In Pennsylvania, there IS an identification requirement for first-time voters or individuals voting in a new division, but they may show either photo or non-photo ID in order to use the voting machines.

Approved forms of photo identification include:

  • Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID card
  • ID issued by any agency of the Commonwealth or U.S. Government
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. Armed Forces ID
  • Student ID
  • Employee ID


Approved forms of non-photo identification must include your name and address:

  • Voter registration card issued by the County Voter Registration Office 
  • Non-photo ID issued by any agency of the Commonwealth or U.S. Government
  • Firearm permit
  • Current utility bill
  • Current bank statement
  • Paycheck or government check


2012 Voter ID Law

The section of the 2012 Pennsylvania Voter ID law dealing with photo identification was deemed unconstitutional by a Commonwealth Court judge on January 17, 2014. Judge Bernard McGinley entered a permanent injunction against the enforcement of PA’s voter ID law at the polls: “[The in-person voting requirement in the Voter ID law] is invalid and unconstitutional on its face as the provision and issuance of compliant identification does not comport with liberal access and unreasonably burdens the right to vote.” Read the full opinion here.

Voters should be aware that the portion of the 2012 Voter ID law pertaining to absentee voting is still in effect. Visit VotesPA.com for more info on absentee voting.