You can register to vote in California using a state ID, passport, or utility bill instead of a driver's license

California does not require a driver's license to register to vote. The state accepts multiple forms of identification, and if you have none of those, you can still register using your name, date of birth, and California address. The California Secretary of State's office processes all voter registrations, whether you submit them online, by mail, or in person at a county elections office.

Registration important date matter: you must register at least 15 days before Election Day to vote by mail or in person. Same-day registration is available at polling places on Election Day itself, but you will need to bring acceptable identification with you.

Key Takeaways

  • California accepts a state ID card, passport, utility bill, bank statement, or government document showing your name and address as proof of identity for voter registration.
  • You can register online through the California Secretary of State website, by mail using the voter registration form, or in person at your county elections office.
  • The important date to register before an election is 15 days prior; after that, you can register and vote on Election Day at your polling place.
  • If you have no identification documents at all, you can still register using your name, date of birth, and current California address.
  • Your county elections office can tell you your polling location and whether your registration has been processed.

What documents work instead of a driver's license

California's Secretary of State accepts a specific list of documents to verify your identity during voter registration. A California state ID card (issued by the DMV) is the most direct substitute. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID all work. You can also use a utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck — any document that shows your name and current California address.

If you are registering online through the Secretary of State's website, the system will ask for your driver's license number or state ID number. If you have neither, you can leave that field blank and complete the rest of the form with your name, date of birth, and address. The county elections office will then contact you if they need additional information to confirm your identity.

If you are registering by mail or in person, bring one of the documents listed above. The county elections office staff will copy or note the document and file it with your registration. You do not need to mail the document itself — a photo or scan is not necessary.

How to register online without a driver's license number

The California Secretary of State's online voter registration system is at registertovote.ca.gov. When you reach the page that asks for a driver's license or state ID number, you have two options: enter your state ID number if you have one, or select the option to register without it.

Fill in your full legal name, date of birth, California residential address, and mailing address if different. The system will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old (or will be by Election Day), and not currently imprisoned for a felony conviction. Answer honestly — these are legal questions, and false answers can result in criminal charges.

After you submit the form online, the Secretary of State's office sends your registration to your county elections office. That office has up to 29 days to process it. You can check the status of your registration at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov by entering your name, date of birth, and zip code. If the county needs more information from you, they will mail you a notice.

Registering by mail or in person at your county elections office

You can pick up a voter registration form at your county elections office, library, or DMV, or print one from the Secretary of State's website. The form is called the California Voter Registration Form. Fill it out completely: your legal name, date of birth, residential address, and mailing address if different.

In the section asking for a driver's license or state ID number, write "none" or leave it blank. Bring the completed form and one of the accepted documents (state ID, passport, utility bill, bank statement, or government document) to your county elections office in person. Staff will copy or photograph your document and file it with your registration. You will receive a confirmation card by mail within two weeks.

If you mail the form instead, include a photocopy or image of your identification document. Mail it to your county elections office — the address is on the form itself. Mail-in registrations take longer to process because the office must verify the document by mail. Register at least 15 days before the election to be certain your registration is processed in time.

Registering on Election Day at your polling place

California allows same-day voter registration at any polling place on Election Day. You do not need to have registered earlier. Bring one of the accepted documents with you: state ID, passport, utility bill, bank statement, or any government document showing your name and current address.

When you arrive at your polling place, tell the poll workers you want to register to vote. They will give you a same-day registration form and a ballot. You will fill out the registration form, show your identification, and cast your ballot when ready. Your registration is processed that day, and your vote counts in that election.

If you have no identification document at all, you can still register on Election Day. Tell the poll workers, and they will have you sign an affidavit swearing to your identity, citizenship, age, and residency. This is a legal document — false statements on an affidavit are a crime. After you sign, you will receive a ballot and vote.

What to do if you have no identification documents

If you have no driver's license, state ID, passport, utility bill, bank statement, or government document, you can still register to vote. You will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and current California residential address. This information alone is enough to register.

Register online at registertovote.ca.gov and leave the driver's license field blank. Or register by mail using the California Voter Registration Form, leaving the ID number field blank. Or register in person at your county elections office with no document at all — just tell staff your name, date of birth, and address.

The county elections office may contact you by mail to confirm your identity before your registration is finalized. They may ask you to provide a document later, or they may process your registration based on the information you gave. If they contact you, respond promptly so your registration is complete before the election.

Finding your county elections office and polling place

Each California county runs its own elections office. To find yours, go to sos.ca.gov/elections and look for the "County Elections Offices" link. You can also search "[your county name] elections office" online. The office's website will have the address, phone number, hours, and sometimes a form to request a mail-in ballot.

To find your polling place on Election Day, use the Secretary of State's Poll Place Locator at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. Enter your name, date of birth, and zip code. The system will show your assigned polling location, hours, and sometimes parking or accessibility information.

You can also call your county elections office directly. They can tell you whether your registration has been processed, where to vote, and what to bring. Most offices are open during business hours Monday through Friday, and some open on weekends before an election.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register to vote if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. California law requires you to be a U.S. citizen to register. When you register, you will be asked to confirm your citizenship. Registering while not a citizen is a crime, even if you do not actually vote.

What if my name or address has changed since I last registered?

You must register again with your current legal name and address. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. If you registered under a different name or address, the old registration will be canceled when the new one is processed.

Can I register if I have a felony conviction?

You can register if you have completed your sentence, including parole or probation. You cannot register if you are currently imprisoned for a felony. When you register, you will be asked whether you are currently imprisoned for a felony — answer truthfully.

How long does it take for my registration to be processed?

Online and in-person registrations usually take one to two weeks. Mail-in registrations can take up to 29 days because the county must verify your document by mail. Register at least 15 days before an election to be safe, or register on Election Day at your polling place.

What if I move to a different county before the election?

Register in your new county using your new address. Your old registration will be canceled automatically. If you move fewer than 15 days before an election, you can still vote at your old polling place using a provisional ballot, but registering in your new county is faster and simpler.