California voter registration guide
California voter registration deadlines
- Register to vote (online): 15 days before Election Day
- Register to vote (by mail): Postmarked 15 days before Election Day
- Register to vote (in person): Election Day
Check your California voter registration status
- 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.
California voter registration rules
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.
California online voter registration
You can register to vote online if you have a California driver license, driver permit, or a nondriver ID card issued by the DMV.
- 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 .
California by-mail voter registration
- 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.
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: California has a somewhat complicated primary system. If you do not choose a political party, you might not be able to vote in that party's 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 15 days before Election Day .
California in-person voter registration
- 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 that shows your name, and ONE document that shows your name and California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, residential lease, or any government document that shows your name and address.
California same day registration
- 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.
Registering to vote in California with a felony conviction
Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. California restoration 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
External resources
- California online voter registration
- California voter status lookup
- California absentee ballot tracker
- California polling place locator