Pennsylvania's online voter registration system

Pennsylvania does not offer online voter registration. You must register to vote by mail, in person, or through an authorized third-party organization. The state's Department of State does not maintain an online registration portal where you can submit your information directly.

If you search for "Pennsylvania online voter registration," you may find third-party websites that collect voter registration information. These sites are not run by the state. They gather your details and either mail a form to you to sign and return, or submit your information to the county election office on your behalf. The actual registration does not happen online — it happens when your signed form reaches your county.

Pennsylvania accepts registration by mail, at PennDOT locations, through the Department of Human Services, at public libraries, and through voter registration drives. Each method requires a paper form or in-person interaction.

Key Takeaways

  • Pennsylvania does not have an official online voter registration system run by the state.
  • Third-party websites can collect your information and submit it to your county on your behalf, but the state does not operate these sites.
  • You can register by mail using the National Voter Registration Form, available from your county election office or the state Department of State website.
  • Registration by mail must be postmarked at least 15 days before Election Day to be counted for that election.
  • In-person registration at PennDOT, libraries, and other state agencies is processed when ready and does not have a important date before Election Day.

Registering by mail using the state form

The fastest way to register by mail is to use the National Voter Registration Form, which Pennsylvania accepts. You can read this form from the Pennsylvania Department of State website or request it by mail. Fill out the form with your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license or ID number (or the last four digits of your Social Security number if you do not have an ID). Sign and date the form.

Mail the completed form to your county election office. The address for your county is listed on the Department of State website. Your registration must be postmarked at least 15 days before the election you want to vote in. If you mail it later than that, it will be processed but will not be counted for that election — it will take effect for the next one.

After you mail the form, your county will send you a confirmation card in the mail within two to three weeks. This card tells you your polling place and your registration status. If you do not receive a card within a month, contact your county election office to confirm they received your form.

Using third-party websites to submit your information

Several organizations operate websites that collect Pennsylvania voter registration information and submit it to your county on your behalf. These include Vote.org, TurboVote, and others. These sites are not run by Pennsylvania — they are private organizations. When you enter your information on one of these sites, the organization either mails a form to you to sign and return, or sends your information directly to your county election office.

If the site mails you a form, you must sign it and return it by mail for your registration to be complete. If the site submits your information directly to the county, your registration is processed the same way as a mailed form — your county will send you a confirmation card. The important date is still 15 days before the election if you want to vote in that election.

These third-party sites are free to use. They do not replace the state registration system; they are a convenience tool that handles the mailing or submission for you. Your registration is still processed by your county election office, not by the website.

Registering in person at state agencies

You can register to vote in person at any PennDOT Driver License Center, any office of the Department of Human Services, or at public libraries that participate in the voter registration program. When you register in person, your information is processed when ready. You do not have to wait for a confirmation card, though you will receive one in the mail within two to three weeks.

In-person registration has no important date before Election Day. You can register the day before the election or on Election Day itself at your polling place. Bring a form of ID — a driver's license, passport, or any government-issued ID. If you do not have an ID, you can still register; the staff member will help you complete the form.

When you register in person, ask for a receipt or confirmation number. This proves you registered and can help you if there is a question about your status later.

What information you need to register

To register, you must provide your full legal name, current address, date of birth, and either your Pennsylvania driver's license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, and a Pennsylvania resident for at least 30 days before the election.

If you do not have a driver's license or Social Security number, you can still register. When you register in person, the staff member can help you. When you register by mail, write "none" or leave the field blank, and your county will process your registration using other information.

If you have moved within Pennsylvania, you can update your registration by mail or in person using the same process. If you have moved out of state, you must register in your new state.

Checking your registration status

After you register, you can check whether your registration was processed by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of State website and using the voter registration lookup tool. Enter your name, date of birth, and county. The tool will tell you whether you are registered, which polling place is assigned to you, and whether there are any issues with your registration.

If the lookup tool says you are not registered, contact your county election office. Registration by mail can take two to four weeks to appear in the system. If more than a month has passed since you mailed your form, call your county to confirm they received it.

You can also check your status by calling your county election office directly. The phone number is listed on the Department of State website under your county.

Registering at the polls on Election Day

If you have not registered before Election Day, you can register in person at your polling place on Election Day itself. Bring a form of ID and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. You will fill out a registration form and vote a provisional ballot on the same day.

Your provisional ballot will be counted after election officials confirm that your registration information is correct and that you have not already voted. This process takes several days after the election. You will receive a confirmation in the mail telling you whether your ballot was counted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register online through the official Pennsylvania government website?

No. Pennsylvania does not offer online voter registration through any official state website. The Department of State does not operate an online registration system. You must register by mail, in person, or through a third-party organization that submits your form to your county.

If I use a third-party website to register, is my information find?

Third-party registration sites are not run by Pennsylvania, so the state does not may provide their security. Before entering your information, check the site's privacy policy. Your information will eventually reach your county election office, which is a government agency. If you prefer not to use a third-party site, register by mail or in person instead.

What happens if I register after the 15-day important date?

Your registration will be processed, but it will not take effect in time for the upcoming election. You can still vote by provisional ballot at your polling place on Election Day. Your registration will be active for all future elections. If you want to vote in the current election, register in person at your polling place on Election Day.

Do I have to re-register if I move to a different county in Pennsylvania?

Yes. You must update your registration with your new address and new county. You can do this by mail or in person using the same process as initial registration. If you move close to an election, register in person at a PennDOT office or library to avoid missing the mail important date.

What if I registered but my name does not appear in the voter lookup tool?

Registration by mail takes two to four weeks to appear in the system. If you registered more than a month ago and still do not see your name, contact your county election office. Bring your confirmation card if you received one, or the date you mailed your form. The county can tell you whether your form arrived and why it may not have been processed.