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How do I register to vote in Tennessee?

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

Tennessee voter registration is paired with one of the most restrictive felony disenfranchisement schemes in the country, recently complicated by Falls v. Goins (Tenn. 2023).

1. Eligibility (Tenn. Const. art. IV, § 1; Tenn. Code § 2-2-102)

  • U.S. citizen.
  • 18 years old by Election Day.
  • TN resident.
  • Felony: many felonies permanently disenfranchise unless rights restored. Restoration requires a Certificate of Restoration (COR) from probation/parole officer or court order, plus payment of court costs, restitution, and child support (Tenn. Code § 40-29-202).
  • Not adjudicated mentally incompetent.

    • 2. How to Register

  • Online: govotetn.com (requires Tennessee DL/ID).
  • Paper: mail to county election commission.
  • In person: DL stations, county election offices, designated agencies.

    • 3. Deadline

  • 30 days before Election Day (Tenn. Code § 2-2-109).
  • No same-day registration.

    • 4. ID Requirements

  • TN DL/ID or last 4 of SSN at registration.
  • At the polls: state or federal photo ID required (Tenn. Code § 2-7-112) — TN DL, US passport, military ID, US government ID, TN handgun carry permit. Student IDs and out-of-state IDs not accepted.

    • 5. College Students

  • May register at school address but must show a Tennessee photo ID at the polls — out-of-state student IDs and out-of-state DLs are insufficient.

    • This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your registration was denied or you cannot obtain a Certificate of Restoration
    • You have a felony conviction with disputed restoration status (especially child support obligations)
    • You were challenged at the polls for lack of an in-state photo ID
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • Tenn. Const. art. IV, § 1
    • Tenn. Code § 2-2-102
    • Tenn. Code § 2-2-109
    • Tenn. Code § 2-7-112
    • Tenn. Code § 40-29-202

    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.