Voter Registration Application Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am eligible to register to vote in New York State?

To register to vote in New York State you must

  • be a U.S. Citizen
  • be 18 years old by the end of this year (you may pre-register to vote at 16 or 17 but cannot vote until you are 18)
  • not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction (unless parole pardoned or restored rights of citizenship)
  • not claim the right to vote elsewhere
  • not found to be incompetent by a court

Full voter registration requirements are listed on the New York State Board of Elections website.

 

I have registered to vote in the past but do I need to update my voter registration information?

You do not need to update your voter registration information unless any of the information below changed since you last voted

  • your political party preference has changed
  • your name has changed
  • your residence address has changed
  • you have moved into New York from another state

How do I know what my current voter registration status is?

The NYS Board of Elections provides a website for New York State residents to check their voter registration status.

 

How does voter registration on NYS DMV's website work?

To register to vote online you will need your

  • NYS Driver License, Permit or Non-Driver ID
  • Social Security Number

DMV will display your name, residence and mailing addresses, date of birth, and gender from DMV records for you to confirm their accuracy.

  • if DMV's records do not reflect your current name or address, or date of birth or gender, you must first correct this information before processing an online Voter Registration Application
  • you will be asked to answer a series of voter registration application questions related to age, citizenship, prior voting history, and political party selection, and also your phone number (optional) for the Board of Elections
  • you will be asked to affirm to the Board of Elections Affirmation
  • you will be asked to agree to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Attestation
  • upon completion, we will forward your voter registration application to your County or City Board of Elections for processing

Please note: The DMV does not approve or deny voter registration applications. We only send the application to the County or City Board of Elections for their review.

If you do not want to change the information on your DMV records but still want to register to vote or update your voter registration information,  complete the New York State Voter Registration Form (PDF) on the New York State Board of Elections website and mail it to your County Board of Elections.

Use the MV Electronic Voter Registration application


You can also register by mail, by visiting the NYS Board of Elections website to download a Voter Registration Form.

 

Do I have to sign my voter registration application?

When you agree to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Attestation in the voter registration application, you authorize DMV to send the Board of Elections your digital signature we have on file from when DMV issued you your Driver License, Non Driver ID Card or Learner's Permit. Agreeing to the attestation is the legal equivalent of a handwritten signature.

 

What happens to my voter registration application?

The electronic voter registration application is transferred from DMV to your County or City Board of Elections for review. Once processed, your County will notify you either that you are registered to vote or additional information is needed to complete your application. (Please allow up to six weeks to hear from the Board of Elections in your County. If after six weeks you have not heard from them, contact them at the phone number or address provided on the New York State Board of Elections website.)

The DMV does not approve or deny voter registration applications. We only send the application to the County or City Board of Elections for their review.