Voter ID requirement of elections

From May, voters will need to show photo ID before voting in person in local council elections in England, parliamentary by-elections, and police and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales. From October 2023, photo ID will also be needed at UK parliamentary general elections.

Most people already have the ID they need (a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass) so they just need to remember to bring it with them on polling day.

However, if you do not have an accepted form of ID, you can apply for a new form of free photo ID that can be used at elections, known as the Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply online, or paper application forms are available from your local district council. You must be registered to vote, and will need to provide your date of birth, National Insurance number and a photograph with your application. The requirements for the photo are similar to the requirements for a passport photo.

If you don’t have access to a home computer to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, you can use one of the free computers available in any of Devon’s libraries.

Local elections are taking place across England on Thursday 4 May 2023, and those intending to vote at a polling station will need to show photo ID to receive a ballot paper.

The deadline to apply for a certificate before the May elections is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.