Register to Vote
How to Register
Online: Register or update your registration quickly and easily online at the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal. You will need your SSN and Virginia driver's license; if you do not have a VA driver's license or other DMV identification card, you will be prompted to print, sign, and mail your Voter Registration Application.
By mail or in person: Complete, sign, and mail a Virginia Voter Registration Application form or register in person at the Office of Voter Registration & Elections. The Virginia Voter Registration Application is available for download in English, Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese. If you need a blank form mailed to you, please contact us.
- Applications are available at public libraries, post offices, and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Look for your new voter credential document in the mail within 20 days of registering or updating your registration.
- Applications are accepted at any time. However, to vote on machine in a specific election, you must submit your application by the following:
- 10 days before any general or primary election
- 6 days before a special election called by the Governor
Applications submitted after the deadline for a specific election will be processed in time for the next election.
Eligibility
In order to register to vote, you must:
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Be a resident of Virginia
- Be at least 18 years old on or before the next general election (registered 17-year-old voters may vote in primary elections before they are 18)
- Have your rights restored if you've been convicted of a felony or judged mentally incapacitated. You can learn more about restoration of your civil rights here.
16-years-olds may pre-register to be automatically registered to vote once they become eligible.
How to Update Your Registration Information
When you move or change your name, you are responsible for updating your registration. Failure to do so may prevent you from voting or cause a delay in voting. To update, complete a new Voter Registration Application and submit it to your local registrar's office in person or by-mail. You may also make updates using the online Citizen Portal.
How to Cancel Your Voter Registration
If you no longer live in the state of Virginia or you wish to cancel your current Virginia voter registration for any other reason, please complete and sign the Request to Cancel Voter Registration form and submit it by mail or by email.
Please note, Voter Registration Applications or Requests to Cancel forms must be completed, signed, and submitted with a wet signature; electronic signatures will not be accepted.