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.
Photo ID Law – NEW
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.