Voter ID

On June 1, 2023, the Governor signed into law LB514, which establishes voter identification (ID) requirements for elections in Nebraska. 
 

The first election requiring voter ID will be the May 14, 2024 statewide primary election.
All special and statewide elections after this date will require voter ID. No special election prior to May 14, 2024 will require voter ID.

Preliminary voter ID education material and events

The Secretary of State's office was at the 2023 Nebraska State Fair from August 25 to September 4 to educate fair-goers on the new voter ID law. 

Election officials handed out brochures that answer common questions on voter ID.

The Secretary of State's office, along with county elections officials, will hold more in-person educational events as the voter ID educational campaign ramps up in 2024. As more educational voter ID material is created, documents will be translated into other languages. 

What ID can I use to vote?

IDs must have the voter's name and photo.
IDs can be expired.

  • Nebraska driver's license or state ID
  • Passport
  • Military ID
  • Tribal ID
  • Hospital, assisted living or nursing home record
  • Nebraska political subdivision (state, county, city, school, etc.)
  • Nebraska college or university ID

What if I forget my ID on Election Day?

You will fill out a provisional ballot. For your ballot to count, you will need to present an acceptable form of photo ID to your county election office on or before the Tuesday after the election. 

How do I vote with voter ID?

Voting in-person

  • You will present a valid photo ID or vote provisionally

Voting early in your county election office

  • You will present a valid photo ID or vote provisionally

Voting early by mail

  • You will write your driver's license or state ID number on the ballot application, or you can enclose a copy of your valid photo ID or reasonable impediment certification with your application. 

Voting by mail in all-mail precincts or by-mail special elections

  • You will write your driver's license or state ID number on the ballot return envelope, or you can enclose a copy of your valid photo ID or reasonable impediment certification in your ballot return envelope. 

What if I can't afford an ID?

You can get a free state ID for voting purposes at the Nebraska DMV. You will need to bring documents confirming your identify and your address when applying for a state ID.
To find more information about getting a state ID, click here. 
To find your local DMV office, click here. 
 
If you're missing your Nebraska birth certificate in order to get a free state ID for voting purposes, you can get a free certified copy of your birth certificate from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. To get in contact with DHHS Vital Records, click here. Note: You cannot use your birth certificate to vote. DHHS is providing free certified copies of birth certificates for future voters to obtain a state ID for voting purposes.  

What if I can't get an ID?

If you have a reasonable impediment, you can complete a certification instead of presenting a valid photo ID.

Reasonable impediments are:

  • Inability to obtain a valid ID due to:
    • Disability or illness
    • Lack of birth certificate or other required documents
  • Religious objection to being photographed

The Nebraska Secretary of State's office will continue to update this page to include more information on the new voter ID law.

Coming soon:

  • Additional materials on requirements and procedures for presenting ID
  • Additional voter ID educational materials
  • Details surrounding the voter ID educational campaign
  • Reasonable impediment certification form