Voter ID at polling stations

Why you need to show ID when you vote at a polling station, what ID you can use, what to do if your name does not match, and how to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Why you need to show photo ID at polling stations

The government included a requirement to show photograph identity documents in the Elections Act 2022. The legislation requires polling station electors to show identification at all elections in England. 

Use the links below to find more information about voter ID published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Cabinet Office.

Impact of Voter ID on polling stations

Due to the introduction of Voter ID, voters can expect: 

  • more staff at polling stations to help voters
  • the voting process to take slightly longer while your ID is checked
  • a higher chance of queues during peak times 

See statistics from polling stations about Voter ID

If you vote by post 

If you vote by post, you do not need to provide ID unless you have lost or spoilt your postal vote and need us to issue you with a new one. Find out more about postal voting.