In the UK you are legally required to show photo identification (ID) when voting at a polling station at the UK General Election on 4 July 2024

You can check which elections require photo ID on the Electoral Commission website.

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

You will only need to show one form of photo ID, but it needs to be the original version and not a photocopy. The name on your ID must be the same name you used to register to vote.

For more information, including the full list of accepted forms of photo ID, visit the Electoral Commission website or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

If you don’t have an accepted form of 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.

Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form and send this to your local Electoral Registration Officer.

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for use at a particular election is 5pm, 6 working days before the date of that election.

If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact your local Electoral Registration Officer. You can find their contact details by entering your postcode in the Electoral Commission’s search.

Find out more

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, go to the Electoral Commission website, or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

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Voter ID

In the UK you are legally required to show photo identification (ID) when voting at a polling station at some elections.

You can check which elections require photo ID at electoralcommission.org.uk/voter.

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

You will only need to show one form of photo ID, but it needs to be the original version and not a photocopy. The name on your ID must be the same name you used to register to vote.

For more information, including the full list of accepted forms of photo ID, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

If you don’t have an accepted form of 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. You can apply for this at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk.

Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form and send this to your local Electoral Registration Officer.

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for use at a particular election is 5pm, 6 working days before the date of that election.

If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact your local Electoral Registration Officer. To find their contact details visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voter.

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.

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