AL

Alabama Voter Registration Guide

Current voter registration requirements, birth certificate ordering information, voter ID rules, deadlines, and official election office links for Alabama.

Proof-of-citizenship law on books — not enforcedPhoto ID requiredChecked Jul 27, 2026 · double-check details
Interactive map of the United States showing proof-of-citizenship law status by state
Active Proof-of-Citizenship Law
Law on Books (Not Enforced)
No Requirement
Voter ID Requirement
Valid photo ID is required at the polls and for absentee voting; voters without ID may vote a provisional ballot or may be identified by two election officials who sign an affidavit
Online Registration
Available
Registration Deadline
Registration is closed during the fourteen days prior to an election and on Election Day
Proof of Citizenship Law
Proof-of-citizenship law on books — not enforced
Status detailsAlabama SOS registration workflows state applicant information may be verified against federal immigration records; NCSL documents Alabama as having documentary-proof-related legal history with enforcement status requiring continued legal monitoring. Following the Jun 22, 2026 D.C. federal ruling limiting the expanded federal SAVE system (an immigration-status database, unrelated to the SAVE Act), Alabama is not among the four states whose expanded access was restored by a Jul 7, 2026 order.

What to Do Now

  1. 1Check if you have one of the accepted documents (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate)
  2. 2If your name has changed, get a passport in your current legal name
  3. 3Order your birth certificate now if you don't have one
  4. 4Verify your voter registration is current
  5. 5Keep originals safe — under the SAVE Act, photocopies would not be accepted

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need proof of citizenship to register to vote in Alabama?

Alabama has a proof-of-citizenship law on the books that is not being enforced as a universal document requirement. Most registrants are not asked for citizenship documents, but conditional checks may apply. It is still a good idea to have your documents ready.

How much does a birth certificate cost in Alabama?

A certified birth certificate in Alabama costs $15.00 search fee (includes one certified copy); additional copies ordered at the same time are $6.00 each. Processing times vary — check the state vital records office for current turnaround. Use the official Alabama vital records office for current details: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/birth-certificates.html. Remember: you must order from the state where you were born, not where you currently live.

What voter ID do I need in Alabama?

Alabama's voter ID rules: Valid photo ID is required at the polls and for absentee voting; voters without ID may vote a provisional ballot or may be identified by two election officials who sign an affidavit. Check with your local election office or visit the Alabama Secretary of State website for specific details on acceptable forms of identification.

Can I register to vote online in Alabama?

Yes, Alabama offers online voter registration. Visit your state's election office website to register or update your registration. Registration deadline: Registration is closed during the fourteen days prior to an election and on Election Day.

What documents count as proof of citizenship in Alabama?

Documents generally accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship include: U.S. Passport (book or card); U.S. Birth Certificate; Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570); Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561); Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). Requirements may vary, so check with the Alabama election office for the most current list of accepted documents.