{"id":351518,"date":"2020-03-17T09:36:42","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T14:36:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/voting\/my-voting-guide\/what-is-automatic-voter-registration.html"},"modified":"2026-03-16T11:44:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T16:44:49","slug":"what-is-automatic-voter-registration","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/my-voting-guide\/what-is-automatic-voter-registration.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is Automatic Voter Registration?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is Automatic Voter Registration?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Automatic voter registration (AVR) is a system that automatically registers eligible citizens to vote when they interact with a government agency such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Individuals will have their data used to create a voter record unless they specifically opt out of the process.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

The voter registration<\/span> process varies by state. There are different rules for registration deadlines<\/a> as well. For example, if you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

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

This article explains what automatic <\/span>voter registration<\/span><\/a> is and how it works. We will also briefly discuss what to do if you don\u2019t 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<\/a> for help.<\/p>\n

What Is Automatic <\/span>Voter Registration<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Automatic <\/span>voter registration<\/span> (AVR) is a system whereby the government automatically registers eligible citizens to vote<\/a> when they interact with certain state agencies, typically the Department of Motor Vehicles. You may not be aware it\u2019s happening.<\/p>\n

Do You Have the Right To Opt Out of Automatic <\/span>Voter Registration<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

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

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<\/a> without providing notice.<\/p>\n

States With Automatic <\/span>Voter Registration<\/span><\/h2>\n

Does your state employ AVR? If you are already registered to vote<\/a>, it won\u2019t affect you. However, if you\u2019re approaching the age where you\u2019re supposed to register, it\u2019s a good idea to know what to expect.<\/p>\n

Every state but North Dakota<\/a> 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 <\/span>voter registration<\/span><\/a>. These states include:<\/p>\n