Apply for photo ID to vote (called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’)

You need to show photo ID when voting in person in some elections and referendums. Check which types of photo ID you can use and which elections you need it for.

If you do not have a photo ID that allows you to vote, you can apply for a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ for free. This is a paper document with your photo on it that you can use to prove your identity when voting in England, Scotland or Wales.

There are different rules around photo ID needed to vote in Northern Ireland.

Your Voter Authority Certificate cannot be used as proof of identification for other reasons, for example to prove your age.

This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

When to apply

You only need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if you vote in person and:

  • you do not have accepted photo ID
  • you no longer look like the photo on your ID
  • the name on your photo ID is different from your name on the electoral register

If the name on your photo ID is different, you can register to vote again or take a document with you to vote that proves that you have changed your name.

You must be registered to vote to apply.

Apply for photo ID to vote

You’ll be asked for:

You can still apply if you do not have a National Insurance number. You’ll need to provide other documents to prove your identity, for example a birth certificate, bank statement and utility bill.

If you need help taking a photo, contact your Electoral Registration Office.

Start now

What you need to know

Your Voter Authority Certificate will be valid for as long as you still look like the photo on your certificate. You can continue to use it if you move to another area.

Apply by post

You can also apply for a voter authority certificate by post.

You’ll need to print, fill in and send the form to your Electoral Registration Office.

Get help applying

You can get help applying from your Electoral Registration Office.

There’s an easy read guide about applying for a Voter Authority Certificate.

If you lose or damage your Voter Authority Certificate

If you lose or damage your Voter Authority Certificate, you must apply for a new certificate.

Part of Vote in UK elections

  1. Step 1 Check if you can vote

    1. Check which elections you can vote in

  2. Step 2 Register to vote

    You’ll need to be registered to vote to take part in elections and referendums. You’ll need to register again if you change your name, address or nationality.

    1. Register to vote - apply online
    1. Register to vote - apply by post

  3. Step 3 Decide if you want to vote in person, by post, or by proxy

    1. Find out the different ways you can vote

  4. Step 4 Get ready to vote in person

    1. Check what ID you need to vote

    If you do not have photo ID that allows you to vote, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

    1. You are currently viewing: Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate

    Contact your Electoral Registration Office to find your polling station or to find out what to do if you have accessibility needs.

    1. Contact your Electoral Registration Office

  5. or Apply for a postal vote

    In England, Scotland or Wales:

    1. Apply in Northern Ireland - by post only
    1. Find out more about voting by post

  6. or Apply for a proxy vote

    In England, Scotland or Wales:

    1. Apply in Northern Ireland - by post only
    1. Find out more about voting by proxy - including when you must apply by

  7. or Get ready to vote as a proxy

    1. Check what ID you need to vote

    Contact the Electoral Registration Office of the person you are a proxy for to find their polling station or to find out what to do if you have accessibility issues.

    1. Contact the Electoral Registration Office

  8. Step 5 Vote in person

    1. Vote in person

  9. or Vote by post

    1. Vote by post

  10. or Vote as a proxy for someone else

    1. Vote as a proxy for someone else