MT

Montana Voter Registration Guide

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

No proof-of-citizenship requirementPhoto 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
Photo ID required to vote in person (Montana SB 276, 2025): a current, valid, readable photo ID such as a driver's license/REAL ID, Montana state ID, military ID, tribal photo ID, U.S. passport, Montana concealed-carry permit, or Montana University System/NAIA photo ID. A voter whose photo ID does not show a current address must also bring a supplemental document (e.g., utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document showing name and current address). Voters who cannot produce an acceptable photo ID use the provisional-ballot process through their county election official.
Online Registration
Not available
Registration Deadline
Regular registration closes 30 days before an election; late registration is available during the 30-day period before an election (in-person with county election officials)
Proof of Citizenship Law
No proof-of-citizenship requirement
Status detailsNo active statewide documentary proof-of-citizenship voter-registration requirement as of July 2026. Photo ID is required to vote in person under SB 276 (2025), upheld by a Montana district court in May 2026; non-photo documents are supplemental proof of address only. Election Day/late registration remains available (SB 490, which would restrict registration hours, is enjoined).

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 Montana?

No. Montana 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 Montana?

A certified birth certificate in Montana costs $16 per certified copy. Processing times vary — check the state vital records office for current turnaround. Use the official Montana vital records office for current details: https://dphhs.mt.gov/vitalrecords. Remember: you must order from the state where you were born, not where you currently live.

What voter ID do I need in Montana?

Montana's voter ID rules: Photo ID required to vote in person (Montana SB 276, 2025): a current, valid, readable photo ID such as a driver's license/REAL ID, Montana state ID, military ID, tribal photo ID, U.S. passport, Montana concealed-carry permit, or Montana University System/NAIA photo ID. A voter whose photo ID does not show a current address must also bring a supplemental document (e.g., utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document showing name and current address). Voters who cannot produce an acceptable photo ID use the provisional-ballot process through their county election official. Check with your local election office or visit the Montana Secretary of State website for specific details on acceptable forms of identification.

Can I register to vote online in Montana?

No, Montana does not currently offer online voter registration. You will need to register by mail or in person. Registration deadline: Regular registration closes 30 days before an election; late registration is available during the 30-day period before an election (in-person with county election officials).