Key Takeaways
- Tennessee voter registration is quick, available online, by mail, or in person, with a deadline 30 days before Election Day.
- Eligibility includes being 18 by Election Day, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Tennessee; felony convictions may affect status.
- Check your registration status using the state’s voter lookup before registering anew; update your address if you move.
- You can register online via the state’s system, by mailing a paper application, or in person at your county election office.
- Bring a photo ID to vote; Tennessee does not require party affiliation for voter registration.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Tennessee voter registration takes just a few minutes. You can finish it online, by mail, or in person. This guide walks you through each option, the deadline, and the details that trip people up.
Who Can Register to Vote in Tennessee?
You must be 18 by Election Day, be a U.S. citizen, and live in Tennessee and the county on your registration. Tennessee also lets some people register before they turn 18. However, you still must be 18 to cast a ballot. Confirm the current rules at sos.tn.gov/elections.
Past felony convictions can affect your eligibility. Your status depends on the crime and the date of your conviction. The Secretary of State’s office explains the rights restoration process.
Check Your Registration Status First
Check before you fill out anything new, because you may already be registered. Use the state’s voter lookup. The GoVoteTN app also shows your status.
Check again if you moved. A move within Tennessee means you must update your address.
Option 1: Register Online
Online is the fastest route. Use the state’s online registration system from a computer, tablet, or phone. You can also update an existing registration there.
Gather these items first:
- Your Social Security number
- A Tennessee driver’s license or a Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security ID number
No Tennessee ID? You can still register by mail or in person.
Option 2: Register by Mail
Print the state’s paper application. You can download it at GoVoteTN.gov. Tennessee also accepts the federal voter registration form.
Fill out the form and mail it to your county election commission. Your envelope must carry a postmark on or before the deadline. Use a first-class stamp and double-check the county address.
Option 3: Register in Person
Visit your county election commission office to register in person. Call ahead for office hours. You can find your county office through the Secretary of State’s elections page.
What Is the Tennessee Voter Registration Deadline?
The deadline falls 30 days before Election Day. That rule applies to online, mail, and in-person applications. Tennessee does not offer Election Day registration.
Missed this year’s deadline? Register now so you’re ready for the next election. Deadlines change with each election, so confirm yours at sos.tn.gov/elections.
Your First Vote May Need to Happen in Person
If you register online and are new to your county, you must vote in person the first time. Mail registrants face the same rule. Plan for that before you consider absentee voting.
Bring Photo ID to the Polls
Tennessee requires photo ID to vote. See the list of accepted IDs on the Secretary of State’s elections site.
Tennessee Voters Do Not Pick a Party
You do not register under a political party in Tennessee. You will not need to update a party affiliation after you register.
Need Help?
Call the Division of Elections toll-free at 1-877-850-4959. You can also visit sos.tn.gov/elections for official details.