Requirement to show photo ID at polling stations

From Thursday 4 May 2023 you will have to show an official form of photo ID when you attend a polling station to vote.

The following list includes types of identification that can be presented at the polling station:

  • a passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state, or a Commonwealth country
  • a driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state
  • a biometric immigration document
  • an identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
  • a Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
  • a Blue Badge
  • a national identity card issued by an EEA state
  • an Older Person's Bus Pass
  • a Disabled Person's Bus Pass
  • an Oyster 60+ Card
  • a Freedom Pass
  • a Scottish National Entitlement Card issued in Scotland
  • a 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card issued in Wales
  • a Disabled Person's Welsh Concessionary Travel Card issued in Wales
  • a Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • a Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person's SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • a 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • a Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • an Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland

If you do not have an official form of photo ID

Apply for photo ID to vote (called a 'Voter Authority Certificate')

It's free to apply, you will need:

  • a recent, digital photo of yourself
  • your National Insurance number

You can still apply if you do not have a National Insurance number. You'll need to provide other documents to prove your identity, for example a birth certificate, bank statement and utility bill.

Apply for photo ID to vote

If you know anyone who does not have access to the internet

They can apply for a voter certificate in person at the following locations during opening hours:

If you or anyone you know would like to apply for the voter authority certificate using a paper form please contact:

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