October 2019

The Federal Post 

Card Application

The Federal Post Card 

Application - FPCA 

States administer elections in the United 

States, but under federal law, the FPCA 

allows you to request voter registration 

in your state of legal voting residence, 

request absentee ballots for all federal 

elections in a current calendar year, and 

update your voter contact information. 

We recommend that you send in a new 

FPCA every January and each time you 

Wherever U.S. citizens go, 

FVAP ensures their voices are heard. 

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) works to 

ensure Service members, their eligible family members 

and overseas citizens are aware of their right to vote and 

have the tools and resources to successfully do so – from 

anywhere in the world.

Section 1

Check the box that describes you best. Then enter your current name. If you registered under a different 

name, write this information in the previous name area. Your date of birth is required.

You must provide either a state-issued ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security Number. 

If you do not have either of these numbers, you must write in Section 6: “I do not have a Social Security 

Number or state-issued ID number.”

Section 2 

Include the complete street address of your voting residence. You cannot use a post office box mailing 

address. If your address is a rural route, write a description of your voting residence in Section 6.

Election offices use your U.S. voting residence address to determine whether you are eligible to vote 

absentee, which offices and candidates you are eligible to vote for, and to send the correct ballot for your 

voting precinct. For overseas citizens, it is usually the last place you lived before moving overseas. This 

address is valid even if: you no longer have property or other ties to this state; your intent to return to that 

state is uncertain; or your previous address is no longer a recognized address.

If you cannot remember the address where you last resided, FVAP recommends checking old family 

correspondence, passports, or tax records. Election offices may also help identify your address.

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FPCA

Instructions

Voter Information Page

move. Election offices 

send out blank ballots 45 

days before election day, 

so allow time for your 

FPCA to be mailed and 

processed. The FPCA is 

available at FVAP.gov.
October 2019

FVAP.gov 800-438-VOTE (8683) vote@fvap.gov

VISIT CALL EMAIL

CONNECT WITH US

Search for FVAP

Monday-Friday. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET | Go to FVAP.gov and click on “contact” to find where to send your election materials. Media inquiries: media@fvap.gov

DSN: 425-1584

Sending your FPCA:

Every state can accept and send election materials by mail. Many states allow you to submit your FPCA 

electronically. Please visit FVAP.gov to see your state’s submission guidelines. You can find the address and 

other contact information for your election office at FVAP.gov.

Section 3

Include your current mailing address, even if you are requesting your ballot be sent to you by email or 

online. Use the forwarding address space only if you want your election materials sent to a different 

address or have a mail forwarding address. If you are an overseas citizen, your current address must be 

located outside the United States.

Section 4

Include your contact information so your election office can contact you if they need additional 

information in order to process your FPCA. If you want to receive your absentee ballot by email/online, 

you must provide an email address.

Section 5

(A) All states allow you to receive your absentee ballot by mail or email/online. Select your preferred 

method of receiving your absentee ballot. (B) In many states, you must enter the name of the party 

whose ballot you want to receive to vote in primary elections.

Section 6

Provide any clarifying information that may assist your election office in approving your request. No 

witness or notary signature is required on this form for any state.

Section 7

Sign and date.