Voter ID - What You Need to Know

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

Which forms of ID can you use

You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:

• Passport
• Driving licence (including provisional licence)
• 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/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

If you do not 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 the electoral services team at your local council.

If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact your local council. 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.

Contact

To contact the electoral services team:

• call: 01454 863030
• email: electoral.services@southglos.gov.uk

write to Electoral Registration, PO Box 1953, Badminton Road, Bristol, BS37 0DB