TRANSPORTATION

You need an ID to vote in Indiana. Here's what you should know.

Ethan May
Indianapolis Star

To vote in Indiana, you need to show a government-issued photo ID that is either current or which expired sometime after Nov. 6, 2018. If you don't have that, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles is expanding its hours to help.

BMV branches will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2. Branches will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day, the BMV announced Tuesday. They will remain open during their lunch hours.

Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day.

How do I vote? Everything you need to know about voting in Indiana

The BMV branches will return to regular hours after Election Day. Hours vary based on branch. Go here to find hours for your nearest branch: in.gov/bmv/branch-locations-and-hours.

What do I need on my ID to vote in Indiana?

Here's what your ID must have in Indiana:

  • Your name, which should match your voter registration record
  • Your photo
  • An expiration date: Your ID must be current or have expired sometime after Nov. 6, 2018. If your ID expired before then, you'll need a new one or will need a provisional ballot. Some military identification cards may not have an expiration date or may have an "indefinite" expiration date. Those may be used.
  • It must be issued by Indiana or the U.S. government. "In most cases," acceptable forms include a driver's license, photo ID card, military ID or U.S. passport, according to the Indiana secretary of state.

You may use a student ID from an Indiana state school if it meets these requirements. A student ID from a private institution, however, may not be used for voting. Learn more about voter IDs for college students at: in.gov/sos/elections/2626.htm.

If you have a temporary paper credential from the BMV, it is acceptable for voting identification, the BMV says.

What if I don't have a photo ID to vote in Indiana?

If you don't have an ID that meets these requirements, you may cast a provisional ballot.

Then you have until noon 10 days after the election to provide the county election board with either the necessary documentation or to prove one of the law’s exemptions applies to you.

Exemptions include those with a religious objection to being photographed. Learn more about exemptions here: in.gov/sos/elections/2624.htm.

What do I need to get an Indiana ID?

You may get a free ID card for voting purposes if you are a U.S. citizen, have proper documentation and are at least 18 years old by the next election.

You will need to provide the following documents to the Indiana BMV:

  • Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport;
  • Proof of Social Security, such as a Social Security card, pay stub, or W-2;
  • Proof of lawful status, such as a birth certificate or passport;
  • Proof of residency, two documents such as a voter registration card, utility bill or bank statement, dated within the last 60 days;
  • If your name has been legally changed and now differs from your identity documents, proof of name change must be provided in order to obtain a state ID or driver’s license.

Find a complete list of documents at in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/home.

Driving skills and knowledge tests will not be available on Nov. 2 or Election Day. This is required by state law, the BMV said.

On those two days, new driver’s licenses and learner permits will be processed if you have previously completed all required testing. If you need to take a knowledge or skills test to obtain or renew a license, you may apply for a free ID card to use for voting purposes. Testing will return to each branch's normal procedures the day after Election Day.

Contact IndyStar transportation reporter Ethan May at emay@indystar.com or 317-402-1058. Follow him on Twitter: @EthanMayJ.