How do I register to vote or check my registration?

County Clerk / County Election Office (county level - each of Idaho's 44 counties) / Idaho Secretary of State (state level)

Step by Step

How to do it

Confirm eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, Idaho resident, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and not a convicted felon (felons lose voting rights during incarceration; rights are automatically restored upon completion of sentence including probation)
Choose your registration method:
ONLINE: sos.idaho.gov - requires Idaho driver's license or state ID number
BY MAIL: Download form from sos.idaho.gov; complete and mail to your County Clerk - must be RECEIVED (not just postmarked) by 25 days before Election Day
IN PERSON: County Clerk's office or designated registration sites - deadline 25 days before Election Day; OR register and vote on Election Day at your polling place (SAME-DAY REGISTRATION available in Idaho)
DMV / AGENCY-BASED: Idaho offers automatic voter registration through the DMV and various agencies
For same-day registration: bring proof of residency and photo ID to your polling place or early voting location on or before Election Day
Receive voter registration card by mail confirming enrollment

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Idaho driver's license or state ID number (for online registration)
If no Idaho DL/ID: can still register by mail or in person with alternative ID and proof of residency
For same-day registration on Election Day: photo ID plus proof of current Idaho address (utility bill, bank statement, government document, or ID with current address)

Fee

Free REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 25 days before Election Day (online, by mail received, or in person at County Clerk) SAME-DAY REGISTRATION: YES - Idaho allows registration at the polls on Election Day itself; also available during early voting at County Clerk CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION: sos.idaho.gov/elections EARLY VOTING: Idaho offers in-person absentee/early voting at County Clerk offices typically 14+ days before Election Day; no excuse required VOTE BY MAIL (ABSENTEE): Available to any registered voter - no excuse required; request from County Clerk or at sos.idaho.gov ONLINE OPTION: Yes - sos.idaho.gov WHERE TO GO: County Clerk office; DMV; many state agencies; polling place on Election Day (same-day registration)

Online Option

Yes - sos.idaho.gov

Where to Go

County Clerk office; DMV; many state agencies; polling place on Election Day (same-day registration)

County-specific variations apply

Voter registration and elections administered by County Clerks in each of Idaho's 44 counties. Moving between Idaho counties: update registration with new county clerk. Same-day registration available at all Idaho polling locations - one of more voter-friendly provisions among traditionally conservative states.

Idaho Notes

Important state-specific details

Idaho has SAME-DAY VOTER REGISTRATION - can register and vote at the polls on Election Day; bring photo ID plus proof of current Idaho address.
FELONY CONVICTION: Idaho restores voting rights automatically upon completion of entire sentence including probation - no special application needed; once discharged, simply re-register.
PRE-REGISTRATION: Idaho does not currently offer pre-registration for 16-17-year-olds.
PHOTO ID REQUIRED to vote in person in Idaho: Idaho driver's license or ID, U.S. passport, military ID, tribal ID, or other government-issued photo ID; if no photo ID, may sign a Personal Identification Affidavit (though this may require follow-up).
Idaho uses a closed primary - voters not affiliated with a party may register with a party at the polls to vote in that party's primary.
Polls typically open 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM; anyone in line at closing must be allowed to vote.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Idaho Secretary of State, Elections Division - sos.idaho.gov/elections | (208) 334-2852; County Clerk (varies by county)