Voter ID at Elections

Voter ID at Elections

The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting in person at a polling station at some elections.

This means that electors will now be required to show photo ID at polling stations before they are given a ballot paper. The new requirement was brought in for the first time at the local elections that were held on Thursday 4 May 2023 and will apply for future elections.

What ID can you use?

You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following: 

  • passport
  • photo driving licence
  • blue badge
  • Older Persons Bus Pass, Disabled Persons Bus Pass, Oyster 60+ Card, Freedom Pass
  • identity card with PASS hologram (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
  • biometric immigration document
  • defence identity card
  • national identity cards issued by an EEA state

There are other types of photo ID you can use and for more information on what will be accepted, visit the Electoral Commission: Voter ID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

Please note: Only original documents are accepted; scanned images (on phones etc.) or copies will not be accepted however you can still use expired photo ID, as long as it still looks like you. The name on your ID should be the same name as you are registered to vote.

If you do not have photo ID

If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply for this online at the Voter Authority Certificate Service or contact Electoral Services for a paper application form. You do not have to wait until an election is called - you can apply at anytime.

Deadline to apply at Election time

The deadline to apply for Voter Authority Certificate for elections is no later than 5pm 6 working days before polling day.

You need to be registered to vote before you apply for a Voter Authority Certificate - if you are not already registered you can apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Postal and proxy voters

Postal electors are not affected and will be issued with their postal ballot papers as usual. However, if electors appoint a proxy then the proxy will need to take their own photo identification to the polling station.