Back to QuestionsU.S. citizen.
18 years old by Election Day (pre-register at 16).
NY resident at least 30 days before the election.
Not in prison for a felony — restored automatically on release (Election Law § 5-106, amended 2021 to remove parole disqualification).
Not adjudged mentally incompetent by a court.
Online through the DMV MyDMV portal (requires NY DL/ID).
Paper application — download from elections.ny.gov, mail to county Board of Elections.
In person at any county Board of Elections, DMV, or designated agency.
Automatic Voter Registration at the DMV launched in 2023.
25 days before Election Day (N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-210) — applications must be received by this date (mailed applications postmarked 25 days before).
Provide NY DL/ID number or last 4 of SSN.
At the polls: no photo ID generally required for in-person voting; first-time mail registrants without an ID number may be asked for ID under HAVA.
May register at college address; Symm v. United States and NY case law protect student residency choice.
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How do I register to vote in New York?
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-17
New York modernized its registration system but still does not allow same-day registration despite a 2021 ballot proposal that failed.
1. Eligibility (N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-102)
2. How to Register
3. Deadline
4. ID Requirements
5. College Students
This is legal information, not legal advice.
When to Talk to a Lawyer
- Your registration was improperly denied or purged
- You have a felony conviction with disputed restoration status
- You were challenged at the polls and your affidavit/provisional ballot was rejected
Related Statutes & Laws
- N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-102
- N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-106
- N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-210
- N.Y. Const. art. II, § 1
- 52 U.S.C. § 20503
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.