The Election Act 2022 was passed by the UK Parliament in April 2022 and requires voters to provide photo ID at polling stations. This will apply to General Elections from 5 October 2023 and all other elections from May 2023 including:
- local elections
- local referendums
- London Assembly and Mayor of London elections.
Accepted forms of ID
There are a range of photo ID documents that will be accepted. These include:
- eligible passports
- eligible driver’s licenses
- multiple concessionary travel passes
- PASS cards
View the full list of acceptable documents
Expired photo ID documents will be accepted as long as the photograph is still a good likeness of the elector.
Only the original document will be accepted at the polling station. A photocopy version or a picture of the original document will not be accepted.
What if I do not have photo ID?
If you do not have one of the accepted documents, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate on the government website from 16 January 2023.
Will I be required to provide photo ID if I am voting on behalf of someone else?
If you are acting as a proxy, you will be required to bring photo ID for yourself to the polling station. You do not need to provide photo ID of the person you are voting on behalf of. Find out more information on proxy voting.
Do I require photo ID if I vote by post?
If you are a postal voter, you will not be required to show your photo ID. Find more information on postal voting.
Take a look at some key questions about the new rules on photo ID.