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 typically takes CDPH-VR average certified-copy processing time is 5-7 weeks; county offices may provide faster issuance. 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 requires generally no voter id required at polls; limited first-time-by-mail cases may need id for voting. 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. The registration deadline is 15 days before election (same-day registration available after deadline).

California Voter Registration Guide

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

POC: No current requirementNo ID required

Active POC Law

POC Law (Not Enforced)

No POC 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 current requirement

NoteNo active statewide documentary proof-of-citizenship voter-registration requirement as of Mar 2026; same-day (conditional) voter registration is available.

What to Do Now

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

California Voter Registration Guide

What to Do Now

How to Order in California

Online

By Mail

In Person

California Resources

California Election Office(opens in new tab)

California Vital Records(opens in new tab)

Federal Resources

USA.gov Birth Certificates(opens in new tab)

U.S. Passports(opens in new tab)

Vote.gov(opens in new tab)

VoteRiders(opens in new tab)

Verification Sources

Source 1(opens in new tab)

Source 2(opens in new tab)

Source 3(opens in new tab)

Source 4(opens in new tab)

Source 5(opens in new tab)

Contact Your Senators

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much does a birth certificate cost in California?

What voter ID do I need in California?

Can I register to vote online in California?