How do I register to vote in California?

California makes voter registration accessible through multiple channels and offers some of the most expansive eligibility rules in the nation.

1. Eligibility (Elec. Code § 2101)

U.S. citizen (naturalized or born).

18 years old by Election Day (pre-registration permitted at 16).

California resident at the address listed.

Not currently in state or federal prison for a felony conviction (parolees regained voting rights via Prop 17 in 2020).

Not declared mentally incompetent by a court.

2. How to Register

Online: registertovote.ca.gov — instant if you have a California DL/ID matching DMV records.

DMV "motor voter": automatic registration when you renew/apply for a license under the New Motor Voter Act of 2015.

Paper: pick up at libraries, post offices, or county elections offices; mail to your county registrar.

3. Deadlines

Standard deadline: 15 days before Election Day (Elec. Code § 2102).

Same-Day Registration (CVR): register and vote a provisional ballot at any county elections office, vote center, or polling place from the 14th day through Election Day (Elec. Code § 2170).

4. ID Requirements

No ID required to register if you provide a CA DL number or last 4 of your SSN.

First-time federal voters who registered by mail without an ID number may be asked for ID at the polls (HAVA, 52 U.S.C. § 21083).

5. College Students

May register at either a parent's address or a school address — your choice under Symm v. United States (1979).

This is legal information, not legal advice.