U.S. Voter Preregistration Guide for 16- and 17-Year-Olds

What Is Voter Preregistration?

Voter preregistration allows an eligible young person to submit a voter registration application before turning 18.

The application is generally held in a pending or preregistered status. When the person reaches the state’s voting age, the registration becomes active, provided that the information remains accurate and the person continues to meet the eligibility requirements.

Preregistering does not usually allow a person to vote before age 18. However, some states allow 17-year-olds to vote in a primary election if they will turn 18 by the corresponding general election. A few cities also have special rules allowing younger residents to participate in certain local elections.

Is There a Separate Federal Preregistration Process?

No. There is no separate registration system for federal elections.

A person registers through their state or local election authority. Once active, that voter registration generally permits the person to vote in:

  • Presidential elections;

  • Elections for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives;

  • State elections; and

  • County, city, school-board and other local elections.

Step 1: Check Your State’s Minimum Registration Age

Each state has different age requirements.

Preregistration Beginning at Age 16

As of July 2026, preregistration generally begins at age 16 in:

  • California

  • Delaware

  • Florida

  • Hawaii

  • Illinois

  • Louisiana

  • Maine

  • Maryland

  • Massachusetts

  • Michigan

  • Minnesota

  • New York

  • North Carolina

  • Oregon

  • Rhode Island

  • Utah

  • Virginia

  • Washington

  • District of Columbia

Preregistration Beginning Before Age 16

  • Colorado: Beginning at age 15.

Preregistration Beginning at Age 17

  • Iowa: Beginning at age 17.

  • Nevada: Beginning at age 17.

  • New Jersey: Beginning at age 17.

  • West Virginia: Generally available at age 17 if the applicant will be 18 by the next general election.

Other Minimum Ages

  • Alaska: Within 90 days before the applicant’s 18th birthday.

  • Georgia: Beginning at age 17 years and 6 months.

  • Missouri: Beginning at age 17 years and 6 months.

  • Oklahoma: Beginning at age 17 years and 6 months.

  • Texas: Beginning at age 17 years and 10 months.

States Using a “Turn 18 by the Election” Rule

Many other states allow a person under 18 to register only when the person will turn 18 by the next primary, general or other qualifying election.

Because the wording differs by state, students should check their state’s official election website before applying.

North Dakota does not require voter registration. A person must still satisfy North Dakota’s eligibility requirements before voting.

State laws can change. Confirm the current rule through Vote.gov or the state’s official election office before organizing a registration drive or submitting an application.

Step 2: Confirm Basic Eligibility

Although the exact requirements vary, an applicant generally must:

  • Be a United States citizen;

  • Live in the state where the application is submitted;

  • Meet the state’s minimum preregistration age;

  • Provide a valid residential address;

  • Meet the state’s rules concerning criminal convictions and voting eligibility; and

  • Not be otherwise legally disqualified from registering.

A lawful permanent resident, visa holder or other person who is not a U.S. citizen must not register for federal elections.

Step 3: Find the Official Registration Website

  1. Visit Vote.gov.

  2. Select your state or territory.

  3. Read the state-specific eligibility and age requirements.

  4. Follow the link to the state’s official voter registration website.

Use an official government website whenever possible. Official state election websites generally end in “.gov.”

Step 4: Choose a Registration Method

Depending on the state, a student may be able to preregister:

Online

Most states offer online voter registration. The applicant may need a state driver’s-license or identification-card number to complete the entire process electronically.

By Mail

The applicant may download a state voter registration form or the National Mail Voter Registration Form.

The National Mail Voter Registration Form:

  • Must be completed according to the instructions for the applicant’s state;

  • Must be signed;

  • Must be mailed to the address listed for the appropriate state or local election office; and

  • Cannot be used in New Hampshire, North Dakota, Wisconsin or Wyoming.

Before using the national form, confirm that the applicant has reached the minimum registration age permitted by the applicant’s state.

In Person

Registration may be available at:

  • State or local election offices;

  • Departments of motor vehicles;

  • Public-assistance agencies;

  • Armed-forces recruitment offices;

  • Public libraries;

  • High schools;

  • College campuses; or

  • Approved voter registration events.

Available locations vary by state.

Step 5: Prepare the Necessary Information

The application may request:

  • Full legal name;

  • Date of birth;

  • Residential address;

  • Mailing address, if different;

  • State driver’s-license or identification-card number;

  • The last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number;

  • Previous registration information, if applicable;

  • Political-party preference; and

  • A signature or electronic attestation.

A student should use their real residential address, even when mail is received somewhere else. Students without a traditional residential address should contact their local election office for instructions.

The applicant should not enter false information or sign an application for another person.

Step 6: Select a Political Party, When Applicable

Some state applications ask applicants to select a political party.

An applicant may generally:

  • Select a recognized political party;

  • Select no party or unaffiliated status; or

  • Leave the selection blank when state rules permit.

Party registration can affect which primary election ballot the voter may receive. It does not require the voter to support that party’s candidates in a general election.

Step 7: Review, Sign and Submit the Application

Before submitting, verify that:

  • The name is spelled correctly;

  • The date of birth is accurate;

  • The residential and mailing addresses are correct;

  • Citizenship was answered accurately;

  • Identification information is complete;

  • The party selection reflects the applicant’s choice; and

  • The application is signed when a signature is required.

An unsigned paper application may be rejected or returned for correction.

Step 8: Confirm That the Application Was Processed

After submitting the application:

  1. Save the submission confirmation or take a screenshot.

  2. Watch for a confirmation letter, card or email from the election office.

  3. Use the state’s official registration-status tool to check the record.

  4. Contact the local election office if no confirmation is received.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission does not maintain individual voter registrations. Questions about an application should be directed to the state or local election office.

Step 9: Keep the Information Current

Before turning 18, update the registration after:

  • Moving to a new address;

  • Changing a legal name;

  • Changing a mailing address; or

  • Changing political-party preference.

Outdated information may prevent the registration from activating correctly or may cause election materials to be sent to the wrong address.

Step 10: Check the Registration Again After Turning 18

Preregistration often becomes active automatically, but the new voter should still verify the record.

After turning 18:

  1. Check the registration status on the state’s official election website.

  2. Confirm the registered address.

  3. Confirm party affiliation, if applicable.

  4. Find the next election and its registration deadline.

  5. Check voter identification requirements.

  6. Find the assigned polling place or vote-by-mail options.

Special Rule for Some 17-Year-Olds

Some states and the District of Columbia permit a 17-year-old to vote in a primary election when the person will turn 18 by the corresponding general election.

Preregistration and primary-election eligibility are separate questions. Being preregistered does not automatically mean that a 17-year-old may vote in a primary. The student should check the specific state rule before attempting to vote.

Final Checklist

☐ I checked my state’s minimum registration age.
☐ I am a United States citizen.
☐ I used my correct legal name and date of birth.
☐ I entered my current residential address.
☐ I used an official state or federal government resource.
☐ I reviewed the application before signing.
☐ I saved my submission confirmation.
☐ I will check my registration status after processing.
☐ I will update the registration if I move or change my name.
☐ I understand that preregistration normally does not allow me to vote before I become eligible.

Important Notice

Voter registration requirements, deadlines and eligibility rules differ among states and may change. This guide provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Applicants should verify current requirements through Vote.gov, their state election office or their local election official.