Kentucky: Do you need an ID to vote?
Kentucky asks for photo ID. A voter without one can sign an impediment affirmation at the polls, show another ID, and vote normally.
Accepted proof is a document with the voter's name and photo issued by the U.S. or Kentucky, the military, a college or university, or a Kentucky local government. A voter without one can sign a sworn affirmation at the polls naming one of eight reasons, such as lack of transportation, work schedule, lost ID, or a religious objection to being photographed, and then show any ID with their photo and name or a county-issued ID approved by the State Board of Elections. The voter then signs the roster and votes. A voter who can't meet either path may cast a provisional ballot only for federal offices.
Conditions
- Without photo ID: sign an impediment affirmation and show another photo ID or an approved county ID
What the law says
Any person desiring to vote on election day shall give his or her name and address to the clerk of the election and shall provide proof of identification as defined in KRS 117.001. ... if a voter is unable to provide proof of identification as required under KRS 117.225, and as defined under KRS 117.001, a voter may cast a ballot if the individual: (a) Is eligible to vote under KRS 116.025; (b) Is entitled to vote in that precinct; and (c) In the presence of the election officer, executes a voter's affirmation
Sources
- KRS 117.225 Official · apps.legislature.ky.gov
- KRS 117.228 (effective July 15, 2026) Official · apps.legislature.ky.gov
- KRS 117.001 (definition of proof of identification) Official · apps.legislature.ky.gov
- KRS 117.229 Official · apps.legislature.ky.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Kentucky State Board of Elections
- Phone
- 502-573-7100
- Website
- elect.ky.gov
How bordering states compare
- Illinois No ID document requiredIllinois does not require most voters to show ID. Election judges compare the voter's signature with the registration record.
- Indiana Photo ID requiredIndiana requires a government-issued photo ID. A voter without one votes provisionally and must follow up within 10 days.
- Missouri Photo ID requestedMissouri asks for photo ID. A voter without one casts a provisional ballot, which counts if it matches the signature on file.
- Ohio Photo ID requiredOhio requires in-person voters to show photo ID. Without one, a provisional ballot counts only if ID is shown within four days.
- Tennessee Photo ID requiredTennessee requires a government photo ID to vote in person; without one, the vote counts only if ID is shown within two business days.
- Virginia ID required, non-photo acceptedVirginia asks for ID from a list that includes non-photo documents; voters without one may sign a statement and vote.
- West Virginia Photo ID requestedWest Virginia asks for photo ID since 2025, but voters without one can be vouched for or vote provisionally with signature matching.