Voter identification

On this page

Voters are required to show photographic identification at polling stations before they are given a ballot paper. 

Acceptable ID

You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. 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

Only original documents are accepted; scanned images or copies will not be accepted.

The Electoral Commission has more information about which forms of photo ID will be accepted. 

Expired documents

Expired photo ID documents can be used as long as the photograph still looks like you.

Name changes

The name on your photo ID must be the same name you used to register to vote, unless you bring additional evidence to support the change e.g. marriage certificate. Alternatively you can register to vote again in the new name.

Voter Authority Certificate (VAC)

If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate to use as photo ID at the polling station. The Voter Authority Certificate is an official document which will contain your name and photograph and can be used for voting purposes.  

A VAC is solely for use at polling stations when voting and cannot be used as photo ID for anything else.

Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate:

Anonymous electors

Anonymous electors will need to produce a photographic Anonymous Elector’s Document (AED) and their anonymous poll letter if voting in person at a polling station.  We are contacting registered anonymous voters about this.

AED is solely for use at polling stations when voting and cannot be used as photo ID for anything else.

Proxy voting

If you choose to vote by proxy then the person who you have trusted to vote on your behalf  will need to show photo ID or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Voting by post

You can apply to vote by post – a ballot pack will be sent to you by post before polling day.

Postal voters do not need to provide photo ID.

Easy read guidance

View easy read guidance about voter identification produced by My Vote My Voice.

 

Up to Elections, voting and registration

Updated: 15/04/2024