Voters will need photo ID from May
Published on 18 January 2023 12:25 PM
From May, voters must provide photo ID to be able to vote in person. We're aware that this may cause difficulty for some of our customers, so we've put together this brief guide to help you.
What ID can I use?
From 4 May 2023, you’ll need to show photo ID when voting in person in some UK elections or referendums.
You’ll need one of the following types of photo ID to vote:
- a UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
- a driving licence issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
- a UK passport
- a passport issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or a Commonwealth country
- a PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- a Blue Badge
- a biometric residence permit (BRP)
- a Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90)
- a national identity card issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
- a Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
- a Voter Authority Certificate
- an Anonymous Elector’s Document
You can also use one of the following travel passes as photo ID when you vote:
- an older person’s bus pass
- a disabled person’s bus pass
- an Oyster 60+ card
- a Freedom Pass
- a Scottish National Entitlement Card (NEC)
- a 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- a Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- a Northern Ireland concessionary travel pass
The photo on your ID must look like you. You can still use your ID even if it has expired.
To find out more about the photo ID you'll need, head to www.gov.uk/how-to-vote/photo-id-youll-need.
What if I don't have photo ID?
If you do not have a type of photo ID that allows you to vote, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
It’s free to apply. You’ll need:
- a recent, digital photo of yourself
- your National Insurance number
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.
To find out more about applying for a Voter Authority Certificate, head to www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate.
Who can I contact for help?
We understand that changes like this can cause a lot of stress and uncertainty. The Age UK North Tyneisde team are here for you. For help and support around the changes to voter ID, or for any other issues, call us on 0191 280 8484 or get in touch online.