The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo identification 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 4 May 2023.
Which forms of I.D. can I use to vote?
You may already have a form of photo I.D. that is acceptable. (You can use out-of-date photo ID as long as the picture still looks like you).
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
Visit the Electoral Commission website for more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
If you don’t have an accepted form photo ID
If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo I.D., or you’re unsure whether your photo I.D. still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter I.D. document, apply for a free voter I.D. document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form and send this to the electoral services team at your local council.
Find out more
Visit the Electoral Commission website for more information, or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
What photo I.D. is accepted?
- A passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, 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 (includes a provisional driving licence)
- A biometric immigration document (commonly known as a Biometric Residence Permit)
- An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
- Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
- A Blue Badge
- A national identity card issued by the EEA state
- An Older Person’s Bus Pass
- A Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
- An Oyster 60+ Card
- A Freedom Pass
I want a free Voter Authority Certificate - what should I do?
You should only apply for a free ID card if you don’t have any of the accepted forms of ID already.
If you're not sure, check the list above, which shows all of the accepted forms of I.D.
If you don't have an accepted form of photo I.D. you can apply for a voter authority certificate.
