Local election ID guidance
Did you know that from 4 May you will have to show a photo ID in order to vote in many elections?
The Elections Act, passed in 2022, requires voters from 4 May 2023 onwards to show photo ID at polling stations in some elections in the UK.
This will apply to Local elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, UK Parliamentary by-elections and Recall elections.
From October 2023, it will also apply to UK General elections.
What forms of photo ID are accepted?
You can use any of the following acceptable forms of photo ID when voting at a polling station.
International travel
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 - this means Irish passports are a valid form of ID.
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
Disabled Person's Bus Pass
Oyster 60+ Card
Freedom Pass
Scottish National Entitlement Card
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)
Other government-issued documents
Biometric immigration document
Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
National identity card issued by an EEA state
Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland
You will only need to show one form of photo ID, and it needs to be the original version and not a photocopy.
What if my photo ID isn’t accepted?
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.
What if I don’t have a photo ID?
If you don't have an accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
The Electoral Commission has published resources and guidance for assisting several groups:
Supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities to vote in the 2023 local elections.
Easy read version
What if my photo ID is out of date?
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.
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.
The Electoral Commission has created bespoke resources to support other groups who are likely to need support to prepare for the new voter ID requirement, including:
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities
Disabled people
Older people
People experiencing homelessness
People who are registered to vote anonymously
Trans and non-binary people
Your polling station should be printed on your polling card and delivered to you before an election if you have registered to vote. If you are unsure of where that is, you can use: www.wheredoivote.co.uk