Voter photo ID

Voter ID and voting at polling stations

Since May 2022 voters must show photographic identification (photo ID) to vote at a polling station for all elections. 

Make sure you check before an election that your ID can be used. If you do not have an accepted form of ID then you cannot be given a ballot paper.

The full list of acceptable forms of ID can be found on the Electoral Commission website. The most common forms of ID that can be used include:

• passport
• photocard driving licence
• blue badge
• older person’s bus pass

Things to remember:

• your ID must be an original version and not a photocopy
• expired or out of date ID can be used if the photo is still a good likeness of you. The Presiding Officer in charge of the station will decide if the photo ID can be accepted
• your ID should be in the name you are registered to vote in. If you have changed your name, then you should register to vote again
• your address on your ID doesn’t need to match your current address

What to do if you do not have an accepted form of ID

You can apply for a free voter ID document, know as a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC).

You must be registered to vote to apply.

You will need:

• a recent, digital photo of yourself
• your National Insurance number to complete your application

You can still apply if you do not have a National Insurance number. You will need to provide other documents to prove your identity, we will contact you to ask for this.

You can apply online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate.

If you need help with this, you can visit our offices on the details below or visit any Wakefield Council Libraries.