Voters will be required to show photographic ID at the polling station in upcoming elections across the UK. The Government changed the requirements so that from May 2023, anyone who wishes to cast a vote in person must also show photo identification.
However, for many people, this will cause a problem as they may not have ID. There are 21 different forms of ID on the list of acceptable documents, including driving licences, passports and PASS cards.
Despite this, according to research for The Cabinet Office carried out in 2021, 9% of people do not hold a form of photo ID that is both in-date and recognisable. As a result, the Electoral Commission has introduced a voter authority certificate so that those without photo ID will still have the opportunity to cast their ballot.
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What ID can I use to vote in the UK?
International travel
Passport issued by the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
Driving and parking
Driving licence, full or provisional, issued by the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or EEA state
A blue badge
Local travel
Older person’s bus pass
Disabled person’s bus pass
Oyster 60+ card
Freedom Pass
Scottish National Entitlement Card
60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
Proof of Age
Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) hologram
Other government-issued documents
Biometric immigration document
Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
National identity card issued by an EEA state
Electorial Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland
Anonymous Elector’s Document
Voter Authority Certificate
How can I get a voter authority certificate?
The free voter ID, a voter authority certificate, is available to anyone who does not have an accepted form of photo ID or who no longer looks like the photo on their ID.
The certificate is free to anyone who applies and all that is required is a recently taken digital photograph and your National Insurance number. If you do not have a National Insurance number, you’ll need to provide other documents that prove your identity, for example, a birth certificate, bank statement or utility bill.
You can apply for a voter authority certificate online. Postal applications are also available, though different forms are available if you live abroad, and when complete, these can be sent to the Electoral Commission.
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