How to Register

Overview

On this page, find the voter registration deadline 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.

Voter Registration Deadline

The voter registration deadline is July 1, 2022, for municipal and local second primary elections taking place on July 26, 2022 (where applicable). (After July 1, 2022, only same-day registration during one-stop early voting is available.) In North Carolina, the civilian voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day.

If an election requires a second primary, voter registration is not generally allowed between the first and second primary. However, in 2022 only, Session Law 2022-06 allows voter registration between the primary and second primary. However, existing voters may not change their party affiliation between the first and second primaries.

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.

For information about the July 26 elections, visit Upcoming Election.

Ways to Register to Vote

If you’re eligible to register to vote, North Carolina offers two primary ways to register:

1. 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.
   • Note: Certain agencies, including the DMV, are required to offer voter registration services. For more information, visit the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) page.
2. 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.

Overview of the Ways to Register

Check your registration