Don't Forget Your Photo ID

To vote in England, you now need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections.

This applies at:

UK parliamentary elections, including general elections, by-elections and recall petitions

Local elections and by-elections

Police and Crime Commissioner elections

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate to vote in the UK Parliamentary general election has passed.

Accepted forms of photo ID

You can use any of the following accepted forms of photo ID when voting at a polling station.

You will only need to show one form of photo ID. It needs to be the original version, and not a photocopy or a digital version.

International travel

Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state (Opens in new window) or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card)

Driving and Parking

Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)

A Blue Badge

Local travel

Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government

Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government

60+ London Oyster Photocard funded by Transport for London

Freedom Pass

Scottish National Entitlement Card issued for the purpose of concessionary travel (including a 60+, disabled or under 22s bus pass)

60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

Proof of age

Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)

If you don't have an accepted form of photo ID

You can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate, if:

you don't have an accepted form of photo ID
you're not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you
you're worried about using an existing form of ID for any other reason, such as the use of a gender marker
You need to register to vote before applying for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Find out how to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate

Out of date photo ID

You can still use your photo ID if it's out of date, as long as it looks like you.

The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.

If you've changed your name

The name on your ID must match the name on the electoral register.

If it doesn't, you need to register to vote again.

If the deadline to register to vote in an upcoming election has passed, you will need to bring a document with you to the polling station that proves you've changed your name. For example, a marriage certificate.

Small differences don't matter. For example, if your ID says ‘Jim Smith’ instead of ‘James Smith’.

Showing ID as an anonymous elector

If you're registered to vote anonymously and want to vote in person, you'll need to apply for an Anonymous Elector's Document.

Find out more about registering to vote anonymously and how to vote anonymously.

Source : The Electoral Commission