The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station in some elections.
This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday, May 4.
Which forms of ID can I use to vote?
You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:
- Passport
- Driving licence (including provisional license)
- Blue badge
- Certain concessionary travel cards
- Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- Biometric Immigration document
- Defence identity card
- Certain national identity cards
For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
If you don’t have an accepted form photo ID
If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply for this at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk.
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form and send this to the electoral services team at your local council. If you want to request an application form, contact us.
Our Customer Services sites are now available to process Voter Authority Certificates in person that enable residents without photo ID to vote at polling stations at this May’s elections.
The Customer Service Centre on Gordon Road in West Bridgford is available during opening hours of Mondays and Thursdays 8.30am-5pm and Fridays 8.30am-4.30pm to help guide residents through the process.
Appointments are also available to complete the process in person at our Customer Service contact points at Bingham, East Leake and Cotgrave.
Residents need to have their date of birth and national insurance number to hand and already be registered to vote before they arrive at any site.
Find out more
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, go to electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID, or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
