What photo ID do I need to vote?

For people voting in person at UK general elections and local elections in England.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales Last checked against official sources: 30 September 2026

You need photo ID to vote in person at UK general elections and local elections in England, among others. Accepted ID includes a passport, a photocard driving licence, a Blue Badge, and older or disabled person's bus passes.

Expired ID is fine if it still looks like you.
Originals only; no photos or photocopies.
No accepted ID? Apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.
Northern Ireland has different rules.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

Passport or driving licence
Expired ID accepted
Free Voter Authority Certificate

Which elections need photo ID

You must show photo ID to vote in person at:

UK Parliament elections, including general elections and by-elections
recall of MP petitions in England, Scotland and Wales
local elections in England
Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales
neighbourhood planning and local authority referendums in England

Northern Ireland has its own photo ID rules.

Full list of accepted photo ID

Type	Accepted documents
UK documents	UK passport; UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence; Blue Badge; biometric residence permit; PASS card; Defence Identity Card; Armed Forces Veteran Card; Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
Voting documents	Voter Authority Certificate; Anonymous Elector's Document
Travel passes	Older person's bus pass; disabled person's bus pass; Oyster 60+ card; Freedom Pass; Scottish National Entitlement Card; Welsh concessionary travel cards; Northern Ireland concessionary travel passes
Other countries	Passports from EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Commonwealth countries; driving licences from EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or Channel Islands; national identity cards from EU countries, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

Rules about your ID

Expired ID is fine as long as the photo still looks like you.
Name changes: if the name on your ID is different from the name you registered with, either update your registration or bring a document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate.

If you do not have accepted ID

Apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. You must be registered to vote first. You will need:

a digital photo of yourself
your National Insurance number (if you do not have one, you can use other documents such as a birth certificate, bank statement or utility bill)

You can apply online, or by post using a form you send to your local electoral registration office. The certificate stays valid for as long as you still look like the photo, even if you move home.

Proxy voting

If someone votes for you as your proxy, they must show their own ID, not yours.

Tips for polling day

Check your ID is on the list well before the election.
Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate early, so it arrives in time.
If you cannot find your ID, ask your local electoral registration office for help.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Apply for free voter ID

Common questions

Can I use an expired passport or driving licence to vote?

Yes, as long as the photo still looks like you.

What if I do not have accepted photo ID?

Apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. You must be registered to vote, and you'll need a photo of yourself and usually your National Insurance number.

What if the name on my ID is different?

You can register to vote again with your new details, or take proof of the change such as a marriage certificate.

Does a proxy voter need photo ID?

Yes. Your proxy will need to take their own photo ID with them in some elections.

Official sources

1.Photo ID you'll needwww.gov.uk/how-to-vote/photo-id-youll-need
2.Apply for a Voter Authority Certificatewww.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate
3.Voting by proxywww.gov.uk/how-to-vote/voting-by-proxy

Checked against GOV.UK on 30 September 2026

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