Guidance

Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate: easy read guide

An easy read guide to applying for a Voter Authority Certificate in England, Scotland or Wales. This is a step by step guide on how to complete the application.

From:
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Published
6 March 2023

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Voter Authority Certificate: easy read guide

PDF, 1.07 MB, 24 pages

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Details

You need to show photo ID when voting in person in some elections and referendums. 

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 person in England, Scotland or Wales.

This guide will help you to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

You cannot use the certificate as proof of identification for any other reason.

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

Updates to this page

Published 6 March 2023

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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. 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