How to Register to Vote in California

California has special requirements for new citizens and new California residents. More information about these requirements can be found online at the Elections Division or by contacting the local elections office in the county where you live. If you need to update your voter information, you will use the same form that is used for the original application. You can register to vote in California by following these simple steps.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Voter Registration Application
• Physical mailing address
• Acceptable form of identification

1. Meet the criteria to register. You can register if you turn 18 on or after Election Day, are a U.S. citizen, not a convicted felon serving time or on parole, not currently judged mentally incompetent by a court of law and are a resident of California.

2. Register using the online application. After you complete the online form, you will receive a printed registration form in the mail in approximately seven to 14 days with all the information you submitted online. Check for errors, sign, date and return the form to your county election official. They pay for the stamp!

3. Download the registration form. Read the instructions on the form and fill it out using black ink. Remember to write legibly. Submit the form by mail to your County Registrar of Voters.

4. Identity must be verified before your application is complete. Preferred identification is your Social Security number, California driver's license or State ID card. If you do not have any of these forms of identification, you may still apply using an alternate form of identification.

5. Keep the stub off the application form you filled out. There is a number printed on the stub, which corresponds with the number in the lower right-hand corner on the application. This is your verification you registered to vote.

6. Check your voter identification card carefully for errors. Correct any errors and return it to the County Recorder office immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• In California, the deadline to register to vote for an election is 15 days before each local and statewide Election Day.

• You must re-register when you have a change in address, change in name or change your political party affiliation.

• If you don't have a driver's license, State ID card or a Social Security number, you can still register to vote, but you will have to provide proof of your identity. Check online or call the Voter Registrar's office for acceptable forms.

• Anyone falsifying information on this application can be fined or imprisoned, or deported or refused entry into the United States.