Do veterans need a REAL ID to vote?
In the U.S., 36 states require some form of identification to vote in federal and local elections. Identification requirements for voting have been a contentious issue for many years, and because the rules vary state-by-state, it can be confusing. Add to the confusion that beginning May 7, 2025, federal agencies will enforce the REAL ID Act, which requires a REAL ID, U.S. passport, or another federally approved identification to board commercial flights and enter secure federal buildings.
What is a REAL ID?
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. Following a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses,” the REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It also prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards for official purposes if the identification cards from those states do not meet standards.
A REAL ID Act-compliant driver license is differentiated from a traditional license or ID by a gold star at the top. Driver licenses and IDs without a gold star are noted "Not for Federal Identification."
Many veterans also carry different types of identification, including military retiree IDs, veteran health identification cards, and general veteran ID cards. In some states, these IDs are acceptable as identification to vote at polling places.
Will the implementation of the REAL ID Act impact veterans' ability to vote?
The short answer is NO, but that doesn’t mean veterans shouldn’t consider getting their government-issued driver's license or ID card updated to be a REAL ID.
REAL ID identification cards will not be required for voting. So, any unexpired, previously issued identification card will suffice at your local polling place.
Here are examples of places and activities for which you will NOT need a REAL ID driver license or identification card:
Driving
Voting
Applying for or receiving federal benefits (e.g., Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.)
Entering a federal facility that does not require an ID (e.g., a post office)
Accessing a hospital or receive life-saving services
Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations (e.g., serve on a federal jury, testify in federal court, etc.)
A REAL ID will be required when participating in the follow activities:
Boarding a commercial airplane
Visiting military bases
Visiting federal courthouses, federal prisons or other federal facilities
Visiting nuclear sites
Are there exceptions made for veterans?
An individual without a REAL ID or U.S. passport may still be able to board flights or make visits to the facilities mentioned above, but they may have to provide additional documentation with their traditional license or ID. And this is where being a veteran may come in handy.
One of the forms of acceptable alternative documents is a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC). That means that a veteran can board an airplane with a standard (non-REAL ID) government issued identification card, along with a VHIC. However, neither a drivers license with a veteran designation nor a general veteran ID card will be an acceptable form of alternative documentation. So, be sure you know what kind of veteran ID you have.
Should Veterans obtain a REAL ID?
Sure. Before the REAL ID Law goes into effect, veterans may want to consider booking an appointment with their local DMV to secure a REAL ID. However, if they are unable to secure a REAL ID before the law takes effect, veterans can continue accessing facilities as usual providing they have a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) or some other form of federally approved ID card to present in addition to their Driver's License. And in any case, veterans and civilians alike will not be required to possess a REAL ID in order to vote.
What states require identification to vote, and what kind of identification is required?
• Alabama: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, voter ID card issued by the state)
• Arizona: Photo ID that includes name and address (driver's license, tribal ID, passport), proof of citizenship for first-time voters
• Arkansas: Government-issued or accredited institution photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID)
• Florida: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, military ID, passport)
• Georgia: Photo ID (Georgia driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID, tribal ID)
• Idaho: Photo ID that includes name and address (driver's license, passport)
• Indiana: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID)
• Iowa: Government-issued or non-government photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, veteran ID)
• Kansas: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, tribal ID)
• Kentucky: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, military ID, passport)
• Louisiana: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID)
• Michigan: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport)
• Mississippi: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, tribal ID)
• Missouri: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID)
• Montana: Government-issued or non-government photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, tribal ID)
• Nebraska: Government-issued or non-government photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID, tribal ID)
• New Hampshire: Government-issued or non-government photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, student ID from an accredited institution)
• North Dakota: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport)
• Ohio: Government-issued or non-government photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID)
• Oklahoma: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID)
• Rhode Island: Government-issued or non-government photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport)
• South Carolina: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, military ID, passport)
• South Dakota: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, tribal ID)
• Tennessee: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID)
• Texas: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID)
• Utah: Government-issued or non-government photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID)
• Virginia: Government-issued or non-government photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID)
• West Virginia: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, military ID, passport)
• Wisconsin: Government-issued or non-government photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID, tribal ID)
• Wyoming: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, tribal ID)