Voter Registration Application Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I'm eligible to register to vote in New York State?
To register to vote in NYS you must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen;
- Be 18 years old by the end of this year;
- Not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction;
- Not claim the right to vote elsewhere.
Full voter registration requirements are listed on the New York State Board of Elections website.
I have registered to vote in the past but do I need to update my voter registration information?
- You do not need to update your voter registration information unless since you last voted:
- Your political party preference has changed,
- Your name has changed,
- Your residence address has changed.
- You have moved into New York State from another State.
How do I know what my current voter registration status is?
The NYS Board of Elections provides a website for NYS residents to check their voter registration status.
How does voter registration on NYS DMV's website work?
- Upon signing into the MyDMV application, you may select Electronic Voter Registration Application to complete a Voter Registration Application online.
- DMV will display your name, residence and mailing addresses, date of birth, and gender from DMV records for you to confirm their accuracy.
- If DMV's records do not reflect your current name, address, date of birth or gender, you must first correct this information on DMV records before processing an online Voter Registration Application.
- If you do not wish to change the information on DMV records but still wish to register to vote or update your voter registration information, you may do so by completing the New York State Voter Registration Form (pdf document) and mailing it to your County Board of Elections.
- You will be asked to answer a series of voter registration application questions related to age, citizenship, prior voting history and political party selection. You will also be asked to optionally provide your phone number for the Board of Elections.
- You will be asked to affirm to the Board of Elections Affirmation.
- You will be asked to agree to the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Attestation.
- Upon completion, your voter registration application is forwarded to your County Board of Elections for processing. DMV DOES NOT APPROVE OR DENY VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS. DMV ONLY SENDS THE APPLICATIONS TO THE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS FOR THEIR REVIEW.
Don't I have to sign my voter registration application?
When you agree to the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Attestation in the voter registration application, you authorize DMV to send the Board of Elections your digital signature we have on file from when DMV issued you your Driver License, Non Driver ID Card or Learner's Permit. Agreeing to the attestation is the legal equivalent of a handwritten signature.
What happens to my voter registration application?
- The electronic voter registration application is transferred from DMV to your County Board of Elections for review. Once processed, your County will notify you either that you are registered to vote or additional information is needed to complete your application. (Please allow up to six weeks to hear from the Board of Elections in your County. If after six weeks you have not heard from them, contact them at the phone number or address provided here.)
- DMV DOES NOT APPROVE OR DENY VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS. DMV ONLY SENDS THE APPLICATIONS TO THE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS FOR THEIR REVIEW.