Voter Authority Certificate (voter ID)

The UK Government introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. This new requirement applied for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.

Forms of ID you can use to vote

You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. Electoral Commission accepted forms of Photo ID

If your photographic identification document has expired, it will still be accepted as long as the photograph is still a good likeness of you.

Apply for voter ID if you do not have one

If you do not already have an accepted form of photo ID from the list above, 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.

Apply for a voter authority certificate

If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request a paper application form, contact the Electoral Services team at elections@welhat.gov.uk or call 01707 357300.

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