howtovote logo
How to register to vote in Virginia

Can I trust this information?

These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization, to inform voters via TurboVote and other partners. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.

How do I report an issue with the information provided on this page?

Drop us a line to report an issue, share feedback or ask questions about the voting information on this page.

Summary

Virginia offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Virginia by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

What key changes should voters know about?

The in-person voter registration deadline is now on Election Day. Voters who register at their voting location on Election Day must vote by provisional ballot.

Learn more by visiting the Virginia Department of Elections's website or contacting your local election office.

Who can register to vote?

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 (if you come to Virginia for temporary purposes and intend to return to another state, you are not considered a resident for voting purposes)
  • be 18 years old (any person who is 17 years old and will be 18 years of age at the next general election shall be permitted to register in advance and also vote in any intervening primary or special election)
  • not be registered and plan to vote in another state
  • not have been convicted of a felony, or have had your civil rights restored
  • not currently be declared mentally incompetent by a court of law

Can I register to vote online?

  • Virginia offers online voter registration.
  • You should know: you need a Virginia driver's license or state ID and a Social Security number to use Virginia's online voter registration system. If you don't have a Virginia-issued ID or Social Security number, you can submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: When submitting your application by mail in Virginia, you are required to provide your full Social Security number if you have one.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: Virginia does NOT require that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office
  8. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote or provide a copy of your ID when you submit your application. Proof of identification includes:
    • current and valid photo identification or current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
    • More information here.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Virginia does offer in person registration on Election Day. If you register after the regular voter registration deadline, you will have to vote a provisional ballot.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

Get Ready to Vote

Recent Elections

How do I get help registering to vote?

If you’d like more help planning how to register, TurboVote can walk you through the process! They can also help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more.

How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Send the application to your local election office.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Virginia. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Virginia's voter registration lookup tool.

Which election office should I contact?

  • In Virginia, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
  • The Department of Elections oversees elections and election administration in Virginia. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.