05/11/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2026
Contact: Laney Rawls at [email protected] or 334-353-2171
Secretary of State Wes Allen Reminds Voters of Photo ID Requirements Ahead of Upcoming Elections
Montgomery, Ala.– Wes Allen, Alabama’s Secretary of State, is reminding voters of the State’s photo identification requirements to ensure a smooth and efficient voting process on Election Day.
“My record on photo voter identification requirements is very clear. I have worked hard to ensure that Alabama has some of the most airtight voter ID laws in the nation, and I am proud of the work our State has done to limit voter fraud and protect the integrity of our elections,” Allen said. “Strict enforcement of photo voter ID laws are a commonsense way to help guarantee that Alabama elections remain secure, transparent, and accountable.”
Alabama Code Section 17-9-30 requires all voters to present a valid form of photo identification before casting a ballot.
Key requirements:
Voter Registration Required: Individuals must be registered to vote in Alabama prior to Election Day. Voter registration deadlines are established by law and must be met to participate in an election.
Photo ID Required: A valid photo ID is required when voting in person. Acceptable forms of photo identification include those issued by a government entity and must be current and recognizable:
Valid Driver's License (not expired or has been expired less than 60 days)
Valid Non-driver ID (not expired or has been expired less than 60 days)
Valid Alabama Photo Voter ID
Valid State Issued ID (Alabama or any other state)
Valid AL Department of Corrections Release- Temporary ID (Photo Required)
Valid AL Movement/Booking Sheet from Prison/Jail System (Photo Required)
Valid Pistol Permit (Photo Required)
Valid Federal Issued ID
Valid US Passport
Valid Employee ID from Federal Government, State of Alabama, County Government, Municipality, Board, Authority, or other entity of this state
Valid student or employee ID from a college or university in the State of Alabama (including postgraduate technical or professional schools)
Valid Military ID
Valid Tribal ID
No Digital IDs: Digital driver licenses or other electronic forms of identification are not accepted for voting purposes. Voters must present a physical form of photo ID.
No Foreign National IDs for Voting: Alabama law does not permit the use of driver licenses or identification cards issued to foreign nationals for voting purposes, even if issued by the State of Alabama. Individuals who later become United States citizens must present a form of identification that is valid for voting under Alabama law. This may require obtaining a new ID, using another acceptable form of photo identification, or, if necessary, obtaining an Alabama Free Photo Voter ID.
These requirements are longstanding and are intended to maintain the integrity of Alabama’s elections while ensuring that eligible voters can participate.
Voters who do not possess a valid photo ID may obtain a free Alabama Photo Voter ID card through their local Board of Registrars or the Secretary of State. Voters who need a photo ID may request an Alabama Photo Voter ID even up to or on election day if they are properly registered to vote.
For more information, including a brief informational video from Secretary of State Wes Allen regarding Alabama’s voter ID requirements and a downloadable Photo Voter ID application, please visit the Alabama Secretary of State’s website: Photo Voter ID | Alabama Secretary of State or contact your local election officials.
Wes Allen is Alabama’s 54th Secretary of State. The Secretary of State is Alabama’s Chief Elections Official. Additionally, Alabama law gives the Secretary of State more than 1,000 different duties. To learn more about the Secretary of State and his responsibilities and duties visit www.sos.alabama.gov.
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*Secretary of State Wes Allen’s official photograph: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/AllenBioHighRes.jpg
