Voter ID in polling stations

Under the Elections Act 2022, all voters must show an approved form of photographic ID when voting in person at a polling station. This requirement has been introduced by the UK government to enhance security and reduce the risk of voter fraud.

If you vote by post, you do not need to provide ID, unless you have lost or spoiled your postal vote and require a replacement.

Accepted forms of ID

The UK government has set the list of acceptable photo IDs. Expired ID is permitted if the photograph still looks like you.

Accepted IDs include:

• Passports issued by the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state, or a Commonwealth country (including Irish passports)
• Photocard driving licences (full or provisional) issued by the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or an EEA state
• Blue Badge
• Older Person's Bus Pass
• Disabled Person's Bus Pass
• 60+ London Oyster Photocard 
• Freedom Pass
• Scottish National Entitlement Card (including a 60+, disabled or under 22s bus pass)
• Welsh Concessionary Travel Cards (60 and Over / Disabled Person's)
• Northern Ireland SmartPasses (Senior, Blind Person's, War Disablement, 60+ and Half Fare)
• Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) Card
• Biometric Immigration Document (including eVisas)
• Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
• National identity card issued by an EEA state
• Electoral Identity Card (Northern Ireland)
• Voter Authority Certificate or Temporary Voter Authority Certificate
• Anonymous Elector Document

We cannot accept:

• University, college, school or workplace ID cards
• Photocopies of ID documents
• Photos of ID shown on a smartphone

If you do not have an acceptable form of ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

Voter Authority Certificate

A Voter Authority Certificate is a free photo ID that allows you to vote in person. It cannot be used for any other purpose.

How to apply

To apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, you'll need:

• A recent digital photo of yourself
• The address where you are registered to vote
• Your National Insurance number (if you have one)

Ways to apply

• Online: apply GOV.UK
• In person: Visit Gosport Town Hall and apply with Electoral Services
• By post: Download a paper form here or request one from Electoral Services. You must include a passport-sized photo, writing your name and postcode on the back. Do not stick the photo to the form

Postal applications should be sent to: Electoral Services, Gosport Borough Council, Town Hall, High Street, Gosport, PO12 1EB.

Your Voter Authority Certificate remains valid as long as the photo remains a true likeness of you. If you move to another area, you can still use it.

If your name has changed

Your photo ID must match the name on the electoral register. If your name has recently changed, bring a name change document along with your photo ID.

Acceptable name change documents:

• Deed poll
• Marriage certificate
• Civil partnership certificate
• Decree absolute
• Gender recognition certificate (must match the date of birth on your ID)

Alternative spellings or shortened names (e.g., Elizabeth vs. Liz) may be accepted at the discretion of the polling station staff.

To update your name on the electoral register, contact Electoral Services as soon as possible.

What to expect at the polling station

• Your poll card will tell you which polling station to attend and remind you to bring photo ID.
• Staff will check your ID but will not record or take details from it.
• Expect slightly longer processing times and possible queues at peak times.

More information

For details on which countries are in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), the Commonwealth, or the Channel Islands, visit:

• EU and EEA Countries
• Commonwealth Member Countries
• Channel Islands profile