Photo ID for Voting
in Kentucky

 Kentucky law now requires that voters present a photo ID for voting. A valid ID to vote, must have the voter’s name and photograph AND be issued by either:  

• The United States or the Commonwealth of Kentucky;  

• The United States Department of Defense, a branch of the uniformed services, the Merchant Marines, or the Kentucky National Guard;  

• A public or private college, university, or postgraduate technical or professional school located within the United States; 

•  Any city government, county government, urban-county government, charter county government, consolidated local government, or unified local government, which is located within this state

  The most common form of a valid photo ID is your driver’s license. Other examples of acceptable ID (as long as they include your name and photo) are:  

  • Military ID  

  • College ID  

  • Kentucky government ID 

  A voter’s identity can still be confirmed by personal acquaintance with an election official, but now the election official must sign an affirmation.

  
  Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about Senate Bill 2, the new Photo ID Law, from the Secretary of State, Michael Adams. (Please note that many of the hyperlinks in that document are outdated and broken, but you can find working links below. )

Need Help?

Voters can call or text 844-338-8743 at any time to reach our Voter ID Helpline.

VoteRiders is a non-partisan, non-profit organization with a mission to ensure that all citizens are able to exercise their freedom to vote. VoteRiders informs and helps citizens to secure their voter ID as well as inspires and supports organizations, local volunteers, and communities to sustain voter ID education and assistance efforts.

VoteRiders works directly with voters, both virtually and in-person, to ensure they have the ID they need to cast a ballot that counts. We provide personalized assistance for voters, including: 

• Covering the cost of required documents (like birth certificates or Social Security cards) and ID

• Arranging and paying for transportation to their local ID-issuing office

• Answering questions about their state’s voter ID laws

• Providing pro bono legal assistance with certain document issues

• Supplying voters with photocopies of their ID for requesting an absentee ballot and/or voting by mail

If you do not have a Photo ID:

If you are 18 years old and you do not have a valid Driver’s License, you are eligible for a free state-issued photo ID for the purposes of voting.

In addition, voters who cannot obtain a photo ID can sign a “Reasonable Impediment Declaration” (stating reason for inability to obtain photo ID) and present one of the following non-photo IDs:

•  Social Security Card;

•  Any ID issued by a county in KY that’s been approved by the State Board of Elections and shows

  voter’s name);

•  Any ID card with both the voter’s photograph and name;

•  Any food stamp ID card, electronic benefit transfer card, or supplemental nutrition assistance card issued by KY that shows voter’s name; or

•  A credit or debit card that shows voter’s name.

Obtaining a Free State-Issued ID Card for Voting

To obtain a free state-issued photo ID card, visit one of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s regional offices. For a new ID, you must apply in-person and you’re encouraged to make an appointment. A Birth Certificate and Social Security card (photocopies not accepted) and proof of residency are required in obtaining a new ID. You can find more information at Drive.ky.gov.