Electoral Identity Card
The deadline to apply for an Electoral Identity Card to use at the local council elections on 18 May 2023 has now passed.
Find out more on the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland website.
Voter ID requirement
Overseas voters need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations.
This applies to UK parliamentary elections, including general elections, by-elections and recall petitions.
Find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day.
Introduction
The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID at some elections.
In Northern Ireland, voters have been required to show ID when voting since 1985, and photo ID since 2003.
The new requirement does not change this.
The only acceptable forms of ID in Northern Ireland are:
- a UK, Irish or EU passport
- a UK, Irish or EEA driving licence
- a Translink 60+ Smartpass
- a Translink Senior Smartpass
- a Translink Blind Person's Smartpass
- a Translink War Disabled Smartpass
- an Electoral Identity Card
- a Translink Half Fare SmartPass
- a biometric immigration document
The ID can be expired, but staff at the polling station must be satisfied that you are the person in the photograph on the ID.
Find out more about what photo ID is accepted and how to apply for an Electoral Identity Card on the Electoral Office of Northern Ireland website.
Voter ID requirement
Voters in England need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections.
This applies to:
- UK parliamentary elections, including general elections, by-elections and recall petitions
- Local elections and by-elections
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections
Find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day.
Voter ID requirement
Voters in Wales need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections.
This applies to:
- UK parliamentary elections, including general elections, by-elections and recall petitions
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections
Find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day.
Voters in Wales will not need to show photo ID to vote at a polling station at Senedd elections or local council elections.
Voter ID requirement
Voters in Scotland need to show photo ID to vote at polling places in some elections.
This applies to UK parliamentary elections, including general elections, by-elections and recall petitions.
Find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day.
Voters in Scotland will not need to show photo ID at Scottish Parliament elections or at council elections.
Don’t have ID? Apply for free voter ID now
Don’t have ID? Apply for free voter ID now
If you don't have accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
Voting and bringing ID
Supporting others
Supporting people to meet the voter ID requirement
We know that some groups are more likely to experience barriers created by the voter ID requirement and may need support to access photo ID.
Organisations working directly with voters, including local authorities and charities, can help voters make sure they have photo ID ahead of any election where this requirement applies.
We have produced a generic set of resources for use in England, Scotland and Wales. These resources will help organisations raise awareness, and support voters with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate, if needed. This pack also includes information on voter registration, and information tailored to the needs of specific groups.
We have also published bespoke resources to support people who are registered to vote anonymously, or who might benefit from doing so.
Explore our resources for partners, charities and civil society organisations
Supporting others
Supporting people to meet the voter ID requirement
We know that some groups are more likely to experience barriers created by the voter ID requirement and may need support to access photo ID.
Organisations working directly with voters, including local authorities, Electoral Registration Officers, and charities, can help voters make sure they have photo ID ahead of any election where this requirement applies.
We have produced a generic set of resources for use in England, Scotland and Wales. These resources will help organisations raise awareness, and support voters with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate, if needed. This pack also includes information on voter registration, and information tailored to the needs of specific groups.
We have also published bespoke resources to support people who are registered to vote anonymously, or who might benefit from doing so.
Explore our resources for partners, charities and civil society organisations
Supporting others
Supporting people to meet the voter ID requirement
We know that some groups are more likely to experience barriers created by the voter ID requirement and may need support to access photo ID.
Organisations working directly with voters, including local authorities and charities, can help voters make sure they have photo ID ahead of any election where this requirement applies.
We have produced a generic set of resources for use in England, Scotland and Wales. These resources will help organisations raise awareness, and support voters with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate, if needed. This pack also includes information on voter registration, and information tailored to the needs of specific groups.
We have also published bespoke resources to support people who are registered to vote anonymously, or who might benefit from doing so.
Explore our resources for partners, charities and civil society organisations