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How to register to vote in California

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Registration Summary

California offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in California by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

How do election officials keep voting secure?

Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.

Visit the California Secretary of State website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.

Registration Top Actions

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Who can register to vote?

To register in California you must:
  • be a United States citizen
  • be a California resident
  • be at least 18 years old or older on Election Day
  • not be currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony
  • not be currently found to be mentally incompetent to vote by a court

Watch this video about who can register to vote from the California Secretary of State.

Can I register to vote online?

  • California offers online voter registration.
  • You should know: you will need a California-issued driver license or California identification card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and consent to the use of your DMV-stored digital signature to use California’s online voter registration system. If you don't have a California-issued ID or don't want to provide consent for the use of your digital signature, you can use the California Online Voter Registration system to fill out an application. You must then print the form or request that your local election office print and mail the form to you. The printed form must be completed and returned to your local election office by mail or in person.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: When you register to vote, you must provide your California driver's license or California identification card number, if you have one. If you do not have a driver's license or ID card, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number (SSN). If you do not include this information, you will be required to provide identification when you vote if it is your first time voting in a federal election.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: You are NOT required to register with a party to participate in California partisan primary elections. However, some parties do not allow unaffiliated voters to participate in their party’s presidential, local, or county committee primary elections.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office
  8. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes:
    • A current and valid photo identification or
    • A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
    • More information here.
Watch this video about by mail registration from the California Secretary of State.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

California does offer Same Day Voter Registration on Election Day.

Same Day Voter Registration is a safety net for Californians who miss the deadline to register to vote or update their voter registration information. Voters can use the Same Day Voter Registration process, also known as conditional voter registration, from the day after the deadline all the way through Election Day. These ballots will be processed once the county elections office has completed the voter registration verification process.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

  • You can register to vote in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
  • Same Day Voter Registration is a safety net for Californians who miss the deadline to register to vote or update their voter registration information. Voters can use the Same Day Voter Registration process, also known as conditional voter registration, from the day after the deadline all the way through Election Day. These ballots will be processed once the county elections office has completed the voter registration verification process.
  • Learn more by visiting the California Secretary of State website or contacting your local election office.

Can I register to vote before I turn 18?

You can register to vote in California before you turn 18 if you:
  • are at least 16 years old
  • are a United States citizen
  • are a California resident
  • are not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony
  • are not currently found to be mentally incompetent to vote by a court

You must be 18 years old or older on Election Day to vote.

Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?

Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote in person on the California Secretary of State website.
You can complete a voter registration application in person at any California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office while applying for a driver license or identification card or changing your address with the DMV.

You can also pick up a voter registration application, fill out the form completely, and return it at your county elections office. You can find a list of locations that provide voter registration applications on the California Secretary of State’s website.

Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register online on the California Secretary of State website.
To register using the California online voter registration system, you are required to provide:
  • California-issued driver license or California identification card number
  • last four digits of your Social Security number
  • consent to the use of your DMV-stored digital signature to use California’s online voter registration system

If you don't have a California-issued ID or don't want to provide consent for the use of your digital signature, you can use the California Online Voter Registration system to fill out an application. You must then print the form or request that your local election office print and mail the form to you. The printed form must be completed and returned to your local election office by mail or in person.

Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?

Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote by mail on the California Secretary of State website.
When submitting your application by mail in California, you are required to provide your date of birth and U.S. state or foreign country of birth and the following if you have them:
  • California-issued driver license or California identification card number
  • last four digits of your Social Security number

How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. In California, you can register online using the California Online Voter Registration website (COVR). Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Send the application to your local election office.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, contact your local election office first. Then:
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in California. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
Watch this video about military and overseas voting from the California Secretary of State.

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using California's voter registration lookup tool.

Which election office should I contact?

  • In California, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
  • The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in California. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.

How do I contact my state election office?