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Voter ID: what you need to know
New rules mean you’ll need photo ID to vote in person. Whether it’s your first time voting or you’ve done it for years, this quick guide will help you check what ID is accepted and how to get one if you need it.
Bringing ID to vote in person
From May 2023, voters in England, Scotland, and Wales must show photo ID when voting in person at polling stations for certain elections.
You do not need photo ID to vote by post.
Visit the Electoral Commission website for full details and updates.
Accepted forms of photo ID
You only need to bring one of the following original documents (not a photocopy). Expired ID is accepted if the photo still looks like you.
Commonly accepted IDs include:
- UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Commonwealth passport
- UK or EEA driving licence (including provisional)
- Blue Badge
- Biometric immigration document
- PASS card (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- Defence Identity Card (Form 90)
- National identity card (EEA state)
- Older Person’s or Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
- Freedom Pass or Oyster 60+ Card
- Scottish National Entitlement Card
- Welsh Concessionary Travel Cards
- Northern Ireland SmartPasses (Senior, Disabled, Blind, War Disabled, etc.)
- Electoral Identity Card (Northern Ireland)
- Voter Authority Certificate (free voter ID)
- From 1 May 2025, the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card and updated Scottish National Entitlement Card are also accepted
Don’t Have photo ID? Apply for free voter ID
If you don’t have an accepted form of ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate:
- Online: Apply here
- by post: download the form from gov.uk
- in person: contact us by email: elections@norwich.gov.uk or call 0344 980 3333
- You’ll need:
- name, address, date of birth
- National Insurance number (or other proof of identity)
- A passport-style photo
- Accessible formats (e.g. braille, large print, easy read) are available.
Deadlines
Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate at least 6 working days before the election. For emergency situations (e.g. lost ID), you may be able to request an emergency proxy vote up to 5pm on polling day 2.
Accessible guides
The Electoral Commission offers:
