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How to register to vote in Virginia

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Registration Summary

Virginia offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Virginia 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.

What key changes should voters know about?

The in-person voter registration deadline is now on Election Day. Voters who register at their voting location on Election Day must vote by provisional ballot.

Learn more by visiting the Virginia Department of Elections's website or contacting your local election office.

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 Virginia Department of Elections 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 Virginia you must:
  • be a United States citizen
  • be a Virginia resident (if you come to Virginia for temporary purposes and intend to return to another state, you are not considered a resident for voting purposes)
  • be 18 years old (if you are 17 years old and will be 18 years years old at the next general election, you can register in advance and vote in any intervening primary or special election)
  • not be registered and plan to vote in another state
  • have your right to vote restored if convicted of a felony
  • not currently be declared mentally incompetent by a court of law

Can I register to vote online?

  • Virginia offers online voter registration.
  • To register online in Virginia, you need your full Social Security number and either a Virginia driver’s license or Virginia state ID number. If you don’t have a Virginia-issued ID or Social Security number, you can still register 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 submitting your application by mail in Virginia, you are required to provide your full Social Security number if you have one.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: You are NOT required to register with a party to participate in Virginia partisan 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 your registration application, federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote or provide a copy of your ID when you submit your application. Proof of identification includes current and valid photo identification or current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. More information here.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Virginia does offer in person registration on Election Day. If you register after the regular voter registration deadline, you will have to vote a provisional ballot.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

Can I register to vote before I turn 18?

You can register to vote in Virginia before you turn 18 if you:
  • are at least 16 years old
  • are a United States citizen
  • are a resident of Virginia
  • are not registered and plan to vote in another state
  • are not currently declared mentally incompetent by a court of law
  • have had your your right to vote restored if you have been convicted of a felony

You must be at least 18 years old to vote, except that you may vote in any intervening primary or special election if you are 17 and will be 18 by the next general election.

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 Virginia Department of Elections website.
You can complete a voter registration application in person at any of the following public agencies in Virginia:
  • local voter registration office
  • Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices
  • Virginia Department of Elections office

You can find a list of locations that provide voter registration applications on the Virginia Department of Elections website.

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

Yes, you can register online on the Virginia Department of Elections website.
To register using the Virginia online voter registration system, you are required to provide:
  • Virginia driver’s license or state ID number
  • full Social Security number

If you don't have a Virginia-issued ID or Social Security number, you can submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.

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

Yes, you can register to vote by mail using this form.
When submitting your application by mail in Virginia, you are required to provide your full Social Security number if you have one. If you have not been issued a Social Security number, check the box that indicates you do not have a 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. 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 Virginia. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

How can I check my voter registration status?

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

Which election office should I contact?

  • In Virginia, 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 Department of Elections oversees elections and election administration in Virginia. 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?