Voter ID

The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday 04 May 2023.

Which forms of ID can I use to vote?

You can use any of the following:

• Passport
• Driving licence (including provisional license)
• Blue badge
• Certain concessionary travel cards
• Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
• Biometric Immigration document
• Defence identity card
• Certain national identity cards

Find more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, view the voter ID booklet (PDF), or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

If you do not have an accepted form of photo ID

If you do not already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you are not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate

If you are having trouble applying online, you can complete a paper application form and send this to the electoral services team at your local council.

If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact the elections team. 

Voting by post

You do not need to provide any photographic ID when voting by post.