Key Information

Registration Deadline

October 19, 2026 for online registration. Same-day conditional registration available at any polling place on November 3.

Check your status to make sure you're registered or get registered now.

Register Online (Fastest)

Visit California's Online Voter Registration. Takes 5 minutes with California driver's license or state ID number.

Check Your Status

Visit Voter Status Portal to verify registration, find polling location, and see voting history. Takes 30 seconds.

Same-Day Registration

Register at any polling place on November 3. You can register to vote with an ID or last 4 digits of your SSN.

Voter Registration Requirements

You must meet these requirements to register and vote in California.

• U.S. citizen: Must be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens cannot vote.
• Age 18 or older: Must be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day (November 3, 2026).
• California resident: Must have lived in California for at least 15 days before Election Day.
• Not a convicted felon currently serving sentence: Voting rights are restored after sentence completion. Non-violent, non-sex offenders regain rights automatically.
• Not declared mentally incapacitated: Must not have been declared mentally incapacitated by a court.
• Not registered elsewhere: Cannot be registered to vote in another state or county.

How to Register to Vote in California

California offers three ways to register. Online is fastest and most convenient.

Option 1: Register Online (Recommended)

1. Go to California's Online Voter Registration: Visit California's online registration portal. Works on computer, tablet, or phone.
2. Enter your information: California driver's license or state ID number, date of birth, full name, address, and optional party affiliation.
3. Review and submit: Confirm all information is correct, electronically sign, and submit your registration.
4. Receive confirmation: You'll see confirmation on screen immediately. Voter registration card arrives by mail within weeks. Note: if the information submitted cannot be confirmed by the DMV, you will need to print the application, sign it, and then mail it in.

Option 2: Register In Person

• County election office: Visit your local election office with identification and proof of residency during business hours.
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Register when renewing your license or ID. Ask staff if you're not asked automatically.
• Public libraries and government buildings: Many public buildings offer voter registration. Call your county to find nearby locations.
• Election Day polling place: Any polling place on November 3 offers same-day conditional registration with proof of residency.

Option 3: Register by Mail

1. Get the form: Print the California Voter Registration Form from the Secretary of the State.
2. Complete and mail: Fill out form with required information, sign, and mail to your county election office.
3. Deadline: Form must be postmarked by October 19, 2026. Mail early to ensure delivery.
4. Receive Confirmation: Voter registration card arrives by mail within weeks. Go to Voter Status Portal in your web browser to confirm

How to Check Your Voter Registration Status

Verify you're registered and find your polling location in 30 seconds online.

1. Visit the voter status portal: Go to Voter Status Portal in your web browser.
2. Enter your information: Provide your ZIP code and date of birth, OR your driver's license or state ID number.
3. View your status: See your registered name, address, party affiliation (if any), polling location, and voting history.

Update Your Voter Information

If your information has changed, you can update your registration anytime before the October 19 deadline.

• Moved within California: Re-register at your new address at California's Online Voter Registration before October 19.
• Moved out of California: You must register in your new state. Contact your new state's election office.
• Changed your name: Re-register with your new name at California's Online Voter Registration or by mail. You may need to provide documentation (marriage certificate, court order).
• Want to change party affiliation: Re-register with new party preference at California's Online Voter Registration (or choose "No Party Preference"). Takes effect immediately after registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm 17 now but will be 18 by Election Day. Can I register?

Yes. You can pre-register when you're 16 or 17 at California's Online Voter Registration. Your registration becomes active on your 18th birthday, as long as that's on or before November 3, 2026.

I don't have a driver's license or state ID. Can I still register?

Yes. You can register online at California's Online Voter Registration using your Social Security number, or register by mail or in person with other acceptable forms of ID (if requried): CA Driver's License, U.S. Passport, Student or Military ID, Utility Bill, Bank Statement, Paycheck, or official mail (your sample ballot booklet counts!).

I moved recently. What should I do?

If you moved within California before October 19, re-register at your new address at California's Online Voter Registration. If you moved after the deadline, use same-day conditional registration at any polling place on November 3 with proof of your new address.

Can I change my party affiliation before the election?

Yes. You can choose a political party or change your affiliation anytime by visiting California's Online Voter Registration. Party preference is optional (you can select "No Party Preference"). You can change it anytime by re-registering.

What if I miss the October 19 deadline?

Find a vote center near you: https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/

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Do I need to re-register if I haven't voted in a while?

Check your status at Voter Status Portal. Your registration stays active indefinitely unless you move, change your name, or are removed for cause. You don't need to re-register just to vote again.