Voter ID for elections
You will need to bring original photo ID to your local polling station to vote at the elections.
Which forms of ID can I use to vote?
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
For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit electoralcommission.org.uk or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
If you have a form of accepted photo ID which is out of date, you can still use it to vote at a polling station if it still looks like you.
Your photo ID has to be the original document - a scanned image, picture or copy of it will not be accepted.
Don't have a suitable photo ID?
If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC). You must be registered to vote or have applied to register to vote before applying.
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form.
If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request a paper application form, contact the electoral services team on (0116) 454 2000 or email [email protected].
Please note
Voters who do not produce valid photographic Identification or a Voter Authority Certificate will not be able to vote on polling day.
A private area will be available at the polling station, so you can choose to have your photo ID viewed in private if you like. This might be a separate room, or an area separated by a privacy screen, depending on the polling station.
Voting by post
If you vote by post you do not need to provide photo ID. The normal security arrangements of providing your signature and date of birth on the postal vote statement, remain unchanged.
Find out more
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, go to electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID, or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
Voter ID information in other languages
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