When you move to a new town, city, or state, there’s a lot to do: pack and unpack your belongings, call your local utility companies, and get yourself acquainted with your new neighborhood.    

In the midst of all this activity, it can be easy to overlook your voter registration status. Whenever you permanently move, you need to update your registration to ensure you’re eligible to vote in elections. 

Take Action: Check Your Voter Registration Status With 'Just Vote' Here

If you recently moved and are not sure about which address to use on your voter registration form, or how to find the right information, our partner HeadCount has all the answers to help you register to vote. 

I just moved. What should I do? 

In some states, you can register to vote and update your status right away, but other states have restrictions that require you to have lived in the state for 30 days before you can register. You can check the different state guidelines on residency here, to make sure you’re prepared.

In most cases, you will need to note that you have changed your address on your voter registration form. 

State forms will ask for your previously registered voting address. Federal forms have a section related to address changes. Look out for these sections and fill them out with your new information.  

You should also check the voter registration deadlines in your state to make sure you give yourself enough time before any elections. 

What if I move around a lot? 

If you are someone who is always on the move, the best thing to do is to register now with your current mailing address. 

If you’re not sure where you’ll be for the election, you should also register with your current address.   

Can I vote without an in-state driver’s license? 

If you just moved to a new state, you probably do not have an in-state driver’s license yet, but you can still vote if you have an address in that state. You should check the specific voting guidelines for the state where you want to vote — find more details at the HeadCount Voter Info Hub.

You do not need a license to vote in some states, and there are alternative ways to prove your eligibility. Since you should never vote with an out-of-state ID, you should use the last four digits of your social security number instead. However, in Hawaii, Kentucky, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, you'll need to provide your full social security number.

What if I have US citizenship but live abroad?

You can still vote! The Overseas Vote Foundation has a lot of information about voting when you live outside the US.  

You should register with the last permanent address you had in the US before you moved if you are planning on returning to that address. You will have to prove that you are planning on living there again, so you will need to show either your vehicle registration, driver’s license, proof of family in the area, or that you own property in the area. 

Even if you have never had a permanent address in the US, you can still vote. You can use the address where you are planning to move. If you are not planning on returning, you can also use an address where you have family currently living. 

Global Citizen and HeadCount have teamed up to launch Just Vote, a campaign mobilizing young Americans to register to vote ahead of the 2020 election and beyond. As part of the campaign, your favorite artists and entertainers are offering exclusive experiences, performances, and memorabilia — and they can only be unlocked once eligible voters check their voter registration status. Learn more about Just Vote and how you can take action here.