From 4 May 2023 you’ll need to show photo ID when voting in person in some UK elections or referendums.
When will I need Voter ID?
You’ll need it to vote in:
- General elections (after October 2023)
- local elections - including councils, mayors and parishes
- recall of MP petitions
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England
- neighbourhood planning referendums and Business Improvement District referendums
- local authority referendums
What can be used as Voter ID?
- a UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
- a driving licence issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
- a UK passport
- a passport issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or a Commonwealth country
- a PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- a Blue Badge
- a biometric residence permit (BRP)
- a Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90)
- a national identity card issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
- a Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
- a Voter Authority Certificate
- an Anonymous Elector’s Document
Or these travel passes:
- an older person’s bus pass
- a disabled person’s bus pass
- an Oyster 60+ card
- a Freedom Pass
- a Scottish National Entitlement Card (NEC)
- a 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- a Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- a Northern Ireland concessionary travel pass
What if I have photo ID that has expired?
You can still use expired ID as long as you are recognisable from the photo
What if I am acting 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.
What if I have changed my name?
The name on your ID must match your name on the electoral register. If it does not, you’ll need to either:
- register to vote again with your new details
- take a document with you to vote that proves you’ve changed your name (for example, a marriage certificate)
Small differences do not matter. For example, if your ID says ‘Lizzie Jones’ instead of ‘Elizabeth Jones’.
How can I get free Voter ID?
If you do not have a type of photo ID that allows you to vote, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
When do I have to apply by?
You need to apply by 25th April for free voter ID if you are voting in the BCP Council elections in May.
Do I need Voter ID to vote by post?
No, you do not need Voter ID to vote by post. If you want to vote by post you can apply here: Apply for postal vote
What if I am a registered to vote anonymously?
You can apply for an Anonymous Elector's Document from your local council:
