By Sheryl Swingley—
MUNCIE, IN—Rumors are circulating that you have to have a driver’s license with a star on it to vote or that you have to prove your citizenship with a birth certificate that matches your driver’s license. That is false.
You can still use your driver’s license – with or without a star in the upper righthand corner – or other government-issued photo ID, detailed below, to vote.
The only change this year is that students at state universities can no longer use their students IDs for identification to vote.
If you do not have a current Indiana driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID, you can obtain a FREE ID card at the Bureau of Motors Vehicles, 2904 W. McGalliard Ave. in Muncie.
You must be at least 18 years old by the next election (May 5, 2026, primary; Nov. 3, 2026, general election) and a United States citizen.
To obtain a FREE ID to vote, you need to take the following to the BMV:
- One document proving your identity (birth certificate or unexpired passport); and
- One document proving your lawful status in the United States (birth certificate or unexpired passport); and
- One document proving your Social Security number (Social Security card); and
- Two documents proving your Indiana residency (utility bills, credit card statement, bank statements, hospital/doctor bills)
While at the BMV, your photo will be taken for the ID.
You will be given a temporary ID to use until your ID arrives in the mail within 14-21 days.
Applyin for REAL ID
A full list of acceptable documents is available here: the Real ID Documentation Checklist. Briefly, take birth certificate or unexpired passport, marriage licenses/divorce decrees (multiples if they exist), social security card, two proofs of residency (utility bills, credit card statement, bank statements, hospital/doctor bills).
The fee for a Real ID driver’s license is $17.50.
While at the BMV, your photo will be taken for the ID.
You will be given a temporary ID to use until your ID arrives in the mail within 14-21 days.
Background Behind Photo ID Requirements
Public Law 109-2005, as amended, requires Indiana residents to present a government-issued photo ID before casting a ballot at the polls on Election Day.
Under Indiana Code 3-5-2.1-84, which defines “proof of identification”, your photo ID must meet 4 criteria to be acceptable for voting purposes.
It must:
1. Display your photo
2. Display your name, and the name must conform to your voter registration record. Conform does not mean identical. Below are examples of names that would conform to “Robert John Crew”:
Robert John Crew
Robert J. Crew
Robert Crew
R. John Crew
R. J. Crew
Bob John Crew
Bob J. Crew
Bob Crew
John Crew
J. Crew
3. Display an expiration date and either be current or have expired sometime after the date of the last General Election (Nov. 5, 2024)
NOTE: An ID issued by the U.S. Department of Defense, a branch of the uniformed services, the Merchant Marine, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (or Veterans Administration), the Indiana National Guard, or a Native American Indian tribe or band recognized by the United States government is not required to have an expiration date or may state that the document has an “Indefinite” expiration date.
4. Be issued by the State of Indiana or the U.S. government
In most cases, an Indiana driver’s license, Indiana photo ID card, Military ID, or U.S. passport is sufficient.
NOTE: Effective July 1, 2025, a document issued by an educational institution may not be used as “proof of identification” for this purpose
For information on college students, click here.
If you are unable or unwilling to present an ID meeting these requirements, you may cast a provisional ballot. If you cast a provisional ballot, you have until noon 10 days after the election to follow up with the county election board and either provide the necessary documentation or affirm one of the law’s exemptions applies to you.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in the country’s democracy.
The League, since its founding in 1920, strives to empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation at the local, state and national levels.
In addition, the League never supports or opposes political parties or candidates. Instead, it takes positions on issues that affect voters. Positions might align with a party or a candidate at times but diverge at other times. The League’s focus is always on policies and measures that serve the public interest – not party affiliation.
The League of Women Voters Education Fund and local leagues work to register and inform voters through the election resources of VOTE411.org and candidate forums.
People of all different governing beliefs are eligible to join local chapters of the League of Women Voters. No invitation is needed. To join the Muncie-Delaware County League, go to this site.
