CA

California Voter Registration Guide

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

No proof-of-citizenship requirementID in some casesChecked Jul 27, 2026 · re-check due
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
Generally no voter ID required at polls; limited first-time-by-mail cases may need ID
Online Registration
Available
Registration Deadline
15 days before election (same-day registration available after deadline)
Proof of Citizenship Law
No proof-of-citizenship requirement
Status detailsNo active statewide documentary proof-of-citizenship voter-registration requirement as of July 2026; same-day (conditional) voter registration is available. Proposition 39, an initiative combining voter ID and citizenship-verification provisions, qualified in April 2026 for the Nov 3, 2026 ballot; it is a pending measure and does not change registration requirements today.

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 California?

No. California does not currently require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. However, if the federal SAVE Act passes, all states would be required to collect proof of citizenship for voter registration. Getting your documents in order now is recommended.

How much does a birth certificate cost in California?

A certified birth certificate in California costs CDPH-VR fee is $31 per certified copy (effective Jan 1, 2026); county office fees may differ. Processing times vary — check the state vital records office for current turnaround. Use the official California vital records office for current details: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital-Records.aspx. Remember: you must order from the state where you were born, not where you currently live.

What voter ID do I need in California?

California's voter ID rules: Generally no voter ID required at polls; limited first-time-by-mail cases may need ID. Check with your local election office or visit the California Secretary of State website for specific details on acceptable forms of identification.

Can I register to vote online in California?

Yes, California offers online voter registration. Visit your state's election office website to register or update your registration. Registration deadline: 15 days before election (same-day registration available after deadline).