Most states let you change your address online, but the process and important date vary by state

Whether you can change your voter registration address online depends on which state you live in. About 40 states offer some form of online registration or address change, but the details differ: some let you do it through your state election website, others require you to use a federal form, and a few still require you to mail or visit in person. Your state's election office website will tell you which method applies to you.

The important date to change your address before an election also varies. Most states require the change to be submitted between 15 and 30 days before Election Day, though some allow changes closer to the election or even on Election Day itself. If you miss the important date, you can still vote — but you may have to cast a provisional ballot or vote at your old polling place instead of your new one.

Key Takeaways

  • About 40 states allow you to change your voter registration address online through their election website or a federal form.
  • important date to change your address before an election range from 15 to 30 days before Election Day, depending on your state.
  • If you miss the important date, you can still vote using a provisional ballot or at your old polling place.
  • You will need your driver's license number, state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
  • Some states that do not offer online changes will accept address changes by mail or in person at your local election office.

How to find your state's online registration system

Start by visiting your state election office website. Search "[your state] voter registration" or "[your state] election office" to find the official site. The website will have a link to register to vote or update your registration. Do not use a third-party voter registration site — go directly to your state's official election office to avoid errors or delays.

Once you are on the official site, look for a button or link that says "register to vote," "update registration," or "change address." Some states have a single online portal for all registration tasks. Others separate new registration from address changes. If you cannot find the option online, the website will tell you which methods your state accepts — mail, in person, or phone.

What information you will need to change your address online

Have the following ready before you start: your driver's license number or state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need your current registered address and your new address. Some states ask for your date of birth or the date you registered to vote.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, check your state's website — some allow you to use your Social Security number alone, while others may require you to change your address by mail or in person instead. Keep your information consistent with what is on file. If your name has changed since you registered, you may need to update that separately before changing your address.

States that use the National Voter Registration Form online

Some states accept the National Voter Registration Form, a federal form that works across multiple states. You can fill it out online on Vote.org or similar sites, print it, and mail it to your local election office. A few states allow you to submit this form electronically as well. Check your state election office website to see if they accept the National Voter Registration Form and whether you can submit it online or must mail it.

The National Voter Registration Form asks for your name, date of birth, address, driver's license or ID number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. It takes about five minutes to complete. If your state accepts it online, the form will be submitted directly to your election office. If your state requires you to mail it, print the form and send it to the address listed on the form.

important date for changing your address before an election

The important date to change your address before an election varies by state. Most states require the change to be submitted between 15 and 30 days before Election Day. Some states allow changes up to 10 days before the election. A handful of states, including California, Colorado, and Oregon, allow you to change your address on Election Day itself.

Check your state election office website for the exact important date in your state. If you miss the important date, you can still vote — you will just need to vote at your old polling place or cast a provisional ballot at your new polling place. A provisional ballot is counted after election officials verify that you are registered and have not already voted.

What to do if your state does not offer online changes

If your state does not allow online address changes, you have other options. Most states accept address changes by mail — you can read a voter registration form from your state election office website, fill it out, and mail it to your local election office. Some states also accept address changes by phone or in person at your local election office, DMV, or public library.

Mail your form at least two to three weeks before the election to allow time for processing. If you are close to the election important date, call your local election office to ask whether they can process your change in time. Some offices can update your address over the phone if you provide your registration information and new address.

What happens if you vote before changing your address

If you vote at your old address and then move, your old vote still counts — you do not need to do anything. However, if you move before the election and want to vote at your new polling place, you must change your address before the important date. If you miss the important date, you can vote at your old polling place or cast a provisional ballot at your new location.

If you registered to vote at your old address and then moved without updating your registration, election officials may flag your record as inactive or remove you from the rolls after a certain period of time (usually two to four years of no voting activity). Changing your address keeps your registration active and ensures you receive any election materials sent to your new address.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an online address change to be processed?

Most states process online address changes within one to two weeks. However, if you submit your change close to the election important date, it may not be processed in time. To be safe, change your address at least two to three weeks before the election. You can check the status of your registration on your state election office website.

Can I change my address if I have an outstanding warrant or criminal record?

A warrant or criminal record does not prevent you from changing your voter registration address. However, if you are currently incarcerated or on parole for a felony in your state, you may not be registered to vote. Check your state's rules about voting rights and incarceration. Your state election office can tell you whether you are may be able to access to vote.

What if I change my address online but do not receive my voter card at the new address?

Voter cards are not required to vote. You can still vote even if you do not receive a card. Bring a photo ID or other proof of residence to your polling place. If you want to verify that your address change was processed, check your registration status on your state election office website.

Can I change my address after I have already voted by mail?

If you have already requested a mail ballot, changing your address may cause your ballot to be sent to your old address instead of your new one. Contact your local election office when ready to let them know your address has changed and ask them to update your mail ballot address or cancel your mail ballot so you can vote in person instead.