Voter ID (Elections Act 2022)

Individuals are now required to show photo ID, such as a passport or photocard driver's licence, when they vote at their polling station.

The UK Government is changing how we vote and conduct elections through The Elections Act 2022. 

You will have to show photographic identification if you are one of the following:

  • a voter visiting a polling station to vote
  • a proxy voter who is visiting a polling station to vote on someone's behalf

Accepted forms of photo ID

You need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in England.

You can use any of the following accepted forms of photo UD when voting at a polling station.

You only need to show one form of photo ID. It must be the original version, not a photocopy.

International travel

  • a passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or a British Overseas Territory
  • a passport or passport card issued by an EEA state, or a country whose citizens are Commonwealth citizens

Driving and parking

  • a photocard driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state. This includes a provisional driving licence.
  • a Blue Badge

Local travel

  • Older Person's Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
  • Disabled Person's Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
  • 60+ London Oyster Photocard funded by Transport for London
  • Freedom Pass
  • a National Entitlement Card issued by a local authority in Scotland
  • 60 and over 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 Standard Scheme hologram (a PASS card)

Other Government-issued documents

  • Biometric Immigration Documents, including e-Visas
  • Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
  • Ministry of Defence Form 100 (HM Armed Forces Veteran Card). You can only use this ID at elections taking place on or after 1 May 2025.
  • National Identity Card issued by an EEA state
  • Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland
  • Voter Authority Certificate
  • Anonymous Elector's Document

Digital ID

  • Veterans' card
  • e-Visa

Expired documents will be accepted as suitable photo ID, so long as the photograph is still a good likeness.

If you visit your polling station without an acceptable form of photo ID, you will not be issued a ballot paper, even if you appear on the electoral register. We will advise you to return with one of the accepted forms of photo ID listed above.

If you do not have an accepted form of photo ID

You can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate if:

  • you do not have an accepted form of photo ID
  • you are not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you
  • you are worried about using an existing for of ID for any other reason, such as the use of a gender marker

You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate from the UK Government website. This document will contain your name and photograph, and you can obtain it for free in one of three ways:

Apply online

You can apply online using the government portal and upload a suitable photograph to apply for your Voter Authority Certificate. 

Apply now

Write to us

Please fill in this application form. We will check you are registered at your property and are aware of other accepted forms of ID. 

Completed applications should include a suitable photograph. Please return to:

electoralservices@north-norfolk.gov.uk

or

Electoral Services
North Norfolk District Council
Holt Road
Cromer
NR27 9EN 

In-person

By visiting our offices in either Cromer or Fakenham. Our Customer Services staff will take you through the registration process and take a suitable photograph if required. 

Deadline for applications

Any applications received before a deadline can be processed after the deadline up to the day of the election, so long as the application was complete and contained all the required information.

Postal voting

You can apply for a postal vote if you wish to refrain from showing photo ID at the polling station.

Electors who wish to vote by post do not need to provide photographic identification to receive their ballot paper. It applies to current postal voters and any new applicants who apply for a postal vote ahead of the deadline.

Apply for a postal vote 

Related content

Further information on the wider aspects of the Elections Act 2022:

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