NCDMV Continues Issuance of Voter ID Cards in Preparation for 2016 Elections


RALEIGH — With the 2016 elections fast approaching, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles continues its collaborative effort with the North Carolina State Board of Elections to issue no-fee voter ID cards and register qualified voters at all driver license offices statewide.

As directed by the General Assembly in accordance with the Voter Information Verification Act (VIVA – House Bill 589), effective January 1, 2016, North Carolina will require all voters to present valid photo identification to cast a ballot in the upcoming elections.

“The Division will continue to support the process of registering North Carolinians to vote and issuing no-fee voter ID cards,” said NCDMV Commissioner Kelly Thomas. “We want to remind everyone that you can complete this process as a priority service at any of the 114 driver license offices across the state. Don’t wait until the last minute.”

“We at the State Board of Elections are committed to ensuring that every eligible voter has proper ID ahead of 2016,” said NCSBE Executive Director Kim Westbrook Strach. “Our dedicated outreach staff stands ready to help.”

According to House Bill 589, voters who are present to cast their ballot, either on the day of a primary election or early voting, will be required to show one of the following acceptable forms of photo identification:

  • Unexpired North Carolina driver license, including a learners’ permit or a provisional license.
  • Unexpired North Carolina non-operators identification card (DMV ID card).
  • Unexpired United States passport.
  • United States military identification card.
  • Veterans identification card.
  • Tribal enrollment card issued by a federally recognized tribe.
  • Tribal enrollment card issued by a tribe recognized by North Carolina.
  • Out-of-state driver license or non-operators identification card (valid only if the person’s voter registration date in the country is within 90 days of the date of the election).

There are no photo ID requirements for persons who vote via a by-mail absentee ballot, although by-mail absentee voters will need to provide identification information when requesting an absentee ballot.

No-fee ID cards are available at all driver license locations for residents who have no other valid form of identification as per House Bill 589. Applicants will need to present documents that verify their age and identity, their residency address in North Carolina and provide a valid Social Security number. The Division has posted document requirements for the card on its website http://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/driver/id/.

Applications for cards can be made at any driver license office. The cards are mailed to applicants 10 to 15 days following the completion of an application.

To find your nearest driver license office location, please visit the Division’s website at http://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/locations.html.