How do I register to vote?

Who can register

In England and Northern Ireland, the EU citizens who can register are citizens of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and Spain, and other EU citizens who had permission to stay in the UK on or before 31 December 2020, with no break since.

Registering at 14 or 16 does not mean you can vote at that age. It means you are already on the register when you reach voting age.

Your National Insurance number

You will be asked for your National Insurance number. If you do not have one, or cannot find it, you can still register.

How to register, step by step

1. Go to the online register to vote service on GOV.UK.
2. Answer the questions. Most people finish in about 5 minutes.
3. Your electoral registration office checks your details.
4. Once you are on the register, you can vote in person, apply for a postal vote, or apply for someone you trust to vote for you (a proxy vote).

If you cannot use the online service, paper forms are available in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has its own form from the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland.

When you need to register again

You normally only register once. You must register again if you change your name, address or nationality. Moving home is the most common reason.

If you live abroad

British citizens who used to live in the UK can register as overseas voters. You need the postcode of your last UK address. You must renew your overseas registration every 3 years.

Two versions of the register

There are two versions of the register:

• The full electoral register lists everyone registered to vote. It can be used for elections and for checking applications for loans or credit.
• The open register can be bought by anyone who wants a copy.

You can choose not to be on the open register. You can do this when you register, or later through your electoral registration office (or the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland). Opting out does not affect your right to vote.

If you are worried about your safety

If having your name and address on the register could put you at risk, you can apply to register anonymously. This uses a separate application.

Can you be fined?

Yes. If you are asked to register and do not, you could be fined up to £1,000. You will not be fined if you have a valid reason, for example a long stay in hospital or severe learning difficulties.

Voting in person

You cannot vote online in any UK election. In England, Scotland and Wales, you need photo ID to vote in person at some elections. Northern Ireland has its own ID rules, set by the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland.

Related guides

• What photo ID do I need to vote?
• How do I vote by post?
• What happens if I get a jury summons?

Where this comes from

• Register to vote, GOV.UK
• The electoral register and the open register, GOV.UK
• Opt out of the open register, GOV.UK
• How to vote, GOV.UK