Voter ID - Iowa Law requires voters to present an acceptable form of ID to vote

Valid forms of ID to show when voting absentee in-person or at the polls on election day

  • Iowa Voter Identification Card (Not your voter registration card)
  • Iowa Driver’s License
  • Iowa Non-Operator ID
  • U.S. Military ID or Veteran ID
  • U.S. Passport
  • Tribal ID Card/Document

A voter without one of the above forms of ID may have the voter’s identity attested to by another registered voter in the precinct or may prove identity and residence using Election Day Registration documents.

If a voter is without one of the above forms of ID:

  • May have the voter’s identity attested to by another registered voter in the precinct
  • Cast a provisional ballot (the voter must provide an acceptable form of identification at the polling place before it closes or provide it at the Auditor’s Office by noon on the following Monday or before the canvass)
  • Prove identity and residence using Election Day Registration External Link documents.

Also, an ID number is required on an absentee ballot request form.

Voter ID “PIN” Card

Any registered voter who does not have a valid driver's license or non-operator's ID issued by the Iowa Department of Transportation will be issued a Voter ID Card for free, automatically, in the mail. This also applies to anyone who registers to vote in the future. Upon receipt of the Voter ID Card, it should be immediately signed. Obtaining the Voter ID Card does not require any further documentation or action by the voter; voters simply need to be registered to vote in the county where they live. Any voter may request an Iowa Voter ID Card by contacting the Auditor’s Office.

Proof of Residence

A voter who moves to a different precinct in the same county where the voter is registered will be required to prove identity and residence. If the voter’s acceptable ID card/document also shows the voter’s new address, no further proof is needed. If it does not include the voter’s new address, the voter may provide a separate proof of residence, including:

  • Residential lease
  • Utility bill, including a cell phone bill
  • Bank statement
  • Paycheck
  • Government check
  • Other government document
  • Property tax statement

Each of the separate proofs of residence must include the voter’s name and current address and be current within 45 days. A separate proof of residence may be in an electronic format – such as a document on a cell phone – or on paper.

Any person who is not registered in the county where the person lives is required to prove identity and residence, following Election Day registration standards.

Additional Resources

Fore more, visit Voter ID FAQ from the Iowa Secretary of State