Registration
Washington DC registration options include Online, By Mail, and In Person.
State Voting Guide
Washington DC Voting Guide
Use this Washington DC voting guide to check registration options, voter ID requirements, polling hours, absentee voting, eligibility rules, and official resources.
Last reviewed: August 14, 2026. Generated from structured state voting models and official-source links.
At a Glance
Washington DC voting quick facts
Voter ID
Washington DC is listed as No document required to vote.
Poll Hours
Polling places are generally open 7:00 AM-8:00 PM.
Absentee and Mail Voting
Absentee and mail voting details are not listed in the generated guide.
Felony Voting Rights
In the District of Columbia, people with felony convictions do not lose their voting rights, including while incarcerated. In 2020, B 825 allowed voting while incarcerated.
Voter Lookup
Lookup tools may help with check your voter registration status, check your polling place location, view your sample ballot, and 2 more.
Register
Washington DC voter registration options
District of Columbia voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted. Same-day registration may also be available where noted.
Online Available
District of Columbia enables residents to register through their online voter registration portal. The registration deadline is 21 days before the next election. If you miss this deadline, you may register in person at any Vote Center during early voting or on Election Day
- Online registration must be completed 21 days before Election Day.
By Mail Available
All voter registration applications (By Mail, E-Mail, Fax) and updates submitted by mail must be received by the Board by no later than the 21st day before the election in which you wish to vote.
- Mail registration must meet the state deadline 21 days before Election Day.
In Person Available
In person registration is available up to and including on Election Day.
- In-person registration may be completed on Election Day.
same day registration Available
Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. Individuals may register after the 30th day preceding an election including on Election Day. They may only register and vote on Election Day. DC ST § 1-1001.07
- Same-day registration is available through Election Day where permitted.
military overseas Available
You can complete the Federal Post Card Application, which both registers you to vote and requests an absentee ballot for each election until the next regularly scheduled general election (November of an even year).
national_form
The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.
registration_status
Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site
Identification
Washington DC voter ID laws
Washington DC voter ID rule: No document required to vote.
No document required to vote
Washington DC voter ID rule: No document required to vote.
Code: D.C. Code § 1-1001.07, D.C. Code § 1-1001.05(a)(2)(D), and 52 U.S.C. § 21083(b) (HAVA requirements for certain first-time voters)
Accepted forms of ID
- The District of Columbia generally does not require registered voters to present identification when voting in person.
If you do not have ID
- Most District of Columbia voters are not required to present identification when voting in person.
- If identification is required for a first-time voter under federal law and the voter cannot provide it, the voter may cast a provisional ballot subject to eligibility verification.
Polling Places
Washington DC poll hours
Polling places in Washington DC are generally open 7:00 AM-8:00 PM.
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
The polls shall be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., except in instances when the time established for closing the polls is extended pursuant to a federal or District court order or any other order.
Ways to Vote
Washington DC voting options
Voting options available in Washington DC.
Voting In Person at the Polls
Make sure you vote at your polling place on Election Day
Voting By Mail
D.C. conducts elections primarily by mail. Make sure you have the ballot that reflects your correct Ward. If you have the wrong ballot, contact us immediately at 1-866-DCVOTES (1-866-328-6837).
Early Voting
Early voting begins 12 days before election, but in-person absentee voting is available 15 days before an election and ends Saturday before election for early voting, day before election for in-person absentee.
Eligibility
Washington DC voter eligibility
Under federal law, if you move within 30 days of a presidential election, you are allowed to vote for President and Vice President in your former state of residence, either in person or by absentee ballot. If you are registering to vote for this first time and submit the application by mail, you may be required to...
Age requirements
Voting age: until they are at least 17 with a date of birth indicating that they will be 18 on or before the next general election.
Registration age: You can pre-register to vote at 16.
To register to vote in the District of Columbia , an individual must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a United States Citizen
- Be a legal Resident of the District of Columbia,
- Be at least 16 years old but will not receive a voter registration card or be eligible to vote until they are at least 17 with a date of birth indicating that they will be 18 on or before the next general election.
- Not in jail on a felony conviction
- Not have been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote
- Do not claim voting residence outside of the District of Columbia
Voting Rights
Washington DC felony conviction voting rights
In the District of Columbia, people with felony convictions do not lose their voting rights, including while incarcerated. In 2020, B 825 allowed voting while incarcerated.
Never Lose Right to Vote
In the District of Columbia, people with felony convictions do not lose their voting rights, including while incarcerated. In 2020, B 825 allowed voting while incarcerated.
Recent actions
- 2020 Enacted B 825 allowing voting while incarcerated
Work and Voting
Washington DC time off for voting
No specific law requiring time off to vote.
Time off status
No specific law requiring time off to vote.
Detail 1
No specific law requiring time off to vote.
Lookup
Washington DC voter information lookup
Check Your Voter Registration Status.
Voter Information Lookup
Use the lookup tool to check your voter registration status, check your polling place location, view your sample ballot, check the status of your absentee ballot, and 1 more.
Sources
Washington DC official voting resources
Questions
Common Washington DC questions
Can I register to vote online in Washington DC?
Washington DC lists online voter registration as available. District of Columbia enables residents to register through their online voter registration portal. The registration deadline is 21 days before the next election. If you miss this deadline, you may register in person at...
What voter ID rule does Washington DC use?
Washington DC is listed as No document required to vote. Review the accepted ID forms and voter-without-ID procedures before voting.
What time do polls open in Washington DC?
Polling places in Washington DC are generally open 7:00 AM-8:00 PM. Confirm your assigned polling place before Election Day.
Where can I check my Washington DC voter registration or polling place?
The Washington DC voter lookup section lists tools for check your voter registration status, check your polling place location, view your sample ballot, check the status of your absentee ballot, and 1 more.
Can people with felony convictions vote in Washington DC?
In the District of Columbia, people with felony convictions do not lose their voting rights, including while incarcerated. In 2020, B 825 allowed voting while incarcerated.