Pennsylvania: Do you need an ID to vote?

What the law says

When voting at a polling place for the first time, you must show proof of identification, either with photo or other ID. ... This requirement applies only for the first time you appear to vote in a particular election district/polling place. You will not have to show ID again unless you move and are assigned to a new polling place.

Sources

• Pennsylvania Department of State: New voters, what do I need to prepare? Official · pa.gov

Confirm with the state

Agency

Pennsylvania Department of State

Phone

1-877-868-3772

Website

pa.gov

How bordering states compare

• Delaware ID required, non-photo acceptedDelaware asks for proof of identity but not photo ID; a voter without ID can sign an affidavit and vote.
• Maryland No ID document requiredMaryland election judges confirm identity by asking for the voter's birth month and day and checking their address. Most voters show no ID.
• New Jersey No ID document requiredMost New Jersey voters don't show ID at the polls. Only certain first-time or unverified registrants must, and photo and non-photo documents count.
• New York No ID document requiredMost New York voters do not show ID at the polls; they give their name and address and sign the poll book.
• 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.
• 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.