You’ll need to show photo ID when voting in person in some UK elections or referendums.

The Electoral Commission have created some video guides on:

• how to apply for free voter ID
• how  your photo ID is checked at the polling station
• which forms of photo ID can you use to vote

Accepted forms of photo ID

Many people will already have an acceptable form of photo ID. A full list of the different types of acceptable photo ID, are available on the Electoral Commission's website.

Out of date photo ID

You can still use your photo ID if it's out of date, as long as it looks like you. The name on your photo ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.

If you don't have an accepted form of photo ID

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

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

You need to be registered to vote before applying for a Voter Authority Certificate on GOV.UK.

If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request a paper application form, please contact us.

If you’ve changed your name

The name on your photo ID must match your name on the electoral register. If it does not, you’ll need to either:

• register to vote again with your new details
• take a document with you in addition to your photo ID that proves you’ve changed your name (for example, a marriage certificate) to the polling station.

Small differences do not matter. For example, if your ID says ‘Jim Smith’ instead of ‘James Smith’.

Showing ID as an anonymous elector

If you're registered to vote anonymously and want to vote in person, you'll need to apply for an Anonymous Elector Document.

Find out more about registering to vote anonymously and how to vote anonymously.

Voting by proxy

You’ll need to take your own photo ID when you go to vote on someone else’s behalf. You do not need to take theirs.

Voting by post

Postal voters will not be affected and will be issued with their postal ballot papers as usual.