What Is the SAVE Act?

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act is proposed federal legislation that would change documentation requirements for registering to vote in federal elections.

If enacted, the legislation would require individuals to provide documentary proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. This would represent a change from the current federal voter registration process, which relies on an attestation of citizenship under penalty of perjury rather than requiring physical proof in most cases.

Supporters of the proposal argue that it strengthens verification procedures. Opponents have raised concerns about potential barriers for individuals who may not have immediate access to documentation. As of the date listed above, the legislation is under federal consideration and has not taken effect.

This page is designed to help individuals understand what documentation may be required if the proposed legislation is enacted. It is intended for informational purposes only. For official guidance, always consult your state or local election office.

What Is the SAVE America Act?

The SAVE America Act is proposed federal legislation that addresses election administration and voter verification requirements for federal elections. While similar in name to the SAVE Act, it is a broader proposal that includes additional provisions beyond voter registration.

One of the central components of the SAVE America Act is a requirement that voters present a valid government-issued photo ID in order to cast a ballot in federal elections. The legislation also addresses voter list maintenance and other administrative election procedures.

If enacted, the SAVE America Act would establish a nationwide baseline for photo identification in federal elections. States could continue to administer elections but would be required to comply with the federal identification standards outlined in the law.

How It Differs from the SAVE Act

The SAVE Act focuses primarily on documentary proof of U.S. citizenship at the time of federal voter registration.

The SAVE America Act includes similar verification concepts but also extends requirements to the act of voting itself, including presentation of government-issued photo identification.

Because multiple bills with similar names have been introduced in different sessions of Congress, specific provisions may change before final passage. Voters should consult official legislative sources or state election authorities for the most current information.

Do you currently have one of these documents that proves U.S. citizenship?

Valid U.S. passport
Certified U.S. birth certificate
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship

Yes

No

Does the name on your citizenship document EXACTLY match your current legal name?

If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or court order, additional documentation may be needed.

Yes

No

Do you have certified legal documentation linking your current name to the name on your citizenship document?

Examples of certified documents include:

Marriage certificate
Divorce decree restoring a prior name
Court order for legal name change
Adoption documentation

Yes

No

Do you have a current and valid government-issued photo ID to take with you when you vote?

Examples include:

State-issued driver’s license

State non-driver ID card
U.S. passport
Military ID
Other valid government-issued photo identification

(States may require the name and address on the photo ID to match the documents used when registering to vote. This is not currently a proposed Federal requirement.

Yes

No

About This Questionnaire

This questionnaire is an informational tool designed to help users understand what documentation may be required to vote if the proposed SAVE Act is enacted. It provides general guidance based on publicly available legislative language and official government resources.

The tool walks users through a series of questions related to citizenship documentation, name changes, and identification status. Based on responses, it directs users to relevant document categories and official sources where they can confirm requirements.

This website is not affiliated with any government agency or political organization. It does not collect, store, or transmit personal data. Users should consult official federal and state election resources for final and legally binding guidance.

Because legislation and election procedures can change, users are encouraged to verify current requirements through authoritative government websites.

The questionnaire is intended as a neutral educational resource regarding federal voter documentation requirements under the SAVE Act proposal.

For official government links and document guidance, visit the Sources Page.