Where to register and what you need

In Richmond, you register to vote through the Richmond Registrar's Office, which is part of the city's Electoral Board. You can register in person at their office, by mail using a Virginia voter registration form, or online through the Virginia Department of Elections website. Each method takes the same information but gets you on the rolls at different speeds.

To register, you will need to provide your legal name, date of birth, Virginia driver's license number or Social Security number (or a copy of an ID if you have neither), your current address, and your citizenship status. You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, and a Virginia resident for at least 30 days before the election you want to vote in.

The Richmond Registrar's Office is located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. You can reach them by phone at (804) 646-5407 or visit their office during business hours. If you register by mail or online, the form must arrive at least 29 days before Election Day for you to vote in that election.

Key Takeaways

  • You can register in person at the Richmond Registrar's Office at 900 East Broad Street, by mail using a Virginia voter registration form, or online through the Virginia Department of Elections website.
  • You need your legal name, date of birth, a Virginia driver's license number or Social Security number, your current address, and proof of U.S. citizenship.
  • Mail and online registration must be submitted at least 29 days before the election you want to vote in.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and have lived in Virginia for at least 30 days before the election.

Registering in person at the Registrar's Office

Walking in to the Richmond Registrar's Office is the fastest way to register if you have your documents ready. Bring your driver's license or a photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works). The staff will fill out the registration form with you, and you will be registered to vote when ready.

The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. If you cannot make it during the week, some Virginia localities hold Saturday registration events before major elections — call the Registrar's Office to ask whether Richmond is offering one. Once you register in person, you can vote in the next election as long as it is at least 30 days after you registered.

Registering by mail or online

If you cannot visit in person, you can fill out a Virginia voter registration form and mail it to the Registrar's Office, or register online through the Virginia Department of Elections portal. The online method is faster because it is processed when ready, but the form must be submitted at least 29 days before the election.

To register by mail, read the Virginia voter registration form from the state elections website, fill it out completely, and mail it to the Richmond Registrar's Office at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. The postmark date counts, so mail it early — if it arrives after 29 days before the election, you will not be registered in time for that election, though your registration will still be processed for future elections.

Online registration through the Virginia Department of Elections website is the quickest method if you have a valid Virginia driver's license number. You enter your information, review it, and submit. The system confirms your registration when ready, and you will receive a voter card in the mail within a few days.

What happens after you register

Once you are registered, you will receive a voter card in the mail showing your name, address, precinct, and polling location. Keep this card — you do not need it to vote, but it tells you where to go on Election Day. If you move within Richmond, you can update your registration by phone, mail, or online without re-registering from scratch.

Your registration stays active as long as you live at the address on file and vote at least once every four years. If you move out of Richmond or change your name, you must update your registration before you can vote again. You can check your registration status anytime through the Virginia Department of Elections website by entering your name and date of birth.

Updating or changing your registration

If you move to a different address in Richmond, change your name, or need to correct information on your registration, contact the Registrar's Office by phone at (804) 646-5407, visit in person, or update online through the Virginia Department of Elections website. Changes made at least 29 days before an election will take effect for that election.

If you move out of Richmond to another Virginia city or county, you will need to re-register with your new locality's registrar. If you move out of Virginia, your Richmond registration will eventually be removed from the rolls, but you should notify the Registrar's Office or register in your new state to avoid confusion.

Voting after you register

After you register, you can vote in person on Election Day at your assigned polling location (shown on your voter card), during early in-person voting, or by mail-in ballot. Early voting in Richmond typically runs for two weeks before Election Day. To vote by mail, request a mail-in ballot from the Registrar's Office at least 29 days before the election.

You do not need your voter card to vote, but bring a photo ID if you have one. If you do not have an ID, you can still vote — you will just sign an affidavit at the polling place. Your polling location may change between elections, so always check your voter card or the Virginia Department of Elections website before you vote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register to vote online in Richmond?

Yes. You can register through the Virginia Department of Elections website if you have a valid Virginia driver's license number. The online form is processed when ready, and you will receive a voter card in the mail within a few days. The form must be submitted at least 29 days before the election you want to vote in.

What if I do not have a driver's license or Social Security number?

You can register in person at the Registrar's Office with a photo ID and proof of your current address. If you have neither a driver's license nor a Social Security number, bring any government-issued ID and a utility bill or lease showing your name and address. The staff will help you complete the registration.

How long does it take to register to vote in Richmond?

In-person registration is when ready — you are registered as soon as you complete the form. Online registration is processed right away. Mail registration takes longer because it depends on postal delivery and office processing, so mail your form at least 35 days before the election to be safe.

What if I miss the registration important date?

If you miss the 29-day important date before an election, you cannot vote in that election. However, you can still register, and your registration will be active for the next election. Some localities offer same-day registration on Election Day, but Richmond does not — check with the Registrar's Office about whether this has changed.

Can I register if I have a felony conviction?

In Virginia, you can register to vote after you have completed your sentence, including probation and parole. If you are unsure whether your rights have been restored, contact the Richmond Registrar's Office or the Virginia Department of Elections — they can tell you whether you are registered or can register.