California voter registration guide
- Register to vote (online): 15 days before Election Day
- Register to vote (by mail): Postmarked by 15 days before Election Day
- Register to vote (in person): Election Day
- If you can't remember if you're registered to vote, or you want to make sure your information is correct, you can check your California registration using the California voter registration lookup site.
- If you're not registered to vote, or you need to update your voter registration information, follow the instructions below.
To register in California you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of California
- be 18 years old by Election Day (you may pre-register if you are 16)
- not be imprisoned or on parole for the conviction of a felony
- not currently be judged mentally incompetent by a court of law.
You can register online if you have a California driver’s license, California non-driver ID card, or Social Security Number.
If you do not have one of the above, you can mark a box indicating this in the online portal.
If you do not provide a Social Security Number or ID when registering, you may be asked to provide ID when voting for the first time.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- a current and valid photo identification
- a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address
- Visit the California online voter registration site.
- Fill out all the required fields.
- You will be registered to vote as soon as you finish the workflow.
- You should receive your voter registration card in the mail within 2-3 weeks. If not, you might want to follow up with your local election office.
- The deadline to register to vote online is 15 days before Election Day.
- Download and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- Box 6 - ID Number: Provide your California driver’s license or California identification card number. If you do not have these numbers, provide the last 4 digits of your social security number. If you do not have any of these numbers, write "NONE" in this space. 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.
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: If you wish to choose a party preference, please enter the name of the political party. If you do not want to choose a political party, enter “No Party Preference” in the space provided. California law allows voters who choose “No Party Preference” or have chosen a preference for a non-qualified political party to vote in the presidential primary election of any qualified political party that files a notice with the Secretary of State allowing them to do so. You can call 1-800-345-VOTE or visit www.sos.ca.gov to learn which political parties allow “No Party Preference” voters and voters who have disclosed a preference for a non-qualified political party to participate in their presidential primary election.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank.
- Print, date, and sign the form. If you do not have a printer, you can print the form out at any local library. If you do not have a stamp, you can buy one from any grocery store: just ask the cashier to sell you one.
- Mail your voter registration form to the mailing address below. For faster delivery, send the form directly to your local election office.
- Your voter registration form must be postmarked by 15 days before Election Day.
- Contact your local election office to find where to register to vote in person.
Bring your California driver's license or state ID card with you. If you don't have one, bring one photo ID issued by any state or Federal Government, and bring one document that shows your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, residential lease, or any government document that shows your name and address.
- Summary: California has same day registration. You can register and vote during the early voting period and on Election Day.
- Where to go:
Go to your designated voting location. Click here to find where to vote.
- What to bring:
Bring your California driver's license or state ID card with you. If you don't have one, bring one photo ID issued by any state or Federal Government, and bring one document that shows your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, residential lease, or any government document that shows your name and address.
- Need help? Contact your local election office if you have questions.
- Notes: Same day registration starts 14 days before an election and runs through Election Day.
Voting rights are restored upon release from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.
- You cannot vote while incarcerated.
- You can vote while on parole.
- You can vote while on probation.
- You can vote upon completion of your sentence.
- No financial obligations.
- Please visit Restore Your Vote for additional information.
Local election office
Contact your local election office if you have questions.
Statewide election office
This is the statewide agency that is ultimately responsible for California elections. You can contact them with questions, but your local election office will probably respond faster.
Secretary of State Elections Division 1500 11th Street, 5th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814