Montana voters are facing updated identification requirements following the recent signing of Senate Bill 276 (PDF) by Governor Greg Gianforte. These changes affect both voter registration and in-person voting procedures.
Voter Registration ID Options
To register to vote in Montana, you must provide one of the following:
- Montana driver’s license number
- Last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN)
Other forms of current and valid photo identification, such as:
- School district or postsecondary education photo ID
- Tribal photo ID
If you do not have a photo ID, you can use at least one of these qualifying documents showing your name and current address:
- Current utility bill
- Bank statement
- Paycheck
- Government check
- Other government document
In-Person Voting ID Options
When voting in person, you will be asked to present identification. Acceptable forms include:
- Valid Montana driver’s license
- Montana state identification card
- Military ID
- Tribal photo ID
- U.S. passport
- Montana concealed carry permit
- School district or postsecondary education photo ID
If you do not have a photo ID, you must present a current document with your name and address (such as a utility bill or government document).
Previously, voters could not use non-photo ID options such as a piece of mail or by filling out a form to vote.
Provisional Voting
If you are unable to provide any of the above identification options, you can contact your county election official to discuss the provisional voting process.
Absentee Voting
All registered Montana voters can request an absentee ballot.
Summary Table: Acceptable Voter ID in Montana
| Situation | Acceptable ID Options |
|---|---|
| Registering to Vote | MT driver’s license, last 4 digits of SSN, photo ID (school, tribal), or document with name/address |
| In-Person Voting | MT driver’s license, state ID, military ID, tribal photo ID, passport, school ID, or document with name/address |
| No ID Available | Contact county election official for provisional voting process |
These changes are now in effect, and voters are encouraged to review their identification documents ahead of upcoming elections to ensure compliance with the new requirements.
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