Facts about Proof of Identity for Voting in Oklahoma

The proof of identity law (sometimes called the "voter ID" law) was contained in State Question 746 (Legislative Referendum No. 347).  The question appeared on the ballot at the November 2, 2010, General Election, and it was approved by 74% of the votes cast.

The proof of identity law requires every voter who votes in person at the precinct polling place or during early voting at the County Election Board to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot.

A document used for proof of identity for voting must have been issued by the United States government, the State of Oklahoma, or a federally recognized tribal government.

The law requires any document used for proof of identity for voting to contain the following information:

• the name of the person to whom it was issued
• a photograph of the person to whom it was issued
• an expiration date that is after the date of the election

The law also requires the voter's name on the proof of identity document to "substantially conform" to the voter's name in the Precinct Registry.  In other words, your name on your proof of identity must match your name in the Precinct Registry.

The following documents may be used for proof of identity for voting:

• an Oklahoma driver license
• a State Identification Card*
• a passport
• a military identification

* A State Identification card issued to a person 65 years of age or older does not have an expiration date but is, by law, a valid proof of identity for voting.

In addition, voters may use the voter identification card they received by mail from the County Election Board when they registered to vote.  The law allows use of the voter identification card even though it does not include a photograph or an expiration date.

If you do not have or if you refuse to show proof of identity, you may only vote by provisional ballot. 

Voters who cast provisional ballots are required to fill out and sign an affidavit that explains why their provisional ballot should be counted.  Provisional ballots are sealed inside special envelopes and are not put through the voting device.  After election day, County Election Board officials will investigate the information provided by the voter on the affidavit and either will approve the provisional ballot for counting or will reject it based on the outcome of that investigation.

In order for a provisional ballot to be approved for counting, the information on the affidavit must match the information in the voter's registration record.

Is my ID valid for voting in Oklahoma?

FAQs about proof of identity for voting