Voter ID
Requirements to show photo ID at polling stations
Individuals who wish to vote in person, including those acting as a proxy on behalf of another individual, will be required to produce an accepted form of photographic ID to prove their identity before they will be issued with a ballot paper.
To vote in person, voters must be on the electoral register and bring a suitable form of photographic ID to their polling station. The most commonly used IDs include:
- Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
- Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional)
- European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card
- UK Biometric Residence Permit
- An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)
- A Blue Badge
- A concessionary travel pass funded by HM Government or local authority
For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
Voters who do not produce valid identification or a Voter Authority Certificate (more information below), will not be allowed to vote.
Only original documents will be accepted; scanned images or copies will not be accepted.
Out of date photo ID
You can use your photo ID if it's out of date, as long as it still looks like you.
The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.
If you do not have one of the accepted forms of ID
If you do not have one of the accepted forms of photo ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, which can be obtained free of charge. Anyone applying must already be on the electoral register.
The Voter Authority Certificate is a document containing an elector’s name and photograph that can be used as ID to vote in an election. Voter Authority Certificates do not have an expiration date and can be used in future elections so worth keeping hold of if you apply for one.
You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online
If you can’t complete the online application form you can request a paper form instead or apply in person at the Cotswold District Council offices. For more information, please email elections@cotswold.gov.uk or call 01285 623002.
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