Need a Photo ID? I Can Help!

Pennsylvania’s new voter ID law will have a direct impact on citizens who exercise their right to vote.

If you vote in tomorrow's primary election, you will be asked to show ID, but you do NOT need a photo ID to vote tomorrow. Election officials are just conducting a trial run in preparation for the general election.

But starting this November, every voter will be required to show a valid form of identification in order to vote. If you do not have a valid form of identification, the state will provide one to you at no cost. 

Do not wait until November to obtain the proper ID. Take the steps now to make sure that your vote counts in this year’s general election and all future elections. My staff and I will gladly help you ensure that you have the proper documentation to obtain a state-issued ID. Please do not hesitate to contact me for assistance.

For all the latest news and events in the 11th Senatorial District and in Harrisburg, visit my website, my Facebook page and Twitter page.

SINCERELY,
SENATOR JUDY SCHWANK

Acceptable Forms of ID for the November Election

The following forms of identification will be accepted in order to vote in November. ID must include name and address of elector, and must have an expiration date that is not expired*

• PA driver’s license or photo ID card issued by PennDOT (*Expiration date may not be more than 12 months expired)
• PA non-photo driver ’s license or other non-photo ID issued by PennDOT (*Expiration date may not be more than 12 months expired)
• Photo ID issued by any other Commonwealth agency
• Photo ID issued by the U.S. Government
• U.S. Armed Forces photo ID (* If it does not have an expiration date, the document must include a notation indicating that the expiration is indefinite)
• Photo ID issued by a Pennsylvania care facility
• Employee photo ID issued by a Commonwealth municipality
• Student photo ID from an accredited Pennsylvania institution of higher learning 

How To Apply for a Free Valid ID

If you have a Pennsylvania driver’s license or non-driver’s ID that was expired back to 1990, you may either present that expired ID or give your name at your local Driver's License Center and a completed PennDOT Oath/Affirmation Voter ID form in order to receive a free valid voter ID. If your Pennsylvania driver’s license or non-driver’s ID is expired prior to 1990, call PennDOT’s Customer Care Center at 1-800-932-4600 to verify if your information is still in the PennDOT database.

If you do not have a Pennsylvania photo ID or a driver’s license, visit a PennDOT Driver License Center with all of the following paperwork:

• A completed PennDOT Oath/Affirmation Voter ID form that you do not possess proper ID to vote
• A completed Application for an Initial Photo Identification Card, form DL-54A (The $13.50 fee will be waived with the completed Oath/Affirmation Voter ID form)
• Social Security card
• One of the following: Birth certificate with a raised seal, valid U.S. passport, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization
• Two proofs of residency, such as a lease agreement, current utility bills, mortgage documents, W-2 form, tax records, bank statements, and/or credit card bills. College students may also use room assignment paperwork and one bill with their dorm room address on it.

If you cannot locate your Social Security card or Pennsylvania birth certificate, my staff and I will gladly help you fill out the paperwork to obtain these items.

Filing an Absentee Ballot in November

To cast an absentee ballot in November, you will need one of the following proofs of identification with your application:

• Driver’s license number;
• Last four numbers of your Social Security number (for individuals who do not have a current valid driver’s license);
• Photocopy of a valid-without-photo driver’s license or a valid-without-photo ID card (for individuals who have a religious objection to being photographed); or
• Photocopy of one of the acceptable forms of ID under the new law