Photo ID needed to vote in polling station

The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.

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 the electoral commission website or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

If you don't have an accepted form 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, online or by requesting 

To apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Alternatively, residents can complete a paper application form contact our electoral services team for more information 

For more information

Timetable for 2023 local elections.

• Wednesday 5 April - details of who you can vote for will be published (by 4pm)
• Monday 17 April, midnight - deadline to register to vote
• Tuesday 18 April, by 5pm - deadline to apply to vote by post
• Tuesday 25 April, by 5pm - deadline to apply to vote by proxy
• Tuesday 25 April, by 5pm - deadline to apply for a voter authority certificate (if you do not have photo ID)
• Thursday 4 May - voting day (7am - 10pm)
• Friday 5 May - election results day