Passed House · Blocked in Senate
H.R. 22 passed the House 220–208 on Apr 10, 2025, and a broader version passed 218–213 on Feb 11, 2026, but the Senate blocked it 48–50 on Jun 4, 2026. It has effectively died this Congress — though its provisions could resurface through reconciliation, executive action, or state copycat laws. (Status as of June 2026)
The SAVE Act would require proof of citizenship to register to vote.
21.3 million eligible Americans may lack the required documents. Find out if you’re one of them.
By the numbers
21.3M
citizens who may lack qualifying documents
44 states
where no driver’s license qualifies
5 years
federal prison for election officials who violate the law
- What it requires
- The SAVE Act (H.R. 22) would require anyone registering to vote in a federal election to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship in person to an election official. Standard driver's licenses and Real IDs do not qualify.
- Why most IDs don't work
- All 50 states now issue Real ID-compliant licenses, but Real ID only proves lawful status — not citizenship. Only 5 states (MI, MN, NY, VT, WA) issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses that indicate citizenship. In the other 45 states, no driver's license qualifies.
- What's at stake
- Standalone mail-in registration would be eliminated. Online registration (used in 42 states) would be gutted. Automatic voter registration (24 states + D.C.) would be blocked. Election officials who register voters without proper documents face up to 5 years in federal prison.