How do I register to vote or check my registration?

County Election Commission (county level - each of TN's 95 counties) / Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Elections (state level)

Step by Step

How to do it

Confirm eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, TN resident, at least 18 years old on or before the next election, NOT currently convicted of a felony without having rights restored (complex - see State Notes), and not been declared mentally incompetent by a court
Choose your registration method:
ONLINE: tnrego.com or through the TN Secretary of State's online voter registration portal (sos.tn.gov) - requires TN driver's license or state ID number; deadline: 30 days before election
BY MAIL: Download TN voter registration form (Form SS-3010) from sos.tn.gov; complete, sign; election commission must receive by 30 days before election (or postmarked 30 days before election)
IN PERSON: County Election Commission; TN Department of Safety and Homeland Security (driver's license office); many public assistance agencies; deadline: 30 days before election
NOTE: Tennessee does NOT offer same-day voter registration
Submit registration by 30 days before Election Day
Receive voter registration card

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

TN driver's license or state ID number (for online); OR last 4 digits of SSN
Current TN address

Fee

Free REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 30 days before Election Day (postmarked by mail; received in-person/online) NO SAME-DAY REGISTRATION: Tennessee does NOT offer same-day voter registration CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION: tnrego.com or govotetn.gov EARLY VOTING: Tennessee offers no-excuse in-person early voting; begins 20 days before primary and general elections; ends 5 days before election; at designated county locations; no excuse required; photo ID required NO-EXCUSE ABSENTEE VOTING: Tennessee has EXCUSE-REQUIRED absentee voting - only qualifying reasons allow absentee mail ballot (see list below); most voters must vote in person or during early voting ABSENTEE QUALIFYING REASONS (Tennessee code - must qualify for absentee): - Outside the county of registration during all early voting and Election Day - Enrolled as full-time student outside county of registration - Unable to vote in person due to jury service in federal or state court - Age 60+ (any reason) - Physical disability making polling place inaccessible - Hospitalized, ill, or physically disabled and unable to vote in person - Caretaker of ill/disabled person - Active military or uniformed service outside county - Other qualifying circumstances under T.C.A. 2-6-202 ONLINE OPTION: Yes - tnrego.com (registration); govotetn.gov (absentee request); sos.tn.gov WHERE TO GO: County Election Commission; TN Dept. of Safety (driver's license office); many state agencies; online at tnrego.com

Online Option

Yes - tnrego.com (registration); govotetn.gov (absentee request); sos.tn.gov

Where to Go

County Election Commission; TN Dept. of Safety (driver's license office); many state agencies; online at tnrego.com

County-specific variations apply

Each of TN's 95 counties has its own County Election Commission. Shelby County (Memphis), Davidson County (Nashville), Knox County (Knoxville), Hamilton County (Chattanooga), and Rutherford County have the largest election operations. Early voting sites and hours vary by county - some larger counties have multiple early voting sites; contact your specific county commission.

Tennessee Notes

Important state-specific details

NO SAME-DAY REGISTRATION - 30-day advance deadline.
EARLY VOTING: No-excuse in-person early voting 20 days to 5 days before election; popular option in TN.
EXCUSE-REQUIRED ABSENTEE MAIL BALLOT: Tennessee has limited absentee voting (not no-excuse for most voters); must qualify; age 60+ qualifies for any reason - note this significant exception.
FELONY VOTING RIGHTS (COMPLEX - TN has one of the most complicated systems): Date of conviction matters:
Convicted before January 15, 1973: may vote (depends on crime; verify with Division of Elections)
Convicted January 15, 1973 - May 17, 1981: eligible to vote without restoration process
Convicted on or after May 18, 1981: voting rights LOST; must apply for RESTORATION through a formal process; Certificate of Restoration of Voting Rights (Form SS-3041) must be completed by authorized agent (probation/parole officer or criminal court clerk - not self-completed); even after restoration applied for, can be DENIED for certain crimes (first-degree murder, rape, treason, voter fraud, and others); NEW 2026 LAW (SB 336/HB 687): eases restoration by no longer requiring all outstanding court costs and fees to be paid; child support arrearage only last year's compliance required (rather than full arrearage)
PHOTO ID REQUIRED to vote in person including early voting; some exemptions for religious objection, indigent status without free ID option, certain nursing home residents.
Polls open 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM on Election Day.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Elections - sos.tn.gov | govotetn.gov | (615) 741-7956; tnrego.com; County Election Commission (varies by county)