How do I register to vote or check my registration?

County Board of Registrars (county level) / Alabama Secretary of State (state level)

Step by Step

How to do it

Confirm eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, Alabama resident, at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, and not convicted of a disqualifying felony (or have rights restored)
Choose your registration method:
ONLINE: alabamavotes.gov - fastest method; register or update registration
BY MAIL: Download and print the Alabama Voter Registration Form from sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/register-to-vote; complete, sign, and mail to your county Board of Registrars
IN PERSON: Visit your county Board of Registrars, the county probate office, the DMV, or many government public assistance offices
Submit your completed registration before the deadline
Watch for your Voter Identification Card confirming registration and listing your polling place - arrives by mail after processing

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Alabama driver's license or non-driver ID number (for online registration)
Last 4 digits of Social Security number
Proof of citizenship may be required in some circumstances

Fee

Free REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 15 days before Election Day (online, by mail postmarked, or in person) NOTE: Registration closes 14-15 days before each election. Turning 18 after the deadline but before Election Day? You can still register before the deadline and vote on Election Day. CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION: alabamavotes.gov - search by name, date of birth, and county ONLINE OPTION: Yes - alabamavotes.gov | Also: vote.gov/register/alabama WHERE TO GO: County Board of Registrars (in person); any county DMV office; many government public assistance offices

Online Option

Yes - alabamavotes.gov | Also: vote.gov/register/alabama

Where to Go

County Board of Registrars (in person); any county DMV office; many government public assistance offices

County-specific variations apply

When moving across county lines, you must re-register in your new county - voter registration does not automatically transfer between Alabama counties. Contact the Board of Registrars in your new county.

Alabama Notes

Important state-specific details

Alabama requires photo ID to vote in person - acceptable forms include Alabama driver's license, non-driver ID, U.S. passport, military ID, government employee ID, and others. Verify current accepted ID list at sos.alabama.gov.
Alabama does NOT have early in-person voting.
Absentee voting is available but requires eligibility - not available to all voters on demand. Absentee ballot must be received by noon on Election Day if mailed.
No ballot drop boxes in Alabama - deliver absentee ballot to the Absentee Election Manager's office in your county.
Elections Division: (334) 242-7210 or 1-800-274-8638

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Alabama Secretary of State, Elections Division - sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes | (334) 242-7210 | 1-800-274-8638