Elections Act 2022

Requirement to show Photo ID at polling stations

The government have passed a new law which will mean that people voting in polling stations will have to show photo identification.

This will affect all voters in England who vote in person or by proxy, at the next local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.

Voters must bring a suitable form of photo ID to their polling station. The most commonly used ID include:

• 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
• Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional)
• European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card
• UK Biometric Residence Permit
• An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)*
• A Blue Badge
• Oyster 60+ Card
• A concessionary travel pass funded by HM Government or local authority (such as Hampshire County Council Bus Pass; Disabled Person's Bus Pass, Welsh or Northern Ireland travel card).

Only original documents are accepted; scanned images or copies will not be accepted however expired documents are accepted if the photo is still a current likeness.

• See full list of accepted ID
• More information

No suitable photo ID?

If you do not have any of the accepted photo ID, and you want to vote at the polling station, you will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. This is a free photographic identification document specifically for the purposes of voting.

Voters who do not produce a Voter Authority Certificates, or valid ID will not be allowed to vote on the day.

Your new look poll card will be issued in good time for the election and will arrive in an envelope addressed to you. Acceptable forms of identification will be listed on your poll card.

Find out more about the Elections Act 2022

Improving the accessibility of elections

The new law will make it easier for people with disabilities to vote. Proposals are for anyone over 18 to act as a companion to a voter with a disability. Returning Officers will take all reasonable steps to support voters with disabilities to improve the range and quality of support.