What Is Automatic Voter Registration?

The voter registration process varies by state. There are different rules for registration deadlines as well. For example, if you’re registering in person in Alabama, you must do so at least 15 days before Election Day. If registering by mail, your envelope must be postmarked at least 15 days before the election.

Registering to vote is not difficult, but putting it off can leave you not being able to vote. The good news is that many states now use a system that automatically registers citizens to vote when they participate in another civic engagement.

This article explains what automatic voter registration is and how it works. We will also briefly discuss what to do if you don’t want to participate in this automated process. If you feel that someone has violated your civil rights in some way, contact a local civil rights attorney for help.

What Is Automatic Voter Registration?

Automatic voter registration (AVR) is a system whereby the government automatically registers eligible citizens to vote when they interact with certain state agencies, typically the Department of Motor Vehicles. You may not be aware it’s happening.

Do You Have the Right To Opt Out of Automatic Voter Registration?

Unlike traditional voter registration, which requires you to opt in, AVR automatically registers you unless you choose to opt out. If you live in a state with automatic voter registration, the government will register you to vote without you taking any action.

Before the state completes your registration, it will send you a notice with the option to opt out. The government cannot alter your voting rights without providing notice.

States With Automatic Voter Registration

Does your state employ AVR? If you are already registered to vote, it won’t affect you. However, if you’re approaching the age where you’re supposed to register, it’s a good idea to know what to expect.

Every state but North Dakota requires citizens to register to vote. Each has its own laws governing how residents can do this. As of November 2025, 24 states and the District of Columbia had implemented automatic voter registration. These states include:

• Alaska
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia

This list was current as of March 2026. States may add or alter automatic voter registration, so check your state laws to confirm the status of voting laws.

How Does Automatic Voter Registration Work?

When you interact with a participating government agency (usually the DMV), the agency collects your information and shares it with election officials. These officials register people to vote based on this information.

The automatic voter registration system typically works like this:

• You visit a state agency (such as the DMV)
• The agency collects your information for its services
• The agency determines if you’re eligible to vote (U.S. citizen, 18 or older, resident)
• You receive a notification that the government will register you to vote
• You can opt out by returning the notification or declining electronically
• If you don’t opt out, election officials will complete your voter registration

You must still meet your state’s eligibility requirements to vote, including any voter ID laws. AVR doesn’t bypass these eligibility requirements. Instead, it automates the registration process for eligible voters.

What To Do if You Receive an AVR Notice

If you live in one of the above states and aren’t already registered to vote, you’ll likely receive an AVR notice at some point. It informs you on what to do if you wish to opt out. It will also tell you what to do if you wish to be included in the AVR process.

If you want to be registered, you don’t need to do anything. Your voter registration will be processed automatically, and you should receive confirmation.

If you don’t want the state to automatically register you to vote, follow the instructions on the notice to opt out. This may involve returning a postcard, calling a phone number, or declining online. There’s typically a deadline on the notice for opting out.

If you’re not eligible to vote, opt out immediately using the instructions on the notice. Contact your state’s election officials if you have questions about your voter eligibility

If you don’t receive a notice, contact your local election office, county clerk, or the Secretary of State’s office and let them know. They may have the wrong address or incorrect records. These agencies can also assist with filing your ballot and learning election results.

How AVR Differs From Other Registration Methods

Only about half the states have automatic voter registration. The rest still use traditional registration methods. There are significant differences between automatic registration and these other types of voter registration.

Automatic Voter Registration

• You’re registered automatically unless you decline
• Happens when you interact with certain agencies
• No additional action required to register

Traditional Registration

• You must actively choose to register
• Requires completing a voter registration form
• Governed by the National Voter Registration Act (Motor Voter Law)

Both registration systems update your registration information when you interact with participating agencies. The key difference is whether you must take action to register to vote (opt in) or to decline registration (opt out).

What if Your State Doesn’t Have Automatic Voter Registration?

Just because your state doesn’t have automatic voter registration does not mean it will be difficult to register to vote. Until 2015, everyone had to use traditional methods to register to vote.

If you don’t live in an AVR state, such as North Carolina or Ohio, you can still register to vote using the following methods:

• Online registration (most states)
• Mail registration using a voter registration form
• In-person registration at your local election office or DMV
• Same-day registration on Election Day in states that allow it

Visit your state’s election website or contact your local election office for information about how to register in your state.

Disclaimer: State and federal voting laws change frequently due to new legislation, higher court rulings, and other means. While FindLaw strives to provide the most current information, contact a local civil rights lawyer to confirm your state’s current voting laws.

Questions About Voter Registration?

If you have questions about automatic voter registration or believe someone has violated your voting rights, contact a civil rights attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure you’re properly registered to vote.