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?
No

Acceptable ID Types for Tennessee

Tennessee votes are required to show ID at the polls to vote. The following forms of ID are acceptable: Photo ID, displaying voter's name, can be expired

  • 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
  • Student ID is NOT accepted

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. If a voter does not have ID on them at the polls, they may cast a provisional ballot. In order for the ballot to be counted, they must bring valid ID to the election commission office before end of business day within two business days of the election. If the voter is an indigenous voter and is not able to obtain ID or can not be photographed for religious purposes, voter can sign an affidavit of identity and vote. If voting by-mail voter must provide social security number with application.

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.)