Electoral Commission
Independent body that oversees elections and publishes guidance on registering to vote. Your council keeps the electoral register.
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Photo ID to vote in person
You need photo ID to vote in person in some elections, including UK general elections. If you have no accepted ID, you can get a free Voter Authority Certificate.
Official links
Show links for:
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: photo ID you'll need to vote www.gov.uk/how-to-vote/photo-id-youll-need | England, Wales, Scotland |
| GOV.UK: apply for a Voter Authority Certificate www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate | England, Wales, Scotland |
| nidirect: elections and photo ID in Northern Ireland www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/elections | Northern Ireland |
Who handles it
Handled by your local council This procedure is done with the council where you live. Find your council »
Step by step
- Check which elections need photo ID. These include UK Parliament elections, local elections in England and Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales.
- Check the list of accepted ID: for example a UK or EU passport, a UK or EU photocard driving licence, a Blue Badge or some older or disabled person's bus passes. Expired ID is fine if the photo still looks like you.
- If you have none, apply online for a free Voter Authority Certificate, or through your council. You must be registered to vote.
- In Northern Ireland different rules apply: check nidirect and the Electoral Identity Card.
What you need
- For a Voter Authority Certificate: a digital photo of yourself
- Your National Insurance number, or other documents such as a birth certificate, bank statement and utility bill
Common mistakes
- Bringing a photocopy or a photo of your ID on your phone. Only the original is accepted.
- Having a different name on your ID than on the electoral register. Register again or bring proof of the name change.
- Using the Voter Authority Certificate as general ID. It is only valid for voting.