Voter photo ID

Photo ID required to vote at polling stations and how to apply for free Voter Authority Certificate.

It is a legal requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station.

You only need to show 1 form of photo ID, which must: 

  • be the original version – not a photocopy, scanned or electronic copy
  • show the same name you used to register to vote

It does not matter if your photo ID is out of date, as long as the photo still looks like you.

Accepted photo ID

You may already have a form of photo ID that is accepted. The most commonly used include: 

  • passport
  • driving licence (including provisional licences)
  • Blue Badge
  • older person's bus pass
  • identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
  • biometric immigration document
  • defence identity card
  • Voter Authority Certificate
  • Anonymous Elector's Certificate

Visit the Electoral Commission to find the full list of accepted forms of photo ID.

If you do not have accepted photo ID

You can apply online for a free Voter Authority Certificate if you do not have: 

  • acceptable photo ID
  • your photo ID no longer looks like you

To apply, you must already be registered to vote.

Apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate – GOV.UK

The deadline for applications is 5pm, 6 days before the election day.

You can also ask us for paper application form.

Contact us

Email: elections@woking.gov.uk
Telephone: 01483 755 855