is important to note that any form of student ID is NOT accepted as a valid form of ID when voting.

For first time voters who registered to vote online must bring one of the following when they vote only if their photo ID is expired;

  • Current utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Government check
  • Paycheck
  • Other government document that shows the voter's name and address

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.

If voting by-mail, you must provide your full social security number as your identification with your ballot application. No ID information is required when sending in your ballot, signature matching will be used to process the ballot.

What happens when you go to vote without an ID

If you don't bring a photo ID, you will vote a provisional ballot. You will then have two (2) business days after Election Day to return to the election commission office to show a valid photo ID. Upon returning to the election commission office, the voter will sign an affidavit and a copy of the voter photo ID will be made to be reviewed by the counting board.

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 information. (Note: this link will take you to the VoteRiders chatbot on Facebook Messenger.)