Register to vote in San Francisco
Published September 01, 2022
The next election is November 5, 2024. You can register to vote all the way up until election day!
Registering to vote in San Francisco is easy, and in most cases you can do it completely online — no paper forms or stamps.
Update my voter registration
Choose your situation below:
I have a California driver's license or California State ID
Good news! You can update your registration online, without printing or mailing anything.
Use the California Voter Registration Application to update your voter registration. Updating your voter registration is the same as re-registering, so don't be worried if you see things like "register to vote" — you're in the right place!
IMPORTANT Be sure to check the "I was previously registered or pre-registered to vote" checkbox and fill out your old voter registration information. You can confirm your old voter registration information by checking if you're registered at your old address.
Make sure to choose a political party preference. Choosing a party allows you to vote in races like the Democratic County Central Committee, or the Republican County Central Committee elections which choose the local leadership for your party.
I only have a Social Security number
To update your voter registration, fill out the "Update Your Voter Registration Record" form from the SF Department of Elections. Only fill out the fields you want to update.
If you're only updating your address, you only need to check two boxes and fill out a couple fields. For example:
After filling out this form, click the "Print" button, which will generate a PDF for you. You don't need to print this file. Instead, save that PDF to your phone and use the free Adobe "Fill & Sign" app for iPhone or for Android. Here's a video tutorial on how to use Adobe Fill & Sign.
Once you've signed your document, email it to SFVote@sfgov.org. You can double check that email address at sfelections.sfgov.org/make-changes-your-registration-record.
Follow these instructions if you...
- Were already registered to vote in San Francisco and moved to a new home inside SF
- Want to add, remove, or change your address, phone number, email, or other details on your voter registration
If you were already registered to vote in San Francisco, but you moved to a new home in the city, you must update your voter registration — it doesn't happen automatically.
Register to vote
Choose your situation below:
I have a California driver's license or California State ID
Good news! You can register online, without printing or mailing anything.
Go to the California Online Voter Registration website and click "Register to Vote Now", then follow the prompts. It only takes about five minutes to fill everything out.
Make sure to choose a political party preference. Choosing a party allows you to vote in races like the Democratic County Central Committee, or the Republican County Central Committee elections which choose the local leadership for their parties.
I don't have a California driver's license yet, but will get one
You have two options: you can register to vote using your Social Security number (see option below), or you can register when you apply for your driver's license.
Remember that California state law requires that new residents update their driver's license within 10 days of moving to California.
Go to the California DMV website to apply for your driver's license. You will be asked if you want to automatically register to vote when you fill out your driver's license application — check that box!
The DMV website will help you schedule time to visit the San Francisco DMV. We highly encourage you to make an appointment instead of showing up to wait in line. The line without an appointment may take several hours. Many San Franciscans find that the wait at the Daly City DMV is typically shorter.
Make sure to choose a political party preference. Choosing a party allows you to vote in races like the Democratic County Central Committee, or the Republican County Central Committee elections which choose the local leadership for their parties.
I only have a Social Security number
Go to the California Online Voter Registration website and click "Register to Vote Now", then follow the prompts. It only takes about five minutes to fill everything out.
Since you don't have a signature on file with the State, you'll need to print and sign a document to complete your registration. The online form will tell you everything you know to complete your registration.
Make sure to choose a political party preference. Choosing a party allows you to vote in races like the Democratic County Central Committee, or the Republican County Central Committee elections which choose the local leadership for their parties.
Follow these instructions if you...
- Want to register to vote for the first time
- Just moved to San Francisco from another California city
- Just moved to San Francisco from another state
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register to vote in San Francisco?
To register to vote in San Francisco, you must be:
- ☑️ 18 years or older on election day
- ☑️ A citizen of the United States
- ☑️ A resident of San Francisco
- ☑️ Not currently in state or federal prison for a felony
- Note: If you're on parole or have served your felony sentence, you can vote!
- ☑️ Not currently found mentally incompetent by a court
If you are qualified, you can register to vote in San Francisco!
Am I registered to vote?
You can check if you're registered to vote in San Francisco. Be sure to use your current address when checking your registration.
Go to sfelections.org/tools/portal/ and type in your information.
If you are registered, the link above will say "You are registered to vote in San Francisco". Congrats, you're done!
If you are not registered, you'll see something like "We are unable to find a record of your San Francisco voter registration based on the information you entered".
It's easy to register to vote in San Francisco — just click here to register to vote. You can also update your voter registration if you moved.
How do I register to vote for the first time?
If you have never registered to vote, registering is easy! Click here to register to vote. Follow our instructions and you can register to vote in about five minutes.
I am registered to vote in San Francisco but I moved, do I need to update my voter registration?
If you were living in San Francisco and you just moved to a new place in San Francisco, you need to update your voter registration. Your registration is not automatically updated when you move.
Updating your voter registration is quick and easy. Learn how to update your voter registration by clicking this link.
I moved to San Francisco from another city in California, do I need to update my voter registration?
Yes, you always need to update your voter registration after you move — even if it's in the same state, county, or city.
You can follow our instructions to update your voter registration. It only takes about five minutes!
I moved to San Francisco from another state, do I need to register to vote?
Yes, new residents of San Francisco should register to vote. If you already have a California driver's license or a California State ID you can register to vote online. If you don't have one, you can use your Social Security number to register to vote, but you will also need to print and sign a paper form.
Help me figure out what to do
Not sure what you need to do. Click one of the links below:
- I want to register to vote for the first time
- I moved inside San Francisco and need to update my voter registration
- I moved from another city in California and need to register to vote
- I moved from another state and need to register to vote
I found a mistake in these instructions
Please let us know if you have found a mistake by emailing contact@growsf.org