Voter ID

The Elections Act 2022 introduces the requirement that voters (when voting in person or as a proxy) will be required to show photographic identification when they go to vote at a polling station before they are given a ballot paper.

Acceptable forms of ID

Voters must bring a suitable form of photographic ID to their polling station. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• 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
• Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional)
• Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
• European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card
• UK Biometric Residence Permit
• An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)
• A Blue Badge
• Oyster 60+ Card
• A concessionary travel pass funded by HM Government or local authority (Freedom Pass, Disabled Person's Bus Pass, Welsh or Northern Ireland travel card)

Only original documents are accepted; scanned images, electronic versions or copies will not be accepted - however expired documents are accepted if the photo is still a current likeness.

Full details of the ID that will be accepted can be found on the Electoral Commission Voter ID page.

No suitable photo ID?

If you do not have any of the accepted forms of photo ID, and want to vote at the polling station, you will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC). This is a photographic identification document specific for the purposes of voting.

Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate

You can apply at any time, but please note that the deadline to apply for a VAC is six working days before an election.

Voters who do not produce a Voter Authority Certificate, or valid identification will not be allowed to vote at a polling station.

Please do not apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if you already have an acceptable form of ID such as a passport or driving licence.