A person becomes a Baha'i by recognizing Baha’u’llah as the Messenger of God for this age and by following the laws and teachings He established for the unification of humankind. Members of the Baha'i Faith enjoy the right to vote in Baha'i elections, serve as members of Baha'i administrative institutions and contribute to Baha'i funds.

Procedures for joining the Baha'i Faith vary from country to country. If you reside outside the United States, please visit the website of the Baha'i International Community to locate the Baha'i community in your country. Generally, the enrollment of a new believer involves three steps:

• Declaration of faith
• The processing of your declaration by a Local Spiritual Assembly (the Baha’i administrative institution)
• The recording of your enrollment by the Membership Office of the National Spiritual Assembly

For those living in the United States, this declaration of faith is formalized by registering with the American Baha'i community by signing what is called a Declaration Card, which states: "In signing this card, I declare my belief in Baha'u'llah, the Promised One of God. I also recognize the Bab, His Forerunner, and 'Abdu'l-Baha, the Center of His Covenant. I request enrollment in the Baha'i Community with the understanding that Baha'u'llah has established sacred principles, laws, and institutions which I must obey."