Evidence of identity for registering to vote

Under Individual Electoral Registration all new applications are data matched with government records. Where a match cannot be found, you will be sent a request for 'Evidence of identity'. 

A copy should be provided, not the original. You can submit your evidence:

If you apply close to a deadline date for registration or for an election, you may consider providing documentary evidence at the same time you apply. This will guarantee your registration.

Documents you can provide

You can either provide

  • One 'Primary identification document', or
  • One 'trusted government document' and two 'financial/social history document', or
  • Four 'financial/social history documents'
Primary identification documents
Document Notes
Passport Any current passport
Biometric residence permit UK issued only
EEA identity card Must still be valid
Photo card part of a current driving licence UK or Isle of Man of Channel Islands fill or provisional
Northern Ireland Electoral ID card  
Trusted government documents
Document Notes
Old-style paper version of a current driving licence UK only
Current photo driving licence Any other than UK and Crown Dependencies
Birth certificate UK and Crown Dependencies only
Marriage or Civil Partnership certificate UK and Crown Dependencies only
Adoption certificate UK and Crown Dependencies only
Firearms licence UK and Crown Dependencies only
Police Bail sheet UK and Crown Dependencies only
Financial and social history documents
Document Notes Issue date and validity
Mortgage statement UK, Crown Dependencies, or EEA Issued in the last 12 months
Bank or building society statement UK, Crown Dependencies, or EEA Issued in the last 3 months
Bank or building society account opening confirmation letter UK and Crown Dependencies Issued in the last 3 months
Credit card statement UK, Crown Dependencies, or EEA Issued in the last 3 months

Financial statement (for example, pension or endowment)

 UK, Crown Dependencies, or EEA Issued in the last 12 months
Council Tax statement UK and Crown Dependencies Issued in the last 12 months
Utility bill (except mobile phone bill) UK and Crown Dependencies Issued in the last 3 months
P45 or P60 statement UK and Crown Dependencies, or EEA Issued in the last 12 months
Benefit statements (for example, child benefit, pension) UK, Crown Dependencies, or EEA Issued in the last 3 months
Central or local government, government agency, or local government department giving entitlement (for example, from DWP, Job Centre Plus, HMRC) UK, Crown Dependencies, or EEA Issued in the last 3 months

Up to Elections, voting and registration

Updated: 16/07/2019