How to register in California | Vote.gov
Find out how to register to vote, check your registration, get deadlines, and more for California
vote.govTo register to vote in California (or update your registration), you can do it online, by mail, or in person through California’s election system.[1][5]
Latest official “how to register” (California)
- Online: Register or update your registration online on California’s election website.[1]
- By mail: Use the National Mail Voter Registration Form (and follow California’s instructions after completing it).[1]
- In person: Register to vote in person via California’s election website.[1]
Deadlines (important)
Deadlines depend on the specific election year/date. For the most recent guidance available on the official voter-registration page:
- Online registration deadline: 15 days before Election Day[1]
- Register by mail deadline: Postmarked 15 days before Election Day[1]
- In-person registration deadline: Available up to and including on Election Day[1]
If you missed an online deadline, you may still have options for in-person registration depending on the election date and where you are in the state.[4][1]
Check your status
You can check whether you’re already registered on California’s election/Secretary of State registration tools.[6][1]
If you tell me your situation
Reply with:
1) the election you’re trying to vote in (next statewide election or a specific date), and
2) whether you want to register online, by mail, or in person,
…and I’ll help you identify the most relevant deadline and next step.