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How do I register to vote in Alabama?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-17

Alabama clarified its disenfranchising felonies in 2017 (HB 282), making it easier for some Alabamians with felony convictions to know whether they can register.

1. Eligibility (Ala. Const. art. VIII; Ala. Code § 17-3-30)

  • U.S. citizen.
  • 18 years old by Election Day.
  • AL resident.
  • Not convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude unless rights restored (Ala. Code § 17-3-30.1 sets out the full list — non-listed felonies do not disenfranchise).
  • Restoration: Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote (CERV) from the Board of Pardons and Paroles for eligible felonies after completion of sentence and payment of court-ordered amounts.
  • Not declared mentally incompetent.

    • 2. How to Register

  • Online: sos.alabama.gov (requires Alabama DL/non-driver ID).
  • Paper: download Form NVRA-2, return to Board of Registrars or Secretary of State.
  • In person: DL examining office, Board of Registrars, NVRA agencies.

    • 3. Deadline

  • 15 days before Election Day (Ala. Code § 17-3-50).
  • No same-day registration.

    • 4. ID Requirements

  • AL DL/ID or last 4 of SSN at registration.
  • At the polls: photo ID required (Ala. Code § 17-9-30) — AL DL, AL non-driver ID, federal-issued ID, US passport, employee ID with photo, student/employee ID from accredited Alabama school, military ID, tribal ID. Free Alabama photo voter ID available.

    • 5. College Students

  • May register at AL school address; Alabama-issued student IDs satisfy ID requirement, out-of-state student IDs do not.

    • This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your registration was denied based on a felony not on the moral-turpitude list
    • You have a felony conviction and need help obtaining a CERV from Pardons and Paroles
    • You were challenged at the polls for ID and your provisional ballot was rejected
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • Ala. Const. art. VIII
    • Ala. Code § 17-3-30
    • Ala. Code § 17-3-30.1
    • Ala. Code § 17-3-50
    • Ala. Code § 17-9-30

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.