Free voter IDs being offered

Thanks to new legislation, free IDs are being offered to help make voting more accessible to Idaho residents.

The bill by Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Winder and Representative Brandon Mitchell was praised by Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane. The legislation, which passed both the House and Senate, eliminates a restriction for Idahoans who have possessed a current driver’s license in the prior six months from obtaining the free ID. This legislation has been signed by Governor Brad Little and will take effect July 1, 2024.

Governor Little remarked, "Idaho is committed to fair and secure elections. I commend the Legislature, especially Senate President Pro Tem Winder and Representative Mitchell, for their dedication to providing free IDs for voting. This legislation underscores our belief in the importance of every Idahoan's voice and their ability to participate in our elections."

“The legislation passed last year for free IDs was a big step toward increasing both election security and accessibility. This legislation expands on that and helps ensure that every eligible Idahoan has access to ID needed to vote,” said Secretary McGrane.

Legislation was passed in 2023, which initially provided for free state-issued IDs through the Idaho Transportation Department and the county Department of Motor Vehicles. As with a driver’s license, Idaho residents must provide proof of residency, age, and identity to receive a free ID card. The free ID card is an accepted form of ID for registering to vote and verifying identity at a polling location, or in any situation where a state ID is required. Statewide, 60 free IDs have been issued through February 2024.

“At the polls, we overwhelmingly see driver's licenses and ID cards presented. Nearly 98% of voters presented these forms last November. This legislation will only help increase those numbers to continue our efforts to make Idaho elections the safest and most secure in the nation,” added Secretary McGrane. 

Idaho requires voter identification to vote at the polls. The acceptable forms of identification are a current Idaho driver’s license, current Idaho ID Card, current passport or federal ID card, current tribal ID card, or a current concealed weapons permit issued by a county sheriff in Idaho. Anyone who needs an ID card for voting should contact their local DMV or go online to ITD.Idaho.gov. Find more information about the upcoming May 21, 2024 Idaho Primary Election at VoteIdaho.gov.