You will need to show photo ID when voting in person in some UK elections or referendums. This includes UK parliamentary elections such as the General Election on 4 July, by-elections, and local elections.
If you do not have accepted photo ID, you will need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
Check if you have accepted photo ID
Electors voting in person must bring a suitable form of photo ID to the polling station.
- The document must be an original as scanned images, electronic versions or copies will not be accepted
- Expired documents are accepted if the photo still looks like you
- The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register
- If you look different to the photo on your ID, we recommend that you apply for a Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline
- Documents with the wrong address are accepted as the photo ID is checking your likeness, not your address
Accepted forms of photo ID include:
- passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
- driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an European Economic Area (EEA) state including provisional licence
- EEA issued national identity cards
- UK Biometric Residence Permit
- ID bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)
- Blue Badge
- Oyster 60+ Card
- Freedom Pass
GOV.UK has a full list of accepted photo ID.
If you do not have accepted photo ID
If you do not have accepted photo ID, you need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
Voters who do not produce an accepted form of ID will not be allowed to vote on polling day.
If the name on your photo ID is different to the electoral register
The name on your ID must match your name on the electoral register. If it does not you should contact [email protected].
Small differences do not matter. For example, if your ID says ‘Jim Smith’ instead of ‘James Smith’.
If you’re voting as someone’s proxy
You’ll need to take your own ID when you go to vote on someone else’s behalf. You do not need to take theirs.
How to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate
If you do not have valid photo ID, you will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate on the GOV.UK website.
You will need:
- a recent digital photo of yourself with a clear plain background
- your National Insurance number
If you do not have a National Insurance number you'll need to provide other documents to prove your identity. This could include a birth certificate, bank statement or utility bill.
Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate
If you cannot complete the application form online, you can download an application form from GOV.UK and return it to:
Electoral Services
Crowndale Centre
218 Eversholt Street
London
NW1 1BD
Get help to apply
If you need support, or need help applying for a Voter Authority Certificate, you can:
- call 0207 7974 4444
- email [email protected]
We are also running an outreach service for Camden residents who need help to:
- register to vote
- check photo ID
- complete a Voter Authority Certificate application
Resources in accessible formats
Information about voter ID is available in accessible formats.
Visit the Electoral Commission's website to download:
Visit the Electoral Commission's YouTube Channel to watch:
You can find more accessible voter ID resources on the Electoral Commission website.
View Voter Authority Certificate: an easy read guide on GOV.UK.
If you lose your Voter Authority Certificate
You should keep your Voter Authority Certificate as safe as you would any other form of official identification. However, if you do lose it, you will need to apply for a new one.
If you do not want your identity checked in public
All polling stations will offer the option for voters to have their identity checked in private.