How to Register
Overview
On this page, find voter registration deadlines and learn about the ways to register to vote. For voter qualifications, visit Who Can Register. If you need information about making changes to your existing voter registration, please see Updating Registration.
2021 Voter Registration Deadlines
In North Carolina, the civilian voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day. Review the 2021 voter registration deadlines in the table below. Find additional information at Voter Registration Deadlines.
If you miss the registration deadline, you may be eligible to register and vote or make changes to your voter registration (anything other than party affiliation) and vote during the early voting period. Learn more at Register in Person During Early Voting.
| Voter Registration Deadline |
|---|
| Sept. 10, 2021: Civilian voter registration deadline for municipal elections on Oct. 5, 2021. |
| Oct. 8, 2021: Civilian voter registration deadline for municipal elections on Nov. 2, 2021. |
For information about the 2021 municipal elections, visit Upcoming Election.
Ways to Register to Vote
Once you’ve determined you’re someone who can register to vote, there are two primary methods available to apply for voter registration in North Carolina:
- Online or in person at the DMV.
- Use N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) services. Existing DMV customers may submit a voter registration application online. Learn more at Complete Your Registration Online Through the DMV.
- Select the option to register to vote while applying for a vehicle license or ID.
- Note: Certain agencies, including the DMV, are required to offer voter registration services. For more information, visit the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) page.
- By mail.
- Fill out the English N.C. Voter Registration Application (fillable PDF) or the Spanish N.C. Voter Registration Application (fillable PDF) and submit it by mail. Learn more at Complete Your Registration by Mail.
- Note: The federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) allows certain voters an expedited means to register and vote by mail-in ballot. Find more information at Military and Overseas Voting.
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