For the first time, people voting at a UK general election will need to provide photo ID.
The requirement has only been in place since 2023, with 4 July marking the first general election since the law came into force.
There are 22 different types of ID you can use – and if you don’t have any of them, you can register for a Voter Authority Certificate.
Here’s everything you need to know to avoid being caught out.
What ID can eligible voters use to vote in elections?
Most forms of existing photo ID will be accepted, including:
• UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
• driving licence issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
• UK passport
• passport issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or a Commonwealth country
• PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
• Blue Badge
• biometric residence permit (BRP)
• Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90)
• national identity card issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein
• Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
• Voter Authority Certificate
• Anonymous Elector’s Document
The following travel passes will also be accepted:
• older person’s bus pass
• disabled person’s bus pass
• Oyster 60+ card
• Freedom Pass
• Scottish National Entitlement Card (NEC)
• 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
• Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
• Northern Ireland concessionary travel pass
Voters can still use photo ID that is out of date, as long as it still looks like them and the name is the same one used to register to vote.
If you don’t have any photo ID – what should you do?
Voter Authority Certificates are available for people who do not have any of the accepted forms of photo ID.
You need to apply for one by 26 June.
You must have already registered to vote to apply for a voter ID.
To apply, you will need a recent photo and your National Insurance number.
You can still apply if you do not have a National Insurance number – you’ll just need another way to prove your identity, such as a birth certificate, bank statement or utility bill.
What ID do you need if you’re voting as someone’s proxy?
You’ll need to take your own ID if you’re voting on someone else’s behalf. You do not need to take theirs.
Can you still register to vote?
Yes – the deadline to register is 18 June.