California: Do you need an ID to vote?
California does not require most voters to show ID; voters state their name and address and sign the roster.
Some first-time voters who registered by mail without a driver's license, state ID, or Social Security number may be asked for ID. Courts struck down Huntington Beach's local voter ID measure as preempted by state law, and the California Supreme Court declined review in January 2026. Proposition 39, a citizen initiative constitutional amendment requiring government-issued ID to vote, is on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
What the law says
Any person desiring to vote shall state or provide his or her name and address and, upon the precinct officers finding the name in the roster, the voter shall then sign his or her name in the space provided or, if the voter is unable to sign, shall have his or her name signed by another person on the roster provided for that purpose, whereupon a challenge may be interposed as provided in this article.
Sources
- Cal. Elections Code § 14216 (public.law) Mirror of official text · california.public.law
- California Secretary of State, What to Bring Official · sos.ca.gov
- California Secretary of State, Qualified Statewide Ballot Measures Official · sos.ca.gov
- California Attorney General, Supreme Court rejects Huntington Beach petition (Jan. 28, 2026) Official · oag.ca.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- California Secretary of State, Elections Division
- Phone
- 800-345-8683
- Website
- sos.ca.gov
How bordering states compare
- Arizona ID required, non-photo acceptedArizona requires ID: one photo ID with name and address, or two non-photo documents such as a utility bill or bank statement.
- Nevada No ID document requiredNevada voters don't show ID at the polls; poll workers compare their signatures. A photo ID amendment is on the 2026 ballot.
- Oregon No ID document requiredOregon votes by mail and does not require ID to vote; the signature on each ballot envelope is checked against the voter's registration.
All 50 states for this question · Other topics in California