Make sure your vote counts

Image of post-it note with text reminder of need for photo ID when voting From 4 May 2023 you’ll need to show photo ID when voting in person in:

UK Parliament by-elections
local elections in England (including councils, mayors, the Greater London Authority and parishes)
recall of MP petitions in England, Scotland and Wales
Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales
neighbourhood planning referendums and Business Improvement District referendums in England
local authority referendums in England (including Council Tax increase referendums).

From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.

You’ll need one of the following types of photo ID to vote:

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 (see below)
an Anonymous Elector’s Document

You can also use one of the following travel passes as photo ID when you vote:

Anyone who does not have an accepted form of photo ID will be able to apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

You can also download an application if you live in the United Kingdom or abroad.

Make sure your vote counts | Blogs