Running electoral registration - Scotland

The requirements of the identity attestation process for an overseas elector application

Attestation is the final option in the verification of identity process. Applicants can only use attestation to establish their identity once all the other verification stages of DWP matching, local data matching (where appropriate) and the exceptions process have been undertaken and it has not been possible to verify their identity.1   

An identity attestation for an application to register as an overseas elector must:

  • confirm that the applicant is the person named in the application2
  • be in writing and signed by the qualified attestor3
  • state the qualifying attestor’s full name, date of birth, occupation, residential address and (if different) the address at which the qualifying attestor is registered as an elector4   
  • state– 
    • where the qualifying attestor is registered as an overseas elector, the attestor’s British passport number together with its date and place of issue5 or
    • where the qualifying attestor is registered as a domestic or service voter, the attestor’s electoral number6 [or, if the qualifying attestor is registered in Northern Ireland, the applicant’s Digital Registration Number (DRN)]
  • include an explanation that the qualifying attestor is able to confirm the applicant is the person names in the application, including (but not limited to) the qualifying attestor’s connection to the applicant and the length of time that that connection has existed7   
  • include an indication that the qualifying attestor is aware that it is an offence to provide false information to the registration officer8   
  • include a declaration by the qualifying attestor that all information provided in the attestation is true9  
  • state the date on which it is made10   
Last updated: 13 December 2023