MI

Does Michigan Require Proof of Citizenship to Vote? No (2026)

No. Michigan does not currently require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. Below: which documents count, Michigan voter ID rules, registration deadlines, and how to order a Michigan birth certificate.

No proof-of-citizenship requirementPhoto ID requiredChecked Sep 10, 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

Does Michigan require proof of citizenship to vote?

No. Michigan does not currently require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote.

Voter ID Requirement
Photo ID is requested for in-person registration; if unavailable, the voter can sign an affidavit and register
Online Registration
Available
Registration Deadline
If 15+ days before Election Day, voters can register online/by mail/in person; within 14 days and on Election Day, registration is in person only with proof of residency
Proof of Citizenship Law
No proof-of-citizenship requirement
Status detailsNo enacted documentary proof-of-citizenship law as of September 2026. A 2026 citizenship-voting constitutional-amendment initiative (Americans for Citizen Voting) submitted roughly 750,000 signatures on Mar 4, 2026 (446,198 valid required); on Aug 24, 2026 the Board of State Canvassers deadlocked 2-2 on certification after a signature sample fell three short of the threshold, and on Sep 3, 2026 both the Michigan Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court denied the campaign's requests to force it onto the ballot. The measure will not appear on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot; organizers say they will try again in 2028.

What to do now in Michigan

  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 Michigan?

No. Michigan 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 Michigan?

A certified birth certificate in Michigan costs $34 vital records fee (first copy); online orders also include a VitalChek processing fee and shipping charges. Processing times vary — check the state vital records office for current turnaround. Use the official Michigan vital records office for current details: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords. Remember: you must order from the state where you were born, not where you currently live.

What voter ID do I need in Michigan?

Michigan's voter ID rules: Photo ID is requested for in-person registration; if unavailable, the voter can sign an affidavit and register. Check with your local election office or visit the Michigan Secretary of State website for specific details on acceptable forms of identification.

Can I register to vote online in Michigan?

Yes, Michigan offers online voter registration. Visit your state's election office website to register or update your registration. Registration deadline: If 15+ days before Election Day, voters can register online/by mail/in person; within 14 days and on Election Day, registration is in person only with proof of residency.