Virginia voter registration guide
Virginia voter registration deadlines
- Register to vote (online): 22 days before Election Day
- Register to vote (by mail): Postmarked 22 days before election
- Register to vote (in person): 22 days before Election Day
Check your Virginia 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 Virginia registration using the Virginia voter registration lookup site.
- If you're not registered to vote, or you need to update your voter registration information, follow the instructions below.
Virginia voter registration rules
To register in Virginia you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of Virginia and of the precinct in which you want to vote
- be 16 years old to register. If you are 17, you may vote in a primary if you will turn 18 by the General Election
- if convicted of a felony, have had your civil rights restored. Most people have their civil rights restored when they complete probation and parole. You may find your civil rights status here: https://solutions.virginia.gov/RestorationOfRights/Search and
- not currently be declared incapacitated by a court.
Virginia online voter registration
You can register to vote online if you have a Virginia driver license, driver permit, or photo ID card issued by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Visit the Virginia 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 22 days before Election Day .
Virginia by-mail voter registration
- Download and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- Box 6 - ID Number: Virginia requires you to provide your full social security number when you register to vote. Your social security number will appear on reports produced only for official use by voter registration and election officials and, for jury selection purposes, by courts.
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: You do not need to register with a party to take part in that party’s primary election, caucus, or convention.
- 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 22 days before election .
Virginia in-person voter registration
- Contact your local election office to find where to register to vote in person.
- Bring your Virginia 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 Virginia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, residential lease, or any government document that shows your name and address.
Virginia same day registration
- Summary: Virginia 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 Virginia driver’s license or Virginia DMV-issued ID card with you. It may be current or expired. If you don't have one, you may bring an identification from this list.
- Need help? Contact your local election office if you have questions.
Registering to vote in Virginia with a felony conviction
The Constitution of Virginia gives the Governor the sole discretion to restore civil rights. You can apply to have your voting rights restored once you are no longer incarcerated. Virginia restoration process
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 Virginia elections. You can contact them with questions, but your local election office will probably respond faster.
Virginia State Board of Elections 1100 Bank Street, 1st floor Richmond, VA 23219
External resources
- Virginia online voter registration
- Virginia online absentee ballot request
- Virginia voter status lookup
- Virginia absentee ballot tracker
- Virginia polling place locator