Photo ID Law – NEW

Beginning January 1, 2012, all voters must present an ID, meeting the requirements below, containing the voter’s name and photograph, whether voting early or on Election Day.

Any of the following IDs may be used, even if expired:
  • Tennessee drivers license with your photo
  • Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security photo ID
  • Tennessee handgun carry permit card with your photo
  • United States Passport and Passport Card
  • Photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government, such as an employee ID from the U.S. Department of Energy with your photo
  • United States Military photo ID, including a Veteran Identification Card
Acceptable forms of identification
What forms of photo ID are NOT acceptable?
  • A college student photo ID
  • A photo ID not issued by the federal or state government, such as your discount club or bank card with your photo
  • A photo ID issued by other states or by county or city governments, including library cards
These forms of ID are NOT acceptable
Who is exempt?
  • Voters who vote absentee by mail
  • Voters who are residents in a licensed nursing home or assisted living center and who vote at the facility
  • Voters who are hospitalized
  • Voters with a religious objection to being photographed
  • Voters who are indigent and unable to obtain a photo ID without paying a fee
What if I don’t bring a photo ID to the polling place?
  • If you don’t bring a photo ID, you will vote a provisional ballot.
  • You will then have until two (2) business days after Election Day to return to the election commission office to show a valid photo ID.