How do I update my voter registration in an election year?

Changing your name in 2024? We put together a helpful guide to ensure you don’t run into any issues when you go to vote.

Step 1: Check Your State’s Voter Registration Deadline

When starting the name change process during an election year, knowing your state's voter registration deadlines is crucial. You can find the specific deadlines for your state by visiting Vote.org's Voter Registration Deadlines. Make sure to check your state's voter registration deadline to avoid missing the cutoff. Keep in mind that in most states, you can register to vote on the day of the election!

If you are close to your state’s cutoff date and Election Day Registration is not available in your state, wait until after you vote to start your name change. 

Step 2: Update Your Name on your Social Security Card and Driver’s License/State-ID Card

Once you receive your NewlyNamed name change kit, you will want to start the name change for your Social Security card and driver’s license (these instructions will be included in your name change kit). In most cases, it takes about 2-3 weeks to update your name with the Social Security Administration and to get a new driver's license. 

Please keep in mind that if you have not received your updated driver’s license/state ID card before you vote, most states will allow you to bring 1) your legal name change document (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and 2) your driver’s license/state ID card in your OLD name with you to the polling location as a valid form of identification. If this is your case, you can check your state’s Election Day Registration document requirements here (see ‘Jump directly to your state’).

Step 3: Update Your Voter Registration by Registering to Vote in Your New Name

After you have updated your name with the Social Security Administration and obtained your new driver's license/state ID card, you can proceed to update your voter registration. Be sure to do this well before your state's voter registration deadline to ensure there are no issues on election day. 

Frequently Asked Questions

I haven’t started my name change. Can I purchase NewlyNamed before the election?

Yes, you can purchase a NewlyNamed Box or Print at Home name change kit now. Your name doesn’t officially change until after you update your government documents. You will simply need to make sure that the name on your voter registration matches the name on your driver’s license/state ID card when you vote. 

The Voter Registration Deadline is near. What should I do? 

If you are too close to the voter registration deadline in your state, you can still purchase a NewlyNamed Box or Print at Home name change kit, but we recommend waiting until after the election to update your driver’s license/state ID card to your new name. This ensures that there are no complications when voting, and you can confidently participate in the upcoming election.

I’ve started my name change but haven’t updated the name on my driver’s license/state ID card. What should I do? 

If your state’s voter registration deadline is nearing, we suggest playing it safe and waiting to update your driver’s license/state ID card until after the election.

I’ve started my name change and have received my new driver’s license/state ID card in my new name. What should I do?

You will want to register to vote in your new name. You can check to make sure you are registered to vote here. 

I am not a registered voter. Should I register in my new name or my old name?

We suggest registering to vote using the name on your current driver’s license/state ID card.

I am moving to a new state and changing my name at the same time. What should I do to be able to vote?

You will need to register to vote in your new state. You can register to vote in your new name and new state after obtaining a driver’s license/state ID card in your new state.

How soon after submitting my vote can I start my name change? Will it mess my vote up?

You can start your name change right immediately after casting your ballot. Your vote will count as long as you are a registered voter when you vote.