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Voter ID Guide

Everything you need to know about photo ID for the May 2024 elections

On Thursday 2 May 2024, elections are taking place across England

At these elections, you will need to bring photo ID to be able to vote at a polling station.

This guide will explain which forms of photo ID you can use to vote. It also explains how to apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate, if you need one.

How do I register to vote?

To vote in these elections, you must be registered to vote by 11:59pm on Tuesday 16 April 2024.

If you’ve never registered, have recently moved to a different address, or changed your name, register to vote online. You can also apply by completing a paper application form. If you need help registering to vote, or want to request an application form, contact your local council. To find the contact details for your local council visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voter or call our helpline on 0800 328 0280

Which elections am I voting in?

Elections for the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner will take place on Thursday 2 May 2024.

It is expected that an election for the East Midlands Combined County Authority Mayor will also take place on Thursday 2 May 2024.

Which forms of ID can I use to vote?

You will only need to show one form of photo ID, but it needs to be the original version and not a photocopy.

You can use any of the following accepted forms of photo ID to be able to vote at a polling station.

  • International travel
    • Passport
  • Driving and parking
    • Driving licence (including provisional licence)
    • Blue badge
  • Proof of age
    • Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
  • Local travel
    • Certain concessionary travel cards
  • Other government issued documents
    • Biometric immigration document
    • Defence Identity Card
    • National identity card

If you have a form of accepted photo ID which is out of date, you can still use it to vote at a polling station if it still looks like you.

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 need to be registered to vote before you apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. When you register to vote, you’ll be asked whether you have photo ID or if you want to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

For more information about which forms of ID will be accepted visit Electoral Commission - voter ID

Or call our helpline on 0800 328 0280.

Applying for a Voter Authority Certificate

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for use at the May 2024 elections is 5pm on Wednesday 24 April, but you should apply as soon as possible in case your local council needs to check any details with you.

You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online.

You can also apply by completing a paper application form and sending this to your local council. You may also be able to apply in person at your local council office.

If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact your local council.

What information do I need to give when I apply for a Voter Authority Certificate?

When applying for a Voter Authority Certificate, you will need to provide your:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • National Insurance number

If you don’t know your National Insurance number, or don’t have one, you can still apply. Your council will contact you to request alternative proof of your identity. You will also need to submit a photograph with your application. The requirements for the photograph are similar to the requirements for a passport photo.

Find out more about the requirements visit Electoral Commission - voter ID

Or call our helpline on 0800 328 0280.

What will happen at the polling station?

When you arrive at the polling station, a member of staff will:

  1. Ask you for your name and address so they can find you on the electoral register
  2. Ask for your photo ID, and check if it is acceptable
  3. If your ID is acceptable, they will give you your ballot paper and direct you to complete it in a polling booth as usual

A private area will be available at the polling station, so you can choose to have your photo ID viewed in private if you like. This might be a separate room, or an area separated by a privacy screen, depending on the polling station.

Staff at the polling station are there to help. If you need assistance at any point, just ask.

Are there other ways to vote?

You can apply to vote by post or by proxy (where you appoint someone to vote on your behalf).

In order to vote by post, you’ll need to complete a postal vote application form and make sure we receive it by 5pm on Wednesday 17 April.

You can now apply for a postal vote online. If you are not able to complete the online application, you can download a paper application form from the Government website. You will need your National Insurance number to hand when applying to vote by post.

In order to vote by proxy, you’ll need to complete a proxy vote application form and make sure we receive it by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April.

In some circumstances, you can now apply for a proxy vote online. If you are not able to complete the online application, you can download a proxy vote application form from the Government website. You will need your National Insurance number to hand when applying to vote by proxy. 

For more information about postal and proxy voting, visit The Electoral Commission website or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

How can I find out more?

If you have any questions or would like to obtain this information in an accessible format, go to Electoral Commission - voter ID

Or call our helpline on 0800 328 0280.

This booklet has been produced by the Electoral Commission.

The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity.

Voter checklist

  1. Have I registered to vote?
  2. Do I have photo ID?
  3. Have I got photo ID to take to the polling station?
  4. If not, have I applied for a free voter ID?
  5. Have I voted?

The deadline to register to vote in the May 2024 elections is 11:59pm on Tuesday 16 April.

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for the May 2024 elections is 5pm on Wednesday 24 April.

Visit Electoral Commission - voter ID or call our helpline on 0800 328 0280 for more information on:

  • Registering to vote
  • What ID will be accepted when voting
  • How to apply for free voter ID

 

 

Do it online

Documents to download

Useful links

 

Elections