Voter ID

From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections. Photo ID will not be required to vote by post. The policy decision by Central Government flows from a manifesto pledge in the 2017 and 2019 manifestos.

This will apply to:

• Local elections
• Police and Crime Commissioner elections
• UK parliamentary by-elections
• Recall petitions

From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.

If you don't have accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

This page answers frequently asked questions on how voter ID will be implemented for the first time. There is more information on the Electoral Commission's website at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate

Apply Online - If an elector does not hold any of the required photographic ID, they can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

Apply by post - You can also apply by filling out a paper application form. You can download a paper application form here. You can request the instructions in large print, braille or easy read.

2. Accepted forms of photo ID

A wide range of photographic identification will be acceptable. These include:

• Passport
• Driving Licence
• Various concessionary travel passes
• Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) card
• National identity card issued by an EEA state

The full list of acceptable documents can be found here

You will only need to show one form of photo ID. It needs to be the original version and not a photocopy. You can still use your photo ID if it's out of date, as long as it looks like you. The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.

3. How does this impact voting by post or proxy?

Voters will not need to show photo ID in order to apply by post or proxy. Although the proxy will need to show their photo ID at the polling station.

For the May 2023 elections, the deadline to apply for a postal vote is 18 April and the deadline for proxy is 25 April.

4. What will happen if a voter goes to the polling station with no accepted identification?

If a voter turns up at a polling station with no accepted photo identification, they will not be issued with a ballot paper and will need to return with an accepted form of photo identification.

5. What if a voter doesn't want to show ID to vote?

If a voter would prefer not to show ID at a polling station, they can apply to vote by post or proxy. Photo ID isn't required to apply or vote by post or proxy. Though, their proxy will be required to show their photo ID at the polling station.

For the May 2023 elections, the deadline for applying for a postal vote is 18 April 2023, and the deadline for proxy is 25 April 2023.

6. Will photocopies of identification documents or pictures on mobile phones of identification documents be accepted?

No, photocopies of identification documents or pictures on mobile phones of identification documents will not be accepted as photo-editing software could be used to edit them, thus making them susceptible to fraudulent alteration.