Voter Identification Requirements

Voters must present one of the following acceptable forms of photo identification when voting:

Virginia requirements: Virginia Code § 24.2-643(B)
  • Valid Virginia Driver’s License;
  • Valid United States Passport;
  • Any other photo identification card issued by a government agency of the Commonwealth, one of its political subdivisions, or the United States;
  • Valid student identification card containing a photograph of the voter issued by any institution of higher education located in the Commonwealth of Virginia or any private school in the Commonwealth;
  • Any valid employee identification card containing a photograph of the voter and issued by an employer of the voter in the ordinary course of the employer’s business

Click here for a more detailed listing of acceptable forms of photo identification.

The Office of the General Registrar will issue free photo ID cards to voters who do not possess one of the above forms of photo ID. Visit the office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for more information.

Voters without acceptable photo identification may be offered a Provisional Ballot to vote.  In order for the ballot to be counted, the voter is required to submit a copy of an approved form of photo identification to the local Electoral Board by noon on the third day after Election Day. If the third day is a weekend or holiday, the deadline becomes noon the next business day. If you do not possess acceptable identification, a temporary ID may be made for you at your local general registrar's office.
 
Provisional Ballot - A "Provisional Ballot" is a special paper ballot that is offered to any voter whose qualification to vote is in question.  This may include, but is not limited to the following:

  • A person who does not present acceptable photo identification when voting
  • A person whose name is not on the poll book at the precinct on Election Day and whose qualification cannot be immediately resolved.

The Portsmouth Electoral Board makes a determination on all "Provisional Ballots" at the Canvass of Votes Meeting, which is held the day following each election in the Office of the General Registrar, located at 801 Crawford Street, First Floor. Anyone who has voted a "Provisional Ballot" is welcome to attend this meeting.

It's Your Future...VOTE For It!